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Population growth spurs economic growth
Cris Collingwood//July 18, 2023//
Listen to this articleLehigh Valley ranked among the top regions in the United States for attracting newcomers during the pandemic, which Don Cunningham, president and CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC) said helps the economy grow.
According to the Census Bureau, from April 2020 to July 2022, Lehigh County was among the top 4% in the country for international migration, with a net gain of 2,584 people moving here from other nations.
Northampton County was among the top 4% in the country for domestic migration, with a net gain of 6,941 people moving here from other states and from elsewhere in Pennsylvania.
LVEDC said the data follows historical patterns.
The migration increased the population in the Lehigh Valley to more than 694,800 people. Lehigh and Northampton counties were among two of the 27 counties in Pennsylvania that grew during that period, LVEDC said.
The Lehigh Valley grew by 1.06% while the statewide population decreased slightly.
“Today, economic growth is about population growth,” said Don Cunningham, president and CEO at LVEDC. “And population growth is about a region’s quality of life. The Lehigh Valley is growing in both population and jobs because it is a desirable location. Both people and businesses want places that are safe, have good education and health care, and the amenities attractive to a diverse population.”
Three of the top five Pennsylvania municipalities with the largest population growth were in the Lehigh Valley, according to the Census Bureau data. Easton ranked first, growing by 2,215 people. Bethlehem was third, adding 1,822 people, and Upper Macungie Township was fifth, adding 1,502 people.
