RANK #299 / 996 · POP 374,110 · PA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.6%
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, is often recognized for its blend of historical industrial towns and scenic natural areas. Allentown, the county seat and third-largest city in Pennsylvania, anchors the region, alongside Bethlehem and Easton. Located about 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City, the county offers access to major metropolitan areas via Interstates 78 and 476, and Routes 22 and 309. Commuting options include bus services to both Philadelphia and New York City. The landscape features rolling hills and waterways like the Lehigh River, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and water activities on trails such as the D&L Trail and at places like Trexler Nature Preserve.
Life in Lehigh County appeals to a range of residents, from families to retirees, drawn by its quality of life and diverse communities. The county is served by ten school districts, including Allentown, East Penn, and Parkland. The economy has seen growth, driven by sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. This economic activity has contributed to an increase in median household income and a decrease in the poverty rate.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.7x — 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Eli Lilly and Company Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility
Eli Lilly and Company
|
$3,500M | Planned |
|
South Whitehall Data Center Complex
CDE Acquisitions
|
$1,000M | Proposed |
|
Air Products Data Centers
Air Products
|
$800M | Proposed |
|
Lehigh County Capital Plan (2026-2030)
Lehigh County
|
$122M | Planned |
|
Kline's Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades & Relief Interceptors
Lehigh County Authority
|
$107M | Planned |
|
Cedarbrook Nursing Home Renovation (Phase II)
Lehigh County
|
$54M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lehigh County has a Boom Town Index score of 70/100, ranking #299 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.6% and a median household income of $74,973, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Lehigh County is $254,500 with median rent at $1,259/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2946, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.6%. Home values changed +3.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.6% of Lehigh County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.