RANK #342 / 996 NAT · #15 / 44 PA · POP 457,051
1YR FORECAST: +1.7%
5YR OUTLOOK: +28%
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
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.
With a Boom Town Index score of 65/100, York County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. and median household income stands at $79,183 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in PA.
By national standards, York County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $220,700, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.36 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $1,094/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
York County's population is growing — up +0.5% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.4%). Home values shifted +3.8% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
Not particularly — 1.95% of York County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.