RANK #45 / 996 · POP 122,640 · PA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.5%
Blair County, Pennsylvania, is perhaps best known for the Horseshoe Curve, an engineering marvel completed in 1854 that allowed trains to conquer the Allegheny Mountains. This National Historic Landmark, located near Altoona, remains a significant draw for visitors and rail enthusiasts. Situated in central Pennsylvania, approximately 100 miles west of Harrisburg and 80 miles east of Pittsburgh, the county is characterized by its ridge-and-valley terrain and the Allegheny Mountains. Commuting within the county is facilitated by local bus services like AMTRAN in central Blair County, and shared-ride van services are also available. The region offers diverse outdoor recreation, including hiking trails, lakes for boating and fishing at Canoe Creek State Park, and scenic views at Chimney Rocks Park.
Life in Blair County offers a blend of small-town character and access to amenities, with communities like Hollidaysburg, Tyrone, and Martinsburg retaining distinctive local charm. The public school systems in Blair County are generally considered above average. The economy, historically tied to the railroad industry, has diversified. Recent economic developments show growth driven by local businesses, including expansions in manufacturing and food production. There is also ongoing interest in data center development and efforts to repurpose industrial sites. The area attracts a mix of residents, including families and retirees, who appreciate the relatively affordable cost of living.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.9x — 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Sandy Ridge Wind 2, LLC
Algonquin Power Co.
|
$88M | Operating |
|
Allegheny Ridge Wind Farm Repowering
Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE)
|
$80M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Blair County has a Boom Town Index score of 96/100, ranking #45 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.8% and a median household income of $59,386, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Blair County is $149,300 with median rent at $838/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3978, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.8%. Home values changed +7.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.36% of Blair County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.