[4] Smithton has its own post office, with zip code 15479,[5] and is serviced by Yough School District.

Smithton's early industry was in coal mining, coke ovens, and the transportation of goods produced in the valley of Jacobs Creek.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2), all land.

The Highlands are recognized today for their popularity among tourists, who travel from across Pennsylvania and beyond to visit the mountains, waterfalls, and recreational sites.

The GAP is considered a "Rails to Trails" bike path, as it follows the area's historically prominent railroad passages.

Smithton continues to be heralded as a Western Pennsylvania "trail town" because of its geographic proximity to commercial transit (Amtrak), industrial (CSX),[15] and now, recreational, use of these railroad passages.

Tenaska Westmoreland Generating Station, a 946-megawatt power plant fueled by natural gas, is located near Smithton in South Huntington Township.

Smithton has a small local government that consists of seven (currently six active) council members and a mayor.