A Brief History of Rankin
Rankin is a borough in Allegheny County south of the city of Pittsburgh. The borough was named after Thomas Rankin, who was a local landowner. Rankin’s specialization was manufacturing steel and wire goods. The population of Rankin was at its highest in 1940 at nearly 7,500 but it has since shrunk to around 2,100. The Rankin Bridge, a landmark in the area, connects Rankin with Whitaker. It is a steel bridge more officially known as the George Rankin Jr. Memorial Bridge. It was built in 1951. It has a main span length of 505.25 feet and a 75-foot vertical clearance.
Facts about Rankin
Rankin is bordered by Swissvale, North Braddock, Whitaker, Munhall and Homestead among other neighborhoods. The borough’s population was spread out with the most under the age of 18. Rankin’s median home price was $44,600. The community has a relatively low cost of living. Rankin’s cost of living is measured as 23.7% lower than the country’s average. The average commute time in Rankin is 34 minutes. There are just over 1,000 households in Rankin.
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These are great posts.. legacy suburbs of Pittsburgh. Thanks for sharing..
I was raised in Braddock so I am familiar with the bridge!! I remember going to Kennywood on the street car! Anyway thank you for the beautiful bridge!
I was born and raised and completed high school in Rankin. I then left , went to Boston and continue my education and graduated from Northeastern University. My dad spent 27 years working in Homestead Steel. I live in California now. But memories will always be of Rankin growing up with seven siblings and a caring lovable mom and dad!