Sandy
RANK #53 / 996 NAT · #3 / 44 PA · POP 79,707
1YR FORECAST: +1.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +39%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2022). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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 ranks #53 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 95/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $56,982 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
By national standards, Clearfield County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $118,300, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.48 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $737/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Clearfield County is losing population (-1.2% YoY) while the job market is essentially flat (-0.3% employment change). Home values are +1.6% over the past 12 months. A slow-bleed pattern — not a collapse, but residents are leaving faster than employers are hiring.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.18% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Clearfield County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.