The first settler in the area currently known as Clarks Summit was William Clark. Clark had fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Revolutionary War, and as payment for his military service, he was issued of Pennsylvania land by Congress. Because of disputes between Pennsylvania and Connecticut over the area of land that is now northern Pennsylvania, the land deed issued to Clark was deemed invalid by the Luzerne County land grant office. Clark had no choice but to pay for the land himself. In March 1799, Clark and his three sons moved into a log cabin in the Abington wilderness, located on what is currently the Clarks Green Cemetery. The first school was built in 1893 and was destroyed by fire two years later. The village of Clarks Summit and an adjacent tract of land were incorporated into the Borough of Clarks Summit on August 30, 1911.
Geography
Clarks Summit is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of, all of it land. There are many geological features that add appeal to the area of Clarks Summit. Many of the locals enjoy the plethora of natural lands and features during the warmer months. Clarks Summit area has four dams that all have scenic bodies of water attached for many outdoor activities such as fishing and swimming. Moreover, Cummings Pond, Gravel Pond, and Lance Pond additionally offer many outdoor opportunities for residents and their families. Along with these lakes, ponds, and dams, there are also several reservoirs that are contained in the area. The area's four reservoirs serve as local hot spots for summer swimming and rope swings for much of Clarks Summit's youth. In addition to bodies of water, the area also services many hiking and walking locations throughout the borough. The area is home to Bald Mountain, Captain White Hill, Griffin Hill, Pinnacle Rock, West Mountain, Wilbur Hill, Summit Pointe, Waverly Community walking trail and many others.
Demographics
2010
At the 2010 census there were 5,116 people, 2,216 households, and 1,407 families living in the borough. The population density was 3,197.5 people per square mile. There were 2,324 housing units at an average density of 1,452.5 per square mile. The racial makeup of the borough was 97% White, 0.7% African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4%. There were 2,216 households, 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 32.3% of households were made up of individuals, and 18.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.95. The age distribution was 21.3% under the age of 18, 58.3% from 18 to 64, and 20.4% 65 or older. The median age was 45.4 years.
2000
At the 2000 census there were 5,126 people, 2,190 households, and 1,438 families living in the borough. The population density was 3,206.7 people per square mile. There were 2,273 housing units at an average density of 1,421.9 per square mile. The racial makeup of the borough was 97.74% White, 0.39% African American, 0.10% Native American, 1.13% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.94%. Of the 2,190 households 27.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.8% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 31.6% of households were one person and 17.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.96. The age distribution was 22.4% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 28.4% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% 65 or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.2 males. The median household income was $45,298 and the median family income was $65,262. Males had a median income of $48,487 versus $26,398 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $25,080. About 1.3% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.
Notable places
The oldest standing house is the former Snook family house, built in 1837 and located on West Grove Street.
