RANK #60 / 1001 NAT · #4 / 44 PA · POP 85,024
1YR FORECAST: +2.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +38%
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, is defined by its natural landscape, particularly McConnells Mill State Park, a National Natural Landmark featuring the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge with waterfalls, hiking trails, and a historic gristmill. Located about an hour north of Pittsburgh, the county offers a blend of rural scenery and access to urban amenities. Commuting to Pittsburgh is facilitated by Park & Ride options. The county also has a notable Old Order Amish community, especially around the villages of Volant and New Wilmington. Outdoor recreation extends to fishing in Neshannock Creek and Slippery Rock Creek, biking on the Stavich Bicycle Trail, and exploring Quaker Falls Recreation Area.
Life in Lawrence County offers a mix of small-town warmth and access to outdoor activities. The public schools in the county are generally above average. While the county has experienced a population decline, particularly in its main city, New Castle, rural and suburban areas have seen some growth. The economy is seeing investment in manufacturing, with one company expanding its operations and creating new jobs. The county's economic development efforts focus on supporting businesses and enhancing services.
Lawrence County is one of 75 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +1.6% runs above the profile's typical +0.8%.
See all 75 Affordable Slow Markets counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks overvalued at 8.3x — home prices are high 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
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 (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Hickory Run Energy Station
Hickory Run Energy, LLC
|
$1,000M | Operating |
|
Firefly Solar Project (400 MW)
Vesper Energy
|
$400M | Planned |
|
Tri Global Energy Solar Project (175 MW solar, 40 MW battery storage)
Tri Global Energy
|
$215M | Planned |
|
LS Power Solar Farm (60 MW)
LS Power
|
$60M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Lawrence County ranks #60 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 94/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.6% and a median household income of $61,931 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Lawrence County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $147,200, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.42 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $831/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Employers in Lawrence County are hiring — job growth of +1.6% — but the population is close to flat (-0.5% YoY). Home values moved +1.6% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.18% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Lawrence County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.