Difference Between Pennsylvania’s First- and Second-Class Townships

In Pennsylvania, if you are involved in local government, you may have noticed that some townships are called First-Class Townships, while others are known as Second-Class Townships. Although both are forms of local government under Pennsylvania law, there are key differences in how they are organized, governed, and how they provide services to residents.

Pennsylvania’s township system began in the 18th century to give local communities control over their own affairs in areas too small to be incorporated as boroughs or cities. Today, there are over 1,450 second-class townships and about 90 first-class townships throughout the Commonwealth.

All townships in Pennsylvania are initially classified as Second Class Townships. To become a First-Class Township, residents must vote to approve the change through a local referendum. However, the township must first have a population density of at least 300 people per square mile before it is eligible to hold such a vote. This change usually reflects growth— as communities become more suburban and densely populated, they may choose to adopt the First-Class Township status to better manage more complex services and infrastructure needs.

The main difference between the two forms lies in how the local government is structured. A Board of Supervisors governs Second Class Townships, usually composed of three elected members (though some have five). In a home rule township, they are called councilpersons. But that’s a discussion for another time. These supervisors perform both legislative and executive functions, including setting policies, passing ordinances, and managing township operations. First Class Townships, on the other hand, are governed by a Board of Commissioners, typically composed of five, seven, or nine elected members, depending on the township’s population. Commissioners are elected either by ward or at-large and act more like a legislative body. Both forms of government can appoint a township manager to handle daily administrative tasks, but it’s far more common in First-Class Townships than those of the Second-Class.

Both township classes provide many of the same essential services, such as road maintenance, zoning enforcement, police protection, parks, and more. However, First Class Townships often have larger budgets and more departments, reflecting their denser populations and urbanized environments. For instance, a First-Class Township might have a full-time public works department or a local police force, while smaller Second-Class Townships may rely on part-time staff or regional partnerships. The class of your township affects how your local government operates, how responsive it can be, and even how your tax dollars are spent. A First-Class Township government may appear more formal and structured, while a Second-Class Township often retains a more rural, hands-on approach.

For residents and elected officials alike, understanding the difference helps explain how local decisions are made, from road-paving schedules to zoning changes. It provides insight into how your community might evolve as it grows.

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About the Author

David L. Anthony is a member of the Keystone Municipal Solutions team of experts. He is a veteran of municipal government, having served more than 33 years in various positions of public service. Contact him at david@keystonemunicipalsolutions.com. To learn more about David and the Keystone Municipal Solutions team, click here.