# Manheim Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Manheim Township is a township in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. It was established in 1729. The township's southernmost border meets the city limits of Lancaster and includes the communities of Neffsville, Dillerville, and Landis Valley. Its population, as of the 2020 census, was 43,977 making it the second largest municipality in the county after Lancaster City.

## Government

Residents of Manheim Township elect a five-member Board of Commissioners. Commissioners are elected to serve a four-year term. The township also elects a tax collector and magisterial district judge which serve a four-year and six-year term respectively.
As of the 2023 Municipal Election, the elected officials were:
| Office | Holder | Party | Electoral history |
| Commissioner | John C. Bear | Republican | Elected 11/02/2021 |
| Commissioner | Mary Jo Huyard | Republican | Elected 11/02/2021 |
| Commissioner | Stacey Morgan Brubaker | Republican | Elected 11/02/2021 |
| Commissioner | Carol Giffords | Democrat | Elected 11/07/2023 |
| Commissioner | Celso Mesias | Democrat | Elected 11/07/2023 |
| Tax Collector | Cherie L. Cryer | Republican | Elected 11/02/2021 |
| Magisterial District Judge | Courtney Monson, Esq. | Democrat | Elected 11/07/2023 |
Historically, Manheim Township was seen as a Republican stronghold but in recent years the suburban township has become more competitive resulting in numerous high-investment races. Manheim Township is split between both Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 96 represented by Democrat Mike Sturla and Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 97 represented by Republican Steven Mentzer, The township is located entirely within Pennsylvania Senate District 36 is represented Republican Ryan Aument.
The township is represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Republican Lloyd Smucker.

## Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 24.3 square miles (62.9 km$^2$), of which 24.2 square miles (62.7 km$^2$) are land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km$^2$), or 0.33%, are water.
Manheim Township is home to the Neffsville post office but does not have its own ZIP code, therefore its residents share postal designations with neighboring municipalities. Residents living in the northernmost parts of the township have a Lititz address, residents living in the central and southern parts of the township have a Lancaster address, and residents living in the easternmost parts of the township have a Leola address.
The unincorporated community of Neffsville is located within Manheim Township.

## Demographics

At the 2000 census there were 33,697 people, 12,961 households, and 9,280 families living in the township. The population density was 1,391.6 inhabitants per square mile (537.3/km$^2$). There were 13,434 housing units at an average density of 554.8 per square mile (214.2/km$^2$). The racial makeup of the township was 93.18% White, 1.46% African American, 0.11% Native American, 3.13% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.02% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.77%.
There were 12,961 households, 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.1% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.4% were non-families. 24.8% of households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.96.
The age distribution was 23.2% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 21.0% 65 or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.7 males.
The median annual income for a household in the township was $55,807, and the median annual income for a family was $67,365. Males had a median annual income of $46,940 versus $29,618 for females. The per capita income for the township was $28,730. About 2.4% of families and 4.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.7% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.

## Education

Students enrolled in public schools attend Manheim Township School District. Manheim Township School District coterminous with the municipality. The district operates the following schools:
* Manheim Township High School
* Manheim Township Virtual High School
* Manheim Township Middle School
* Landis Run Intermediate School
* Brecht Elementary
* Bucher Elementary
* Neff Elementary
* Nitrauer Elementary
* Reidenbaugh Elementary
* Schaeffer Elementary
The Manheim Township Board of School Directors articulates the policy, budgetary direction and vision for the school district. It has nine members, elected to terms of four years each.

## Places of interest

* Lancaster Airport
* Landis Valley Museum
* Neffsville
* Oregon Mill Complex
* Shreiner Farm