The Lehigh Valley is among the fastest-growing regions of the Northeast, attracting a net of 11,000 newcomers to the eastern Pennsylvania region since 2020 in a time when the populations of nearby cities are in decline, new Census data shows.
The population of the Lehigh Valley, defined as Lehigh and Northampton counties, climbed to 696,845 in 2023. Bethlehem, Easton, and Upper Macungie Townships ranked among the fastest-growing municipalities in Pennsylvania over that time.
Don Cunningham, President and CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC), said population growth is key to the Lehigh Valley ranking as the No. 1 mid-sized market in the country in 2023 for the number of economic development projects. Companies need a talented workforce to grow and thrive, he said. 
“A growing population, particularly of young people, is the most critical component to retain and grow companies and to attract new ones,” he said.
The population expansion stands out among the entire Northeast region. Of the 218 counties from Pennsylvania to Maine, Northampton County ranks 12th in population growth since 2020, putting it in the top 5.5%. Lehigh County ranks 26th, putting it in the top 12%.
The two counties are among the 10-fastest growing counties in Pennsylvania since 2020. Over that time, 23 of the state’s 67 counties have gained population.
Bethlehem added more than 2,300 new residents, the most of any of the state's large municipalities (those with more than 2,500 people). Upper Macungie Township added more than 2,100 people, ranking fourth. Easton added more than 1,400 people, ranking ninth.
The growth is due to migration. Since 2020, Lehigh County ranks in the top 5% of all counties in the nation for the net number of people moving there from international locations. Northampton County was in the top 5% of for people moving there from other U.S. counties.
Why are people drawn to the Lehigh Valley?
Jobs
The growing economy, which has a Gross Domestic Product of more than $50 billion, is creating employment opportunities for people of all skill and education levels. The Lehigh Valley is home to more than 15,000 companies that offer more than 338,000 jobs.
In the last five years, 11,600 new jobs were created in the region.
That job growth is creating opportunities for families. As the economy has expanded, median household has risen, exceeding the state and national medians. And poverty levels have decreased, to less than the state and national rates.
Manufacturing drives the Lehigh Valley’s economy. It represents 16% of the GDP, outpacing the nation where manufacturing represents 12% of the economy. More than 700 Lehigh Valley manufacturers employ about 37,000 workers who make life-saving medical devices, technological components such as semiconductors, food and beverages, vehicles, and consumer goods, among other things.
“We are good at making things. We always have been,” Cunningham said. “While some places that drove the 20th century industrial economy remain in decline, the Lehigh Valley has had steady growth in manufacturing jobs as existing companies expanded and new ones come because of our location, skilled workforce, and population.”
“But it’s not just about manufacturing,” he said. “The Lehigh Valley economy is balanced with job opportunities across sectors – ranging from the lab to the professional office to the shop floor.”
Other leading economic drivers include finance, insurance, and real estate; education, health care, and social assistance; and professional and business services.
Quality of Life
The Lehigh Valley is a place where you can bike the stunning trails in the day and still have enough time for a night on the town. From aged steaks and fine wine to axe-throwing and microbrews, the Lehigh Valley offers eclectic experiences in a region prized for its scenic outdoors, history, arts scene, sports arenas, and theaters. The region is home to 11 colleges and universities, highly regarded public schools, and top-rated healthcare systems.
Realtor.com has ranked Lehigh Valley ZIP codes among the nation’s hottest three years in a row, the most recent being 18064 in the Nazareth area in 2023.
Bethlehem was named among the Top 100 Best Places to Live in 2023 by Livability. com, a website that ranks America’s most livable mid-sized cities.