Lehigh Valley’s population has now surged past 708,000, demonstrating the region’s economic growth and its reputation as an exceptional place to live and work. 
A recent analysis of Census data by Frank Alvarado, Director of Research and Data Management at Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) shows that Lehigh and Northampton counties now rank in the top 8% of all U.S. counties for growth.
The surge is being driven by a combination of quality of life, career opportunities, and an expanding, diversified $55.7 billion economy supporting historic high employment.
Here are three data points that explain the backstory to the Lehigh Valley’s growth.
Location: Lehigh Valley is Part of Pennsylvania’s Growth Hotspot
Located near populous cities like New York City and Philadelphia, which lost population during the pandemic, much of eastern Pennsylvania stands out for its population growth since 2020. The Lehigh Valley, with its growing economy and job opportunities, added more than most.
With a total gain of 21,341 people, Northampton and Lehigh counties are among the eight counties in Pennsylvania that added more than 10,000 people.
The Migration Boom
The Lehigh Valley’s growth is driven by people who are moving here, a more pronounced trend of what Pennsylvania is experiencing.
A net of nearly 17,000 people have migrated to the Lehigh Valley from international locations since 2020, and another 6,800 have moved from other U.S. counties.
Lehigh County ranks within the top 5% of all U.S. counties for net international migration, and Northampton in the top 5% for domestic migration.
The increase in migration means the Lehigh Valley’s population is growing despite 2,500 more deaths than births in that time. This trend is not unique to the Lehigh Valley. About 72% of all counties in the nation followed the same trend.
The Lehigh Valley’s performance of attracting newcomers makes it well positioned to compete in today’s economy, which hinges on employers finding skilled professionals.
Young Adults Play an Outsized Role in Lehigh Valley’s Growth
The Lehigh Valley is drawing young people in numbers that few regions can match. Since 2020, the population of residents between ages 18 and 34 has grown by nearly 9,000, placing Lehigh and Northampton counties in the top 10% of U.S. counties for growth in that age range.
In the entire Northeast, Northampton County is the eighth fastest growing county and Lehigh the 25th.
(Top photo by Donna Fisher. Bottom photo by Rick Kintzel)