Bloomsburg
RANK #171 / 996 NAT · #7 / 44 PA · POP 64,924
1YR FORECAST: +2.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +33%
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.
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 →
| 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 ranks #171 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 83/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $59,457 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
Housing in Columbia County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $183,200 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $862/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Columbia County are both close to flat — population -0.1% YoY and jobs +0.5%. Home values shifted +4.7% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
In significant numbers — 5.17% of Columbia County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.