Working in Cumberland Valley

Cumberland Valley thrives from more than 6,000 businesses that employ approximately 133,000 people. An average travel time to work of 22.7 minutes (2020 Census) means shorter commuter times and reduced monthly expenses for gas.

According to the PA Center for Workforce Information & Analysis, in June 2022, Cumberland Valley's seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was the lowest in the state  – 3.0% percent versus a statewide rate of 4.5%. This positive employment climate is partly due to major employers such as the state and federal government, healthcare, primary/secondary/higher education, retail, transportation and warehousing that are located, and in many cases headquartered, within Cumberland Valley.

At the end of 2021, the top 50 employers in Cumberland Valley included businesses such as Giant Foods, United Parcel Service, Dickinson College, Highmark, Chewy, Deloitte Consulting, Old Dominion Freight Line, Foot Locker, Gannett Fleming, and ThredUp.

Veterans

In the heart of Cumberland Valley, Carlisle Barracks was established in 1757 and is the second oldest Army post in the United States. It is now home to the prestigious U.S. Army War College. The number of veterans who make Cumberland Valley home reflects this rich heritage. According to the PA Center for Workforce Information & Analysis, 2020 census date indicates that almost 18,000 veterans live in Cumberland Valley. Their average median income is $50,205, and their unemployment rate is 1.4%.

Facts & Figures

According to the National Association of Counties:

  • 2019 GDP was $14.5 B
  • In 2019, the top three industries for economic output were Professional & Business Services, Government & Government Enterprises, and Educational Services, Healthcare & Social Assistance
  • 2020 Median Household Income was $72,000 (7th highest in the state)
  • 2021 Labor Force was 132,600
  • 2010 to 2020 Population Change: 10.22%

In  May 2021, the PA Center for Workforce Information & Analysis reported the following average annual wages across all occupations in Cumberland Valley:

  • Average annual wage: $53,660
  • Median annual wage: $43,630
  • Entry annual wage: $26,510
  • Experienced annual wage: $67,230

Click here to see more additional wage information broken out by occupational title.