Overview & Orientation
West Mifflin is a borough in Allegheny County, about 8 miles southeast of Downtown Pittsburgh in the Mon Valley. At about 14.5 square miles, it is one of the larger boroughs in the county, with hilly, wooded terrain that touches the Monongahela River in three places. West Mifflin is home to Kennywood, the Allegheny County Airport, CCAC’s South Campus, and the West Mifflin Area School District.
Where West Mifflin Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Type: Borough, incorporated December 11, 1942, covering about 14.5 square miles. See Wikipedia’s West Mifflin entry.
- ZIP code: 15122
- Neighbors: The Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Lincoln Place and Hays, plus Munhall, Whitaker, Duquesne, Dravosburg, Jefferson Hills, Pleasant Hills, Baldwin, and Clairton
Borough or Mailing Address?
The “West Mifflin, PA 15122” mailing address also reaches into parts of several neighboring communities, each with its own services, taxes, and school district:
| Municipality | School District |
|---|---|
| West Mifflin Borough | West Mifflin Area |
| Pleasant Hills (part) | West Jefferson Hills |
| Jefferson Hills (part) | West Jefferson Hills |
| Dravosburg (part) | McKeesport Area |
| Munhall (part) | Steel Valley |
To confirm a property’s municipality and school district, check the deed, the tax bill, or Allegheny County’s online real estate records.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate and vary by where you start in the borough. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Kennywood | 5–10 minutes |
| The Waterfront (Homestead) | 10–15 minutes |
| South Park | 15–20 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 20–30 minutes |
| Monroeville | 20–25 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 35–45 minutes |
A Brief History
West Mifflin traces its roots to Mifflin Township, formed in 1788 and named for Thomas Mifflin, Pennsylvania’s first governor. The area sits near the site of the 1755 Battle of the Monongahela. As the Mon Valley’s steel industry grew, much of the original township broke off into separate boroughs, and the remaining area became the Borough of West Mifflin in 1942.
Steel shaped the landscape here. Slag and fly ash from the mills were dumped in parts of the borough over the decades, changing the original terrain. U.S. Steel’s Irvin Plant still operates in West Mifflin, and the borough is also home to the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory.
Notable Landmarks
- Kennywood: An amusement park that opened in 1898 as a trolley park and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987
- Allegheny County Airport: A general aviation airport dedicated in 1931, with an Art Deco terminal
- CCAC South Campus: The Community College of Allegheny County’s campus on Clairton Road
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
West Mifflin’s size means a wide mix of housing. Many neighborhoods were built in the mid-20th century, with brick and frame single-family homes on suburban streets. Older homes sit closer to the river communities, and some newer homes and townhomes have been built in later decades. Apartment communities are spread across the borough.
Homes in low-lying areas near the Monongahela River or local streams should be checked on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
- Duplexes and townhomes
- Apartment communities
Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in West Mifflin.
Schools
West Mifflin Area School District
West Mifflin is served by the West Mifflin Area School District, which also serves Whitaker Borough and part of Duquesne, covering about 15 square miles. The district office is at 1020 Lebanon Road, Suite 250. See the district overview for background.
- Elementary: Clara Barton Elementary and Homeville Elementary
- Middle: West Mifflin Area Middle School
- High: West Mifflin Area High School
Check with the district for current grade groupings at each building.
Colleges & Universities
- CCAC South Campus, 1750 Clairton Road, in West Mifflin, with allied health, nursing, and aviation programs
- Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, at the Allegheny County Airport
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, and other city campuses
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 885: Lebanon Road and Clairton Boulevard, the borough’s main corridor, running north toward Pittsburgh and south toward Jefferson Hills
- PA Route 837: Runs along the Monongahela River toward Homestead and the Waterfront
- Kennywood Boulevard and Lebanon Church Road: Key local connectors
- PA Route 51: A short drive west through Pleasant Hills
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) provides bus service to parts of West Mifflin. Check the PRT trip planner for current routes and schedules.
Walkability & Bikeability
West Mifflin is spread out, and most errands are easier by car. See Walk Score for West Mifflin, PA. For longer rides and walks, the Great Allegheny Passage runs along the Monongahela nearby, passing Kennywood on its way between Homestead and McKeesport.
Things to Do
Kennywood
Kennywood
4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin. Opened in 1898 as a trolley park, Kennywood is now a full amusement park with classic wooden coasters, newer rides, and seasonal events, and it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987. See Clio’s Kennywood entry for its history, and the park’s website for the current season and hours.
Allegheny County Airport
Dedicated in 1931, the Allegheny County Airport was once Pittsburgh’s main airport. Today it handles general aviation, corporate, and charter flights, and it is the main reliever airport for Pittsburgh International. Its Art Deco terminal is a Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation landmark. See the Airport Authority’s page.
Parks & Recreation
The borough runs recreation programs and maintains local ballfields and parks. Contact the borough office for current programs and pavilion rentals. West Mifflin is also planning a large community recreation center on the former middle school site on Camp Hollow Road, with fields, indoor courts, a walking track, and an amphitheater. See KDKA’s coverage of the plans.
South Park, one of Allegheny County’s largest parks, is a short drive west, with trails, a wave pool, ballfields, and picnic groves.
Shopping & Dining
Shops and restaurants line Route 885 and Lebanon Church Road. The Waterfront in Homestead, Munhall, and West Homestead is a short drive away for larger retail, dining, and movies.
Libraries Nearby
The Carnegie of Homestead library, at 510 East 10th Avenue in Munhall, (412) 462-3444, is a short drive away. It is part of the Allegheny County Library Association, so a card works at any member library.
Local Services & Resources
West Mifflin Borough Building
1020 Lebanon Road, West Mifflin, PA 15122
Phone: (412) 466-8170
Website: westmifflinborough.com
Call the borough office for council meeting dates.
Trash & Recycling
Call the borough office at (412) 466-8170 for the current hauler, collection days, and recycling rules.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: West Mifflin Police Department
- Fire: Four volunteer companies: Homeville (#1), Duquesne Annex (#2), West Mifflin #3, and Skyview (#4). See this 1st Responder News article.
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Jefferson Hospital (Jefferson Hills)
- UPMC McKeesport (McKeesport)
- Pittsburgh hospitals, about 20 to 30 minutes away
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or pool? Contact the borough office at (412) 466-8170 for building and zoning permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is West Mifflin in?
West Mifflin is in Allegheny County, about 8 miles southeast of Downtown Pittsburgh.
Is Kennywood in West Mifflin?
Yes. Kennywood’s address is 4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin. It opened in 1898 and is a National Historic Landmark.
What school district serves West Mifflin?
The West Mifflin Area School District, which also serves Whitaker and part of Duquesne. Homes with a West Mifflin mailing address outside the borough may be in a different district.
How big is West Mifflin?
About 14.5 square miles, which makes it one of the larger boroughs in Allegheny County.
Does the Allegheny County Airport have commercial flights?
It serves general aviation, corporate, and charter flights. Scheduled airline service is at Pittsburgh International Airport.
How long is the drive from West Mifflin to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 20 to 30 minutes, usually by Route 885 or Route 837. Traffic varies by time of day.
Is there a community college in West Mifflin?
Yes. CCAC’s South Campus is at 1750 Clairton Road.
Where is the West Mifflin borough building?
At 1020 Lebanon Road. The phone number is (412) 466-8170.
Thinking About a Move to West Mifflin?
Whether you are buying in West Mifflin or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including which municipality and school district a specific West Mifflin-address home is in. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current West Mifflin 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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