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 April 2023, Cumberland Valley's seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was the second lowest in the state – 2.8% percent versus a statewide rate of 4.1%. 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 2022, the top 50 employers in Cumberland Valley included businesses such as Amazon, Giant Foods, the state and federal government, United Parcel Service, Walmart, Exel, and Holy Spirit Hospital.
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 data 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:
- From 2020 to 2021, the GDP of Cumberland County increased by 5.1%, from $14.7B to $15.5B.
- 2021 Median Household Income was $77,001, the highest among the 6 surrounding counties
- 2022 Labor Force was 135,100
- 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.