South Central Pennsylvania
Economy Overview

Adams County

Cumberland County

Dauphin County

Franklin County

Juniata County

Lebanon County

Perry County

York County

TAKEAWAYS 

• As of 2024, the region’s population has increased by 4.3% since 2019, growing by 62,857. Population is expected to increase by 3.4% between 2024 and 2029, adding 51,413.
• From 2019 to 2024, jobs increased by 0.3% in South Central Pennsylvania (SCPa Works) region from 736,922 to 738,772. This change fell short of the national growth rate of 3.9% by 3.6%. As the number of jobs increased, the labor force participation rate decreased from 66.4% to 63.4% between 2019 and 2024.
• Concerning educational attainment, 18.4% of the selected regions’ residents possess a Bachelor’s Degree (3.0% below the national average), and 9.2% hold an Associate’s Degree (0.2% above the national average).
• The top three industries in 2024 are Restaurants and Other Eating Places, Warehousing and Storage, and Education and Hospitals (Local Government).

Unemployment Demographics

Unemployment Rate Trends

Population Trends

Job Trends

Labor Force Participation Rate Trends

Industry

Business Characteristics

Workforce Occupations

Educational Pipeline

In-Demand Skills

Data contained here is provided to you by Lightcast. 

Updated 9/2025