When we refer to Central Pennsylvania we are referencing the Workforce Investment Area that encompasses nine counties (Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union) with a total area of 5,370 square miles. These counties are primarily rural and home to just over 600,000 residents.

According to Economic Modeling Specialists, the counties’ populations range from 18,000 in Montour County to 148,000 in Centre County. The 2009 average household incomes  range from a high of $46,000 in Northumberland County to $61,000 in Centre County. For those persons 25 years of age and older, 44% have a high school diploma or GED and 26% hold an associate’s, bachelor’s, graduate or professional school degree.

Central Pennsylvania is attractive to businesses due to its proximity to several major population centers. A number of major highways crisscross the region. This excellent transportation network puts Central Pennsylvania within easy reach of Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New York, New Jersey, and Washington D.C.

Central Pennsylvania is historically known for its diversity of local and multi-national manufacturing facilities specializing in areas like electronic devices, lumber and wood products, plastics and metal fabrication. With over 350,000 jobs found locally, the largest employing industries are retail trade, health care and social assistance, and government including public education.  Combined, these industries employ 45% of all workers in Central Pennsylvania.

Seven distinguished academic institutions including Bloomsburg University, Bucknell University, Lock Haven University, Lycoming College, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Pennsylvania State University and Susquehanna University are located in Central Pennsylvania. The Region is also home to seven Career and Technical Centers and 31 public school districts and a variety of private and parochial schools.

CPWDC-prepared individual county and regional profiles provide a statistical snapshot of selected economic and demographic data. Click here to view the profiles.