• Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation
  • Serving Cumberland County
  • Pennsylvania’s destination for business and leisure

Cumberland Valley Communities

Cumberland Valley offers a  strategic location, a mix of industries, a thriving economy, and a high quality of life. U.S. Census Data indicates that Cumberland County is the fastest growing county in the state, with a 10.2% increase in population between 2010 and 2020.  The county has also been ranked as the number one county to live in. A list of additional accolades attests to the region’s popularity.

Location

Cumberland County’s proximity to major East Coast markets and regional seaports plus its access to multiple air, rail, and highway systems accelerate connections between businesses, suppliers, and customers.

The County, located within the Cumberland Valley region of South Central Pennsylvania, offers easy access to Interstate 81, I-83, I-76, and US 11/15. Cumberland Valley is also within a two-to-three hour drive of every major city on the Northeast Corridor, including New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Baltimore. The close proximity to the state capital of Harrisburg offers many nearby amenities, including the transportation hubs of the Harrisburg International Airport and Amtrak.

The Economy

Cumberland Valley, which encompasses Cumberland County and the surrounding area, thrives from the approximately 6,000 businesses that employ about 116,000 people.

Cumberland County’s unemployment rate continues to be one of the lowest in the state. This positive employment climate is partly due to major employers in the government, healthcare, retail, transportation, and warehousing industries that are located, and in many cases headquartered, within Cumberland Valley. View Cumberland County’s up-to-date Labor force reports.

On average, it is 75% more expensive to live in a city like New York than in Cumberland Valley. Also, according to the PA Department of Labor & Industry, the cost of living in the south-central PA region is almost 5% below the national average.

According to the National Association of Counties:

  • 2019 GDP was $14.47 B
  • In 2019, the top three industries for economic output were Professional & Business Services, Government & Government Enterprises, and Educational Services, Healthcare & Social Assistance
  • 2019 Median Household Income was $71,269
  • 2020 Labor Force was 130,651
  • 2010 to 2020 Population Change: 10.22%

View the most recent information about Cumberland County from the National Association of Counties.

AAA Bond Rating

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services assigned its “AAA” long-term rating, with a stable outlook, to Cumberland County, PA. Cumberland County has been “AAA” rated since 2008 and is one of only four Pennsylvania counties that receive the highest rating.

The AAA rating reflects the following factors for the county:

  • A strong economy and a diverse employment base that continues to expand
  • Very strong budgetary flexibility
  • Adequate budgetary performance
  • Very strong cash levels to cover both debt service and expenditures
  • Very strong management with strong financial policies that are likely sustainable
  • Very strong debt and contingent liabilities position and low overall debt

CUMBERLAND VALLEY TOWNS

Colonel Denning-2

The county consists of 33 townships and boroughs. Together these municipalities combine the best of rural landscapes and thriving downtowns to create an abundance of business opportunities plus a collection of outdoor recreation, military history, renowned events, and an eclectic mix of shopping and dining that attest to the region’s quality of life. Explore each community below. Visit the PA Site Selector tool and click on communities for detailed data and demographics.

BOILING SPRINGS

Boy looking at Children's Lake in Boiling Springs

Located in South Middleton Township, Boiling Springs is a designated Appalachian Trail Community. It is home to Allenberry Resort, fly-fishing, historic buildings, and scenic Children’s Lake. Learn more.

CAMP HILL

Downtown Camp Hill PA

Located only two miles from the state capital, downtown Camp Hill is lined with restaurants, shops, spas, and salons, with nearby parks and Civil War sites. Learn more.

CARLISLE

The Old Courthouse in downtown Carlisle, PA

Carlisle is the county seat. The charming town has a rich history and features numerous local shops and restaurants along its tree-lined streets. It is home to Dickinson College and was recently voted #4 in USA Today’s 10 Best Historic Small Towns. Forbes ranked Carlisle as one of the cheapest cities to live in and the second-best place to raise a family in the nation. Learn more.

ENOLA

Adams Ricci Park in Enola PA

Enola, bordering the Susquehanna River on the northern edge of the County, developed with the building of rail lines through the area. It is a quintessential small town with several local businesses and outdoor opportunities, including the popular Adams-Ricci Community Park. Learn more.

LEMOYNE

West Shore Farmers Market in Lemoyne, PA

Lemoyne is located at the crossroads of Interstate 83 and U.S. Routes 11/15. Just a short driving distance to the state capital, Lemoyne is home to the West Shore Farmers Market and Negley Park, which offers a beautiful view of the Harrisburg skyline. Learn more.

MECHANICSBURG

Downtown Mechanicsburg PA

Mechanicsburg is home to many historic sites and a unique collection of local shops. Just outside of downtown, residents and visitors will find big box shopping, dining, and other amenities along the Carlisle Pike. Recent store openings include REI and Trader Joe’s. The town is also home to the Naval Support Activity, Mechanicsburg. Learn more.

MOUNT HOLLY SPRINGS

Aerial view of Mt. Holly Springs PA

The 913-acre Mt. Holly Marsh Preserve is just one of the many outdoor recreational facilities easily accessed from Mt. Holly Springs. As with many communities within the Cumberland Valley, Mt. Holly is also rich in history. Learn more.

NEW CUMBERLAND

Downtown New Cumberland PA

New Cumberland caps the southern border of the County along the Susquehanna River and is home to the DLA Distribution Susquehanna. The downtown features a collection of local shops and restaurants. The recently restored West Shore Theatre anchors the downtown and serves as a cinema house and performing arts venue. Learn more.

NEWBURG

Covered Bridge in Newburg PA

The small community of Newburg is located between Newville and Shippensburg. The borough and township are mostly rural, with a focus on agriculture.

NEWVILLE

Fountain in Newville PA

Newville is home to the second largest freshwater spring stream in the country, the Big Spring. As one of the trailheads of the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, this rural community offers lovely scenic vistas and outdoor recreation opportunities, including Colonel Denning State Park. Learn more.

SHIPPENSBURG

Downtown Shippensburg PA

The oldest community in the Cumberland Valley, Shippensburg sits on the western border of the County. The town is home to Shippensburg University, one of the 14 universities in the State System of Higher Education. Residents and visitors enjoy various year-round performances at the Luhrs Performing Arts Center on campus. The Cumberland Valley Railroad Museum now serves as a focal point at the Shippensburg Station trailhead of the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail (CVRT) and provides visitors with an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about CVRT’s heritage. Learn more.

WORMLEYSBURG

Girlfriends hanging out on a deck overlooking the Susquehanna River in Wormleysburg

If you are looking for a place to relax along the Susquehanna River, Wormleysburg’s restaurants offer the greatest view in the Valley. Wormleysburg is also home to several businesses and also offers housing options overlooking the river. Learn more.

 

ACCOLADES

CUMBERLAND VALLEY SUCCESSES

Cumberland Valley has received many accolades and awards throughout the years. View our community’s successes below and click the links for additional details.

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