RANK #219 / 1001 NAT · #13 / 44 PA · POP 167,515
1YR FORECAST: +0.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +33%
Monroe County, Pennsylvania, known as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World," is situated in the Pocono Mountains, approximately 75 miles west of New York City and 90 miles north of Philadelphia. This eastern Pennsylvania county is characterized by its mountainous terrain, river valleys, and extensive forests, offering a blend of natural beauty and accessibility. Stroudsburg, the county seat, features historic architecture and a downtown area. Commuting options include major interstate highways like I-80 and I-380, and local bus services provided by the Pocono Pony. The region provides year-round outdoor recreation, with opportunities for hiking in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, skiing, and exploring waterfalls like Bushkill Falls.
Life in Monroe County offers a balance of natural surroundings and community amenities. The county's public schools are generally considered above average, with districts like Stroudsburg Area School District and Pleasant Valley School District serving local families. The economy is influenced by its tourism industry, drawing visitors to resorts and recreational areas. Recent economic developments include investments in commercial and residential sectors, as well as growth in data centers and energy. The county aims to diversify its economy by attracting businesses that complement its existing industries, while maintaining its quality of life and natural character.
Monroe County's data profile doesn't fit any single market profile cleanly — its housing, labor, and demographic signals pull in different directions (home prices +0.2% YoY, population -0.2%, wages +3.5%). About 414 U.S. counties show this kind of mixed-signal pattern.
See all 414 Idiosyncratic Markets counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks overvalued at 14.2x — 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Monroe County Data Center (Tobyhanna Township)
Undisclosed Developer
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Monroe County Data Center (Chestnuthill Township)
Undisclosed Developer
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Various Residential Developments
Multiple Homebuilders
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
Swiftwater Solar Project
Apex Clean Energy
|
$80M | Proposed |
|
Regional Energy Access Expansion Project (Effort Loop)
Williams Natural Gas (Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
PA 611 Corridor Study Area Improvements
PennDOT / NEPA MPO
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 78/100, Monroe County sits in the upper half of all 1001 ranked counties. and median household income stands at $83,565 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in PA.
Housing in Monroe County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $267,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $1,393/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Monroe County are both close to flat — population -0.2% YoY and jobs +0.3%. Home values shifted +0.2% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.14% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Monroe County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.