West Goshen Township is a township in Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 23,040 at the 2020 census. In 2013, Money Magazine voted West Goshen as the 10th best place to live in America. West Goshen has also been ranked in the top 15 places to live in America from 2014 to 2017 and is also at the top of best neighborhoods to raise a family in Pennsylvania every year.
The headquarters for QVC is in West Goshen Township, though its address is in West Chester. West Goshen Township is also where the headquarters for A. Duie Pyle Trucking, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Lasko Industries are located. There are more than 465 businesses which call West Goshen Township home.
History
The lands of Goshen were purchased in 1681 from William Penn as part of the Welsh tract of Westtown. By 1704, Goshen and Westtown had become separate townships. In 1788, the formation of the Borough of West Chester reduced the size of Goshen. Finally, in 1817, the Township divided into East and West Goshen Townships. At the time of the 1820 census, West Goshen's population numbered 757. West Goshen was primarily a farming community in its early history.
Before long, many different businesses began to appear, including several women-owned enterprises. Trades such as cabinet-making, tailoring, weaving, clock-making, and wool-making characterized the area. The completion of railroads in the 1830s and 1850s facilitated the delivery of goods and services to the Township, and marked the migration of many Philadelphians seeking country residences.
By 1930, West Goshen's population had risen to 1,958. The farming community had grown into a suburban neighborhood. In 1950, the population was 3,500. The Township experienced its most explosive growth during the 1960s and 1970s, and today can boast over 20,000 residents and a balanced mix of residential, business, office, retail, and industrial uses.
*Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 12.0 square miles (31.2 km2), of which 11.9 square miles (30.9 km2) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.3 km2) (0.91%) is water.
Demographics
As of the 2010 census, the township was 88.8% White, 3.7% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 4.7% Asian, and 1.4% were two or more races. 3.7% of the population were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry.
As of the census of 2000, there were 20,495 people, 7,554 households, and 5,484 families residing in the township. The population density was . There were 7,703 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the township was 90.51% White, 4.25% African American, 0.04% Native American, 3.78% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.65% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.00% of the population.
There were 7,554 households, out of which 36.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.0% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.4% were non-families. 21.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.18.
In the township the population was spread out, with 26.3% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.7 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $71,055, and the median income for a family was $84,574 (these figures had risen to $85,807 and $102,356 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $51,676 versus $36,783 for females. The per capita income for the township was $32,487. About 1.5% of families and 3.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.1% of those under age 18 and 2.5% of those age 65 or over.
Parks and recreation
The Township has four main parks:
Barker Park is located on Falcon Lane near Westtown Road. It is equipped with a pavilion with 10-12 tables, two charcoal grills, and four electrical outlets on the posts of the pavilion. There is a backstop for Tee-ball or wiffle ball as well as playground equipment.
Coopersmith Park is located off Spring Lane. It is equipped with a pavilion with 12 picnic tables, five charcoal grills, and two electrical outlets. There is a backstop for Tee ball or wiffle ball, a grass volleyball court (bring your own net and ball), an exercise trail, playground equipment and a horseshoe pit (bring your own horseshoes).