Sign In
Upcoming Event
Free Newsletter
Lehigh Valley ranks number one mid-sized market for economic development in 2025
Stacy Wescoe//March 6, 2026
Don Cunningham
Lehigh Valley ranks number one mid-sized market for economic development in 2025
Stacy Wescoe//March 6, 2026//
The Lehigh Valley has been ranked as the number one mid-sized market in the United States for economic development according to Site Selection Magazine‘s annual rankings of the country’s 350 metropolitan areas and 50 states.
The rankings recognize economic development and growth by the corporate real estate, site selection, and economic development profession.
Lehigh Valley has ranked in the top 10 of mid-sized markets, defined as regions with a population of 200,000 to 1 million, for the last decade. In 2024, Lehigh Valley was third.
“The Lehigh Valley is no stranger to being in the top tier of economic development in the U.S. but now we can shout, ‘we’re number one’ in the prestigious Governor’s Cup Awards,” said Don Cunningham, president & CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC). “While the ranking is great for having the Lehigh Valley recognized across the country, what matters are the jobs and economic opportunity being created for our residents here.”
Site Selection recognized 49 Lehigh Valley projects in 2025 for the ranking. The magazine compiles and compares projects either completed or announced of at least 20,000 square feet, an investment of at least $1 million, or the creation of at least 20 new jobs.
Cunningham noted that the Lehigh Valley’s Gross Domestic Product now exceeds $57 billion, reflecting what he called the strength of a balanced, diversified economy led by manufacturing and supported by growth across multiple industries.
