In theUnited States Commonwealth ofPennsylvania, aborough (sometimes spelledboro) is a self-governingmunicipal entity, equivalent to atown in most jurisdictions,[1] usually smaller than acity, but with a similarpopulation density in its residential areas. Sometimes thought of as "junior cities", boroughs generally have fewer powers and responsibilities than full-fledged cities.
All municipalities in Pennsylvania are classified as eithercities, boroughs, ortownships.[2] The only exception is the town ofBloomsburg, recognized by the state government as the only incorporatedtown in Pennsylvania.[1]
Boroughs tend to have more developed business districts and concentrations of public and commercial office buildings, including courthouses. Boroughs are larger, less spacious, and more developed than the relatively rural townships, which often have the greater territory and even surround boroughs of a related or even the same name.
There are 956 boroughs and 56 cities in Pennsylvania.[2] Manyhome rule municipalities remain classified as boroughs or townships for certain purposes, even if the state's borough and township codes no longer apply to them.