Allentown
RANK #542 / 996 NAT · #25 / 44 PA · POP 374,110
1YR FORECAST: +1.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +23%
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, is often recognized for its blend of historical industrial towns and scenic natural areas. Allentown, the county seat and third-largest city in Pennsylvania, anchors the region, alongside Bethlehem and Easton. Located about 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City, the county offers access to major metropolitan areas via Interstates 78 and 476, and Routes 22 and 309. Commuting options include bus services to both Philadelphia and New York City. The landscape features rolling hills and waterways like the Lehigh River, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and water activities on trails such as the D&L Trail and at places like Trexler Nature Preserve.
Life in Lehigh County appeals to a range of residents, from families to retirees, drawn by its quality of life and diverse communities. The county is served by ten school districts, including Allentown, East Penn, and Parkland. The economy has seen growth, driven by sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. This economic activity has contributed to an increase in median household income and a decrease in the poverty rate.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.7x — home prices are low 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 →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Eli Lilly and Company Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility
Eli Lilly and Company
|
$3,500M | Planned |
|
South Whitehall Data Center Complex
CDE Acquisitions
|
$1,000M | Proposed |
|
Air Products Data Centers
Air Products
|
$800M | Proposed |
|
Lehigh County Capital Plan (2026-2030)
Lehigh County
|
$122M | Planned |
|
Kline's Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades & Relief Interceptors
Lehigh County Authority
|
$107M | Planned |
|
Cedarbrook Nursing Home Renovation (Phase II)
Lehigh County
|
$54M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lehigh County scores 45/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#542). Median household income is $74,973 and job growth is running at +0.6%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Lehigh County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $254,500 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $1,259/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Lehigh County are both close to flat — population +0.4% YoY and jobs +0.6%. Home values shifted +3.7% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.6% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Lehigh County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.