RANK #825 / 996 · POP 79,707 · PA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.8%
Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, located in the north-central part of the state, is known for its "clear fields" that early explorers found, a nod to the open areas created by bison herds and Native American cornfields. The county seat, Clearfield, is situated along the West Branch Susquehanna River and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Harrisburg and 2 hours from Pittsburgh. Interstate 80 runs directly through the county, offering access to major markets. The community offers a small-town feel with historical landmarks from the late 1800s, particularly in Clearfield's "Old Town Historic District." Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with Curwensville Lake Recreation Area offering hiking, fishing, boating, and camping, and Parker Dam State Park providing trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Life in Clearfield County often appeals to those seeking a rural lifestyle. The economy, historically rooted in lumber and coal, has been transitioning. While natural resource extraction still plays a role, the area has seen recent investments in sectors like energy and advanced manufacturing. Clearfield County is served by several public school districts, including Clearfield Area, DuBois Area, and Curwensville Area School Districts. Public transportation options, including bus services, are available within the county.
Below national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.0x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Iron City No. 1 Power Generator and Compute Center (AI Data Center)
Iron City Wells, LLC
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Mineral Basin Solar Project
Swift Current Energy
|
$402M | Under Development |
|
Shallow Seam BESS (Battery Energy Storage System)
Undisclosed
|
$400M | Planned |
|
CPV Rogue's Wind
Competitive Power Ventures (CPV) Renewable Power
|
$300M | Under Construction |
|
Madera - Westover South 115 kV Wind Project
Undisclosed
|
$110M | Planned |
|
KeyState River Hill Fertilizers, Fuels and Chemicals
KeyState Natural Gas Synthesis
|
$70M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Clearfield County has a Boom Town Index score of 17/100, ranking #825 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.3% and a median household income of $56,982, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Clearfield County is $118,300 with median rent at $737/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4817, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -1.2% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.3%. Home values changed +1.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.18% of Clearfield County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.