RANK #982 / 996 · POP 133,263 · PA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -4.4%
Cambria County, Pennsylvania, is perhaps best known for the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, commemorating the devastating 1889 flood that claimed over 2,200 lives. Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, roughly 57 miles east of Pittsburgh, the county offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and natural scenery. The Allegheny Mountains provide a backdrop of rolling hills and forests, with outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking on the Ghost Town Trail or Path of the Flood Trail. Commuting within the county is primarily by car, with an average travel time of 23.4 minutes, though public transit is available through CamTran's fixed-route and "Reserve-a-Ride" services.
Life in Cambria County offers a community feel, attracting families and retirees. The economy, historically tied to coal and steel, has seen shifts, with healthcare and social assistance now the largest employment sectors, followed by retail trade and manufacturing. Educational institutions like Saint Francis University and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown contribute to the local landscape. Recent economic initiatives include growth in small-scale manufacturing, craftspeople, and tourism, with efforts to utilize natural resources like wind and natural gas.
Below national median
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Cambria County has a Boom Town Index score of 1/100, ranking #982 among 996 U.S. counties. With a median household income of $54,221, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Cambria County is $110,900 with median rent at $700/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4889, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.6% year-over-year. Job growth: 0.0%. Home values changed -4.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.61% of Cambria County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.