RANK #482 / 996 · POP 158,665 · PA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.8%
The historic borough of Bellefonte, known as the "Victorian Jewel" of Pennsylvania, serves as Centre County's seat and offers a glimpse into the region's past with its preserved architecture and natural Big Spring. Centre County is located in central Pennsylvania, roughly bisected by the Allegheny Mountains, and is home to Penn State University's main campus in State College. The county's landscape features forested plateaus, rolling limestone valleys, and numerous state parks like Bald Eagle, Black Moshannon, and Poe Valley, providing extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. Commuting within the county is facilitated by the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA), which offers bus services connecting State College, Bellefonte, and surrounding areas, including routes to Penn State.
Life in Centre County balances metropolitan conveniences with rural charm, attracting a mix of young professionals and families. Public schools in the county, including the State College Area School District, are recognized for their quality. The economy is largely driven by education and healthcare, with Penn State University and Mount Nittany Medical Center being major employers. Recent economic development initiatives aim to diversify the economy by supporting business expansion and targeting growth in sectors such as high-tech manufacturing, life sciences, and sensor technology. There is also a focus on developing infrastructure, including expanding air service and addressing housing needs across various income levels.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.1x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Black Moshannon Solar Project
Undisclosed Developer (approved by Rush Township Supervisors)
|
$265M | Planned |
|
MPG Solar Project
MPG Solar (Energix Renewables)
|
$162M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Centre County has a Boom Town Index score of 52/100, ranking #482 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.2% and a median household income of $70,087, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Centre County is $289,800 with median rent at $1,118/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2418, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.2%. Home values changed +1.9% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 7.02% of Centre County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.