[3] It was named in honor of former Pennsylvania Governor and Declaration of Independence signer Thomas McKean.

McKean County was founded because of its natural resources of oil and timber, both of which continue to provide a significant input to the economy.

Today, a university, rural medical center, federal prison and manufacturing companies balance the area's economy.

35.0% German, 22.2% Irish, 14.6% Italian, 12.3% English, 10.0% Swedish, 8.6% American, 5.8% Polish, and 3.7% French ancestry.

The United States Office of Management and Budget[15] has designated McKean County as the Bradford, PA micropolitan statistical area (USA).

[19] Chart of Voter Registration As reported by EdNA, Pennsylvania Department of Education, June 2010.

Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, townships, and, in at most two cases, towns.