Explore Pittsburgh's geography and elevation—a vibrant urban center built at the confluence of three rivers and surrounded by rolling hills. Known for its steel heritage and 400+ bridges, Pittsburgh spans 58.35 square miles and houses over 300,000 residents, with a metro population exceeding 2.3 million.

Table of Contents

City Profile

  • Location: Western Pennsylvania, county seat of Allegheny County.
  • Nicknames: "Steel City" for its industrial history and "City of Bridges" with over 400 bridges.
  • Area: Covers 58.35 square miles.
  • Population: More than 300,000 residents in the city and over 2.3 million in the metro area.
  • Historical foundation: Named in 1758 after William Pitt; incorporated in 1794.
  • Economic development: Evolved from steel and mining to include tech, energy, and healthcare.
  • Modern industry: Hosts major companies like Apple, Google, Uber, and Microsoft.
  • Culture: Rich in museums, sports, entertainment, and green spaces.

Elevation Basics

  • What is elevation? A measure of how high or low a location is relative to sea level.
  • Why is it important? Affects weather patterns, temperature, and urban development.
  • Unique range: Pittsburgh's elevation varies widely by 660 feet (200 m) between its highest and lowest points.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • Highest point: An unnamed hill in Perry North reaches 1,370 feet (420 m).
  • Lowest point: The Ohio River, at 710 feet (220 m).
  • Mean city elevation: Approximately 1,100 feet (340 m), close to the state average.
  • National comparison: Lower than the U.S. average of 2,500 feet (760 m).
  • Highest point in Pennsylvania: Mount Davis at 3,213 feet (979 m).
  • Lowest point in Pennsylvania: Delaware River at sea level.
  • Elevation of other cities:
    • Philadelphia: 39 feet (12 m)
    • Allentown: 338 feet (103 m)
    • Harrisburg (capital): 320 feet (98 m)
    • Erie: 728 feet (222 m)

Climate and Tourism

  • Climate type: Humid continental climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters.
  • Hottest month: July with highs of 91°F (33°C).
  • Coldest month: January with highs of 36°F (2°C) and lows of 21°F (-6°C).
  • Snowfall: Common between December and March.
  • Rainfall: Occurs throughout the year, with drier periods during snow season.
  • Activities: Enjoy sports, history, arts, recreation, and festivals.
  • Neighborhoods: Distinct districts feature architecture, dining, and culture.
  • Golden Triangle: Central downtown area with 30 skyscrapers and rich urban history.
  • North Side attractions: Andy Warhol Museum, Heinz Field, Carnegie Science Center, and more.

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