The Need in Natrona

Natrona is a community within Harrison Township, Allegheny County. The community rests along the Allegheny River at Lock and Dam Four - about 25 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. Natrona originally was called East Tarentum after it was built by the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Company in the 1850s. The company operated until 1959. The area is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as the Pennsalt Historic District. It is part of Harrison Township and the Highlands School District.

39% of Natrona's residents report annual income under the federal poverty level

- 2016 U.S. Census

Natrona Profile

Total population: 1,328
Age:

• 19 & under: 32%
• 20-34: 18%
• 35-50: 21%
• 50-64: 23%
• 65+: 6%

Race:

• White: 1,270
• Black: 78
• Native American: 4
• Asian: 4
• Other: 7

Veterans:

• There are 78 Veterans in Natrona.

Buildings:

• Total units: 837
• Vacant units: 455 (54%)

Income:

• 514 residents report income below poverty level. (38.7%)
• Median income: $31,250 in the western portion of Natrona & $18,510 in the eastern portion. For comparison, the median income in Harrison Township is $51,567, and $54,357 in Allegheny County.
• 21% of households report less than $10,000 annual income.
• 34% report less than $15,000 annual income.
• 48% report less than $25,000 annual income.
• For comparison, the federal poverty level in 2017 for a two-person household was $20,290; for a four-person household, $30,750.

​Source: 2016 U.S. Census

Nearly half of Natrona's households rely on SNAP to help feed their families.
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(232 households or 46.8%)
- 2016 U.S. Census