At Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation’s recent Annual Meeting, a record audience of nearly 1,000 heard about how the regional economy has reached new heights and has strong momentum moving forward.
The meeting celebrated how strong partnerships and a regional approach have positioned the Lehigh Valley as a leading market primed for growth.
“The collective work of the last 25 years has made the Lehigh Valley a middle America success story,” said Don Cunningham, President & CEO of LVEDC.
Here are five facts from the Annual Meeting that reveal how the Lehigh Valley has leveled up.
A Growing Economy
The region’s Gross Domestic Product exceeded $57 billion in 2024, growing by 1.9% from 2023 when factoring in inflation. GDP measures the value of all goods and services produced in the region over a one-year period. The output measures the economy in the metro region, which includes Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon counties in Pennsylvania and Warren County in New Jersey.
Diving into the Data
- #68 in the U.S. for largest regional economies.
- The Lehigh Valley’s economy is bigger than that of two states: Vermont and Wyoming.
- If the Lehigh Valley were a country, it would be the 88th largest economy in the world.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2023-24
Why the Lehigh Valley's Economic Growth is Important
“Pennsylvania is on the rise, and the Lehigh Valley is leading the way.”
- Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania
A Diversified Economy Driven by Manufacturing
Manufacturing continues to be a leading driver of the Lehigh Valley’s diversified economy, followed by health care and social assistance; finance, insurance, and real estate; and professional and business services.
A broad array of manufacturers make products ranging from semiconductors and medical devices to food and beverages and consumer goods. They include global brands such as Crayola and Mack Trucks and storied regional producers such as Just Born Quality Confections, along with startups who are developing new products.
Diving into the Data
- Lehigh Valley is home to more than 700 manufacturers.
- Manufacturing accounts for 16% – or $9 billion – of the region’s GDP. That’s above the national average of 11%.
- The region employs about 37,100 people in manufacturing.
- Manufacturing jobs have grown at three times the national rate since 2010.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2023-24, Chmura Economics JobsEQ, 2010-2025 Q3
Why It’s Important
"Made in Lehigh Valley is our brand. We make things here."
- Don Cunningham, President & CEO, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation
Historic High Jobs
As Lehigh Valley’s economy continued to diversify, the number of jobs has grown to an all-time high of 343,975 across an array of industry sectors. At nearly 74,000 workers, more people now work in making and moving goods than any other sector of the region’s diverse economy. The Lehigh Valley is also a job center, with more people commuting into the region than commuting out.
Diving into the Data
- Top Employment Sectors: Health Care (20.6%), Manufacturing (10.8%), Logistics (10.6%)
- Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
- Commuting patterns: Inbound workers (114,957), Live & Work in Lehigh Valley (201,093), Outbound (109,122)
Sources: Chmura Economics JobsEQ Q3, U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, 2023 Inflow/Outflow Analysis for Primary Jobs, Pennsylvania Center for Workforce Information & Analysis, November 2025, seasonally adjusted.
Why it’s important
“The area offers a diverse and highly skilled talent pool, and its location enables us to efficiently support customers nationwide. When we considered expanding, choosing another Valley location was an obvious choice.”
- John Daly, Myers Emergency & Power Systems CEO
No. 1 Mid-sized Market
Companies continue to move and expand to the region because of its location and talented workforce. Site Selection magazine, an authority on corporate real estate and economic development, ranked Lehigh Valley as the top mid-sized market in the nation for economic development.
Diving into the Data
- #1 in the U.S. among mid-sized markets for new economic development projects in 2025.
- #5 in the Northeast overall, outperforming many much larger regions, in 2025.
- Ranked in the Top 10 mid-sized markets for a decade.
Source: Site Selection magazine
“This year's number one rank was driven by investment from a diversity of companies, from large global brands to family-owned legacies from life sciences, food and beverage production, and advanced manufacturing.”
- Steve Hoff, LVEDC Board Chair and Crayola Executive Vice President & CFO
Income is Up, Poverty Rate is Down
As the economy has grown, so has the number of jobs – good-paying jobs. With employment at Lehigh Valley companies at a historic high, median household income is up and poverty is down in the Lehigh Valley.
Diving into the Data:
- Median household income: $84,260. It has grown by $15,000 in five years and has outpaced inflation. It’s also higher than both the U.S. and Pennsylvania.
- Average hourly wage: nearly $29.93.
- Poverty rate is 10.3%, steadily decreasing and below the U.S. average.
- The number of jobs at Lehigh Valley employers is at a new high, 343,975.
Sources: American Community Survey, 2024 Five-year estimates; Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2024, Chmura Economics JobsEQ Q3 2025.
Why it’s important
“The most important metrics, however, are what it means for our people.”
- Don Cunningham, President & CEO, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation
(Photos by Rick Kintzel and City Center Group)