Overview & Orientation
Kittanning is the county seat of Armstrong County, a borough on the east bank of the Allegheny River about 40 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. Laid out in 1803 on a street grid modeled after Philadelphia’s, it centers on Market Street, which runs from the Armstrong County Courthouse down to the river and the Citizens Bridge. Kittanning is known for its riverfront park, the summer Fort Armstrong Folk Festival, and its historic downtown storefronts, and it is part of the Armstrong School District.
Where Kittanning Is
- County: Armstrong County (county seat)
- Type: Borough, laid out in 1803. It covers about 1 square mile of land, plus part of the river. See Wikipedia’s Kittanning entry and the Armstrong County overview.
- ZIP code: 16201
- Neighbors: Surrounding townships on the east bank, with West Kittanning and East Franklin Township nearby
Borough or Mailing Address?
The “Kittanning, PA 16201” mailing address covers a large area well beyond the borough, including several separate boroughs and townships, each with its own services and taxes:
| Municipality | School District |
|---|---|
| Kittanning Borough | Armstrong |
| West Kittanning Borough | Armstrong |
| East Franklin Township | Armstrong |
| Rayburn, Valley, and Manor Townships (parts) | Armstrong |
To confirm a property’s municipality and school district, check the deed, the tax bill, or the Armstrong County assessment office.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate and vary by where you start. Traffic varies by time of day, especially on Route 28 closer to Pittsburgh.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Ford City | 10 minutes |
| Crooked Creek Lake | 15–20 minutes |
| Tarentum / Natrona Heights | 30–35 minutes |
| Indiana (IUP) | 40–45 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 50–60 minutes |
A Brief History
Kittanning stands on the site of a Lenape (Delaware) village at the western end of the Kittanning Path, an old Native American trail across the mountains. The name is usually translated as “on the main river.” After the Revolutionary War, settlers arrived, and in 1803 the town was laid out as the seat of the new Armstrong County. Its planners borrowed Philadelphia’s grid and street names such as Water, Arch, and Market, according to the Society of Architectural Historians’ SAH Archipedia.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Kittanning grew with iron and steel works, foundries, coal mines, glassworks, and mills. Many of the brick and limestone storefronts on Market Street date from that period. The riverfront was reopened for public use with River View Park, designed in 1998, and the original Allegheny River bridge was replaced by the higher Kittanning Citizens Bridge.
Notable Landmarks
- Armstrong County Courthouse: At the top of Market Street, listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Market Street: Late-1800s and early-1900s commercial buildings with brick corbeling, limestone fronts, and pressed-metal cornices
- Kittanning Citizens Bridge: Carries Market Street traffic across the Allegheny River
- Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 7: A river navigation structure listed on the National Register
- Riverfront Park: The borough’s park along the Allegheny, home to the Fort Armstrong Folk Festival
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
Kittanning’s homes sit on a grid of streets that rise from the river toward the hills east of downtown. Much of the housing dates from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, with brick and frame single-family homes, larger older homes on some streets near the courthouse, and duplexes and apartments, including units above Market Street storefronts. Newer homes are more common in the surrounding townships.
Homes on lower streets near the Allegheny River should be checked on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Armstrong County has a long coal mining history, so buyers should also look into the state’s Mine Subsidence Insurance program. Older homes may call for a closer look during inspections.
The borough does not require an occupancy inspection when a home is sold to an owner-occupant. Rental units need a yearly borough rental license and an inspection, and sales require a sewage dye test. See the borough’s real estate information page for current fees.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes
- Duplexes and multi-unit homes
- Apartments, including some above downtown storefronts
Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Kittanning.
Schools
Armstrong School District
Kittanning is part of the Armstrong School District, which covers about 437 square miles across much of Armstrong County. The district office is at 410 Main Street in Kittanning. Schools with Kittanning addresses include:
- West Hills Primary School: 181 Heritage Park Drive
- West Hills Intermediate School: 175 Heritage Park Drive
- Armstrong Junior-Senior High School (7–12): 300 Buffington Drive
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Butler County Community College, Armstrong campus (Ford City)
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Indiana)
- Penn State New Kensington (Upper Burrell)
For school performance data, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Future Ready PA Index and the district’s own website. School assignments can change. Confirm directly with the district.
