Where is Sunbury, Pennsylvania

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Sunbury is a city in central Pennsylvania and the county seat of Northumberland County. Located about 50 miles north of Harrisburg, the city sits at the meeting of the Susquehanna and West Branch Susquehanna rivers. Sunbury is known for its historic riverfront, Northumberland County Courthouse, Shikellamy State Park, and its long transportation and canal history.

Location Map of Sunbury, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania

Where is Sunbury Located in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania

About Map: The map shows the location of Sunbury in Northumberland County, in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.

Sunbury Map, Pennsylvania

About Sunbury Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Sunbury in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Sunbury Located?

Sunbury is a city located in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, the United States. It lies in central Pennsylvania at the confluence of the North Branch and West Branch of the Susquehanna River, about 50 miles north of Harrisburg and roughly 40 miles south of Williamsport. Shamokin is about 10 miles northeast, while Lewisburg is approximately 10 miles west of Sunbury. The city is located at 40.8626° North latitude and 76.7944° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 9,721 residents. Sunbury covers about 1.38 square miles, or approximately 3.57 square kilometers. The Susquehanna River is the city's defining geographic feature and has influenced settlement, transportation, trade, and recreation for centuries. Shikellamy State Park, located nearby, provides views of the river junction and opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing, and picnicking. Sunbury also has historic connections to the Pennsylvania Canal and early river commerce. A unique feature of the city is its location at a major river junction that has served as an important transportation point since the colonial period.

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Sunbury City Facts

FactDetails
CitySunbury
StatePennsylvania
CountyNorthumberland County
CountryUnited States
RegionCentral Pennsylvania, Susquehanna Valley
Incorporated1772
Founded1772
Total Area1.38 sq mi (3.57 sq km)
Land Area1.29 sq mi (3.34 sq km)
Water Area0.09 sq mi (0.23 sq km)
ElevationAbout 450 ft (137 m)
Population (2023 estimate)About 9,600
Population (2020 Census)9,721
Population DensityAbout 7,536 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time (EST/EDT)
ZIP Codes17801
Area Code570
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 11, U.S. Route 15, Pennsylvania Route 61, Interstate 80
Public TransitRiver Valley Transit
Major AttractionsShikellamy State Park, Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury Historic District, Susquehanna River, Merle Norman Museum
Official Websitehttps://www.sunburypa.org/

Distance from Sunbury, PA to Nearby Cities

  • Northumberland, PA – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Shamokin Dam, PA – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Lewisburg, PA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Shamokin, PA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Selinsgrove, PA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Milton, PA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Danville, PA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Bloomsburg, PA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Williamsport, PA – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Harrisburg, PA – 50 miles (80 km)
  • State College, PA – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Hazleton, PA – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Reading, PA – 80 miles (129 km)
  • Allentown, PA – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Scranton, PA – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Wilkes-Barre, PA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Philadelphia, PA – 135 miles (217 km)
  • Baltimore, MD – 135 miles (217 km)

Top Attractions in Sunbury

  • Shikellamy State Park – A nearby state park overlooking the meeting of the Susquehanna River branches, with hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking, and scenic viewpoints.
  • Northumberland County Courthouse – A historic civic landmark in downtown Sunbury and the center of county government.
  • Sunbury Historic District – A collection of historic homes, commercial buildings, churches, and civic structures reflecting the city's long history.
  • Susquehanna River – The river forms the eastern edge of the city and provides opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation.
  • Merle Norman Museum – A local museum and historic site connected to the early history of cosmetics and the Merle Norman brand.
  • Sunbury Market House – A historic community gathering place reflecting the city's tradition of local commerce and public markets.
  • Pennsylvania Canal remnants – Historic canal features in the area reflect Sunbury's role in 19th-century transportation and trade.
  • Spyglass Ridge Winery – A nearby winery and event destination overlooking the Susquehanna Valley.
  • Joseph Priestley House – A historic site in nearby Northumberland associated with the scientist, theologian, and philosopher Joseph Priestley.

Airports Near Sunbury, Pennsylvania

  • Williamsport Regional Airport (IPT) – 40 miles
  • Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) – 55 miles
  • Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) – 75 miles
  • University Park Airport (SCE) – 70 miles
  • Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) – 85 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Sunbury city website and local government records.

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