RANK #272 / 996 NAT · #10 / 44 PA · POP 143,258
1YR FORECAST: +3.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +30%
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.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.8x 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 (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 72/100, Lebanon County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +1.8%, and median household income stands at $72,532 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in PA.
Housing in Lebanon County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $211,400 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.34, with rents averaging $1,023/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Lebanon County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.5% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.8% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +5.2% over the past 12 months.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.22% 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 $211,400. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.