Avella is a census-designated place in Independence Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania, United States.

[5] Avella's early history included American frontiersmen, grist mills and refuge forts during the 18th century, when the area was part of the western frontier.

Avella, and the former nearby town of Cliftonville, were the site of labor strife in the coal mining industry.

This led to gunfire between the union mineworkers, non-union workers, owners, and the local police department.

The population declined as the coal mines closed and families moved away looking for other employment opportunities.