Getting Around
Major Roads
- PA Route 28: Runs along the west side of the river, south to Pittsburgh and north toward Brookville and I-80
- U.S. Route 422: Crosses the Allegheny near Kittanning, west toward Butler and east toward Indiana
- Market Street and the Citizens Bridge: Connect downtown with the west bank of the river
Public Transit
Town & Country Transit provides local bus and shared-ride service in Armstrong County, based in Kittanning. Check its current routes and schedules before you rely on them.
Walkability & Bikeability
Kittanning’s compact downtown grid makes it possible to walk to Market Street shops, county offices, the library, and the riverfront park from many nearby streets. Trips beyond the borough are easier by car. See Walk Score for Kittanning, PA.
Things to Do
Riverfront Park & Fort Armstrong Folk Festival
Kittanning’s Riverfront Park runs along the Allegheny below downtown, with walking paths and river views. Each August, it hosts the Fort Armstrong Folk Festival, a multi-day event with live music on two stages, arts and crafts vendors, living-history demonstrations, food, and fireworks over the river, as described by TribLive.
On the River
A public boat ramp with parking serves this stretch of the Allegheny (Pool 6). See How’s Your River for the access site and conditions. Crooked Creek Lake and Mahoning Creek Lake, both a short drive away, offer more boating, fishing, and outdoor space.
Trails
The Armstrong Trail, a rail-trail along the Allegheny River, runs through the county north and south of Kittanning and is used for walking, running, and biking. Check the trail organization for current trailheads and open sections.
Shopping & Dining
Market Street and the surrounding downtown blocks have local shops, restaurants, and services. More retail is along Route 422 and Route 28 in East Franklin Township and nearby communities.
Library
The Kittanning Public Library, founded in 1923, is at 280 North Jefferson Street, (724) 543-1383.
Local Services & Resources
Kittanning Borough Office
300 South McKean Street, Kittanning, PA 16201
Phone: (724) 543-2091
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: kittanning-borough.com
Borough Council: Check the council agendas page or call the office for meeting dates, times, and location.
Trash & Recycling
The borough collects trash by ward: 1st Ward on Monday, 2nd Ward on Tuesday, 3rd Ward on Thursday, and 4th Ward on Friday. Trash must be bagged inside hard plastic or metal cans with lids, marked with the street address. The base residential fee covers up to three 32-gallon containers, billed through the Municipal Authority. Bulk items are not collected by the borough. For recycling, take items to the Armstrong County Recycling Center. Bagged grass and trimmings are collected on Wednesdays from April until the first snowfall. See the Public Works page for details.
Water, Sewer & Permits
- Municipal Authority (sewage, garbage billing, liens): (724) 543-2802
- Building inspector (Bureau Veritas): (724) 548-1414, for changes in use or occupancy and building permits
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Kittanning Police Department, 300 South McKean Street, non-emergency (724) 543-1538
- Fire: Kittanning Hose, Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 (208 S. Jefferson St.), Hose Company No. 4 (1143 Orr Ave.), and Hose Company No. 6 (1630 Orr Ave.)
Hospital
ACMH Hospital in East Franklin Township, just outside the borough, is the county’s hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Kittanning in?
Kittanning is the county seat of Armstrong County, about 40 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.
What does the name Kittanning mean?
It comes from a Lenape (Delaware) village name usually translated as “on the main river.”
What school district serves Kittanning?
The Armstrong School District. Schools with Kittanning addresses include West Hills Primary, West Hills Intermediate, and Armstrong Junior-Senior High.
When is trash collected in Kittanning?
It depends on the ward: Monday for the 1st Ward, Tuesday for the 2nd, Thursday for the 3rd, and Friday for the 4th.
Does Kittanning have curbside recycling?
Not currently. Residents take recyclables to the Armstrong County Recycling Center.
Do I need an inspection to sell a home in Kittanning?
Not for a sale to an owner-occupant, but sales require a sewage dye test, and rental units need a borough inspection and license.
When is the Fort Armstrong Folk Festival?
It is held each August at Riverfront Park. Check local listings for this year’s dates.
How long is the drive from Kittanning to Pittsburgh?
About 50 to 60 minutes by Route 28, depending on traffic.
Thinking About a Move to Kittanning?
Whether you are buying in Kittanning or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including whether a specific 16201 home is in the borough or a surrounding township. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Kittanning listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
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Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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