Employment and Population Projections

The Lehigh Valley is a fast-growing region in eastern Pennsylvania that covers 726 square miles in Lehigh and Northampton counties. The two-county area consists of the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, 27 boroughs and 32 townships. More than 708,000 people call the region home.  

Attracted by a variety of landscapes, open space, recreation and a strong job market, an increasingly diverse population is expected to grow by more than 4,500 people a year. According to an demographic and economic analysis, performed by the LVPC in partnership with the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, Lehigh and Northampton counties will add nearly 100,000 people by 2050 – an increase of nearly 19% - fueled by migration, employment opportunities and a quality of life that’s made it a place where people and businesses want to be. During that time, the Region will become more diverse as Hispanics remain the Lehigh Valley’s fastest-growing population and minority groups become roughly 43% of the total population.

Employment will grow even faster than the population, adding more than 80,000 jobs by 2050 – an increase of nearly 25% -- with healthcare, manufacturing and transportation/warehousing leading the way. However, the “Baby Boomer” generation 

exiting the job market will likely mean a struggle for businesses filling jobs in the Region 

in the long-term.

The full Employment and Population Projections are below: