RANK #181 / 996 · POP 457,051 · PA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.2%
York County, Pennsylvania, often evokes images of its rich history and agricultural roots, but locals frequently highlight its unique blend of rural charm and suburban convenience. Located in South Central Pennsylvania, it sits about an hour's drive from Baltimore and roughly two hours from Philadelphia, making commutes to larger cities feasible via Interstate 83 or the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The county offers diverse scenery, from rolling hills dotted with farms to picturesque river views along the Susquehanna. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with numerous county and state parks like Codorus State Park and Gifford Pinchot State Park providing opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, and camping.
Life in York County offers a balance, attracting families, commuters, and retirees alike. The public schools are generally well-regarded, with districts like York Suburban, Central York, and Dallastown Area receiving positive recognition. While public transportation options like rabbittransit exist, many residents rely on cars for commuting. The economy, historically strong in manufacturing, is evolving with recent investments in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, technology, and distribution. This economic shift, alongside a lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas, contributes to the county's appeal for those seeking a blend of community and opportunity.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.6x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
York Energy Center Data Center (Peach Bottom Township)
Energy Capital Partners (ECP) / Calpine Corporation
|
$5,000M | Proposed |
|
York Energy Storage Project (Pumped Hydroelectric)
York Energy Storage LLC
|
$2,300M | Proposed |
|
Fairview Township Data Center
Elysian Partners
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
MPG Solar Project
Unknown
|
$162M | Planned |
|
Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station License Extension & Upgrades
Exelon Generation
|
$90M | Operating |
|
Codorus Greenway Phase
Unknown
|
$25M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
York County has a Boom Town Index score of 82/100, ranking #181 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.4% and a median household income of $79,183, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in York County is $220,700 with median rent at $1,094/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3588, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.4%. Home values changed +3.8% in the past 12 months.