Area Overview

According to Munsell’s History of Schuylkill County (1881), Foster Township was formed from portions of neighboring Butler, Barry, and Cass Townships in 1855. The early settlements and attempts at industry resulted from Foster’s relative positioning between Minersville and Mount Carmel, and between two known coal fields. This positioning on the Reed Tract would become significant by the turn of the 20th Century.

As Foster Township progresses into the 21st century, they have begun a different type of reclamation project—they are reclaiming history. Through the efforts of residents, the township supervisors, and historical enthusiasts, a preservation movement is growing. Appreciation for the former mining sites and buildings, astute conservatorship of land and resources, and the economic benefits of a Federal facility, tavern, industrial park, and airport, provide the fiscal security to again create a beautiful residential community in these former mining “patches.”

GEOGRAPHY

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 13.2 square miles (34 km²), of which, 13.1 square miles (34 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km²) of it (0.30%) is water.

DEMOGRAPHICS

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,124 people, 105 households, and 72 families residing in the township. The population density was 85.5 people per square mile (33.0/km²). There were 115 housing units at an average density of 8.7/sq mi (3.4/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 53.20% White, 43.24% African American, 0.27% Native American, 1.96% Asian, 0.62% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.70% of the population.

There were 105 households out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.3% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the township the population was spread out with 5.6% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 61.0% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 6.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 778.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 971.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $31,042, and the median income for a family was $29,688. Males had a median income of $15,180 versus $21,607 for females. The per capita income for the township was $11,538. About 16.0% of families and 15.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.1% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

PUBLIC DOCUMENTS

BUILDING PERMITS

The building permit documentation serves as an essential tool for both professionals and homeowners, ensuring that all construction activities align with the local regulations of Foster Township.