RANK #547 / 996 · POP 64,924 · PA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.5%
Columbia County, Pennsylvania, is often recognized for Bloomsburg, its county seat and the state's only incorporated town, which blends historic charm with modern amenities. Situated in central Pennsylvania, the county is about 40 miles southwest of Wilkes-Barre and 50 miles northwest of Allentown. The community offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and access to natural beauty, with the Appalachian Mountains and Susquehanna River shaping its landscape. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, featuring Ricketts Glen State Park with its numerous waterfalls, and opportunities for kayaking on Fishing Creek or the Susquehanna River. Commute options within the county primarily rely on personal vehicles, though shared-ride services are available.
Life in Columbia County offers an affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. The public school system is generally well-regarded, with several schools ranking highly within Pennsylvania. The local economy is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education forming its core. Recent economic developments indicate investments in manufacturing and other sectors, contributing to job creation. The area attracts a mix of residents, including families, young professionals, and those seeking a quieter lifestyle with access to outdoor activities.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.6x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Amazon Data Centers (2 facilities, one near Berwick)
Amazon
|
$20,000M | Proposed |
|
Pennsylvania PULSE Solar Project (multiple arrays, including Columbia County)
Lightsource bp (developer/owner), Constellation (power purchaser)
|
$191M | Completed |
|
Williams Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (Station 610 in Columbia County)
Williams Companies
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Columbia County has a Boom Town Index score of 45/100, ranking #547 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.5% and a median household income of $59,457, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Columbia County is $183,200 with median rent at $862/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3245, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.5%. Home values changed +4.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.17% of Columbia County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.