How has the natural gas boom changed life near you? Join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #NPRBoomTown .

Sales taxes collected in Bradford County jumped 61% from 2009 to 2012 - despite the recession.

‘Dry’ Gas, ‘Wet’ Gas, and Why Drilling Has Slowed Around Towanda

About this project

"Boomtown" was published on 12/6/12. It was reported by StateImpact Pennsylvania’s Scott Detrow, photographed by NPR’s Becky Lettenberger. The project was produced by Wesley Lindamood, Christopher Swope, Claire O'Neill, Jessica Pupovac, Yan Lu and John Stefany.

Historical Towanda photos, courtesy of the Bradford County Historical Society. Music: “Longing For Home” by George Stehl, Marshall Lufsky and Paul Smith, "II //\\ II" by Discount Fireworks. Data on Bradford County sales tax receipts are from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Data on Bradford County criminal caseload are from the Bradford County District Attorney.