[2] York Township was formed in 1753, when very few settlers lived in the area.

Most of these lived in the southeastern section, most of which subsequently seceded into the boroughs of Dallastown, Red Lion and Yoe.

The township remained mostly rural until after World War II.

At the 2000 census there were 23,637 people, 9,857 households, and 6,604 families living in the township.

There were 10,258 housing units at an average density of 402.7 per square mile (155.5/km2).