Coolbaugh
RANK #885 / 996 NAT · #43 / 44 PA · POP 168,128
1YR FORECAST: +0.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +13%
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.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.9x 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
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 996 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Monroe County scores just 10/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #885 of 996 counties. Job growth at +2.1% and median household income of $80,656 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
By national standards, Monroe County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $221,100, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.36 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $1,311/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Employers in Monroe County are hiring — job growth of +2.1% — but the population is close to flat (0.0% YoY). Home values moved -0.4% 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 2.33% 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.