county, north-central Pennsylvania, U.S. It consists of a mountainous region on the Allegheny Plateau that is drained by the west and east branches of the Clarion River. Parklands include Elk and Bendigo state parks and part of Allegheny National Forest.

Elk county was created in 1843. The principal communities are St. Marys, Johnsonburg, and Ridgway, which is the county seat. The chief manufactures are electronic equipment and fabricated metal products. Area 829 square miles (2,146 square km). Pop. (2000) 35,112; (2007 est.) 32,610.