RANK #155 / 1001 NAT · #7 / 44 PA · POP 144,186
1YR FORECAST: +2.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +22%
Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, is often recognized for its strong agricultural roots and its distinctive Lebanon bologna, a local delicacy. Located in south-central Pennsylvania, about 25 miles east of Harrisburg, the county offers a blend of rural landscapes and small towns like Annville and Palmyra. Commuting is primarily by car, with an average travel time of 22.1 minutes, though public transit options like Lebanon Transit and regional ride-sharing programs are available. The community maintains a small-town feel, with numerous parks and natural areas, including parts of the Appalachian Trail and Swatara State Park, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing.
Life in Lebanon County is characterized by a strong sense of community, appealing to families and retirees. The public schools in the county are generally above average, with districts like Palmyra Area and Cornwall-Lebanon ranking highly. The economy, historically agricultural, has diversified to include manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare, with WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital being a significant employer. Fort Indiantown Gap, a major National Guard training center, also contributes to the local economy. Recent efforts by the Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation aim to address housing needs, particularly for attainable homes in the $250,000-$300,000 range.
Lebanon County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — near the profile average on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +5.2% matches the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 11.3x — 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: Homicide rates from CDC/NCHS vital-statistics mortality data — a multi-year average that stabilizes counts in smaller counties — compiled in the County Health Rankings 2025 release. Rates per 100,000 population; U.S. average ≈ 6.5. Grade reflects homicide rate relative to the national average. Learn more →
See where Lebanon County stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties.
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Lebanon County ranks #155 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 84/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $78,425 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
Housing in Lebanon County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $242,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $1,110/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Lebanon County are both close to flat — population +0.4% YoY and jobs +0.2%. Home values shifted +5.2% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.46% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Lebanon County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +5.2% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Lebanon County is now valued at $242,000. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.