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 22.1 minutes (U.S. Census) means shorter commuter times and reduced monthly expenses for gas.

According to the PA Center for Workforce Information & Analysis, in December 2024, Cumberland Valley's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.1% versus a statewide rate of 3.6%, making it the 6th lowest in the state. 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 Q2 2024, the top 50 employers in Cumberland Valley included businesses such as Amazon, Giant Foods, the state and federal government, Walmart, Exel, UPMC Pinnacle, Carlisle Construction Materials, and Holy Spirit Hospital.

Veterans

In the heart of Cumberland Valley, Carlisle Barracks, established in 1757, 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, in 2023 (U.S. Census 5-Year Estimate Data), almost 18,000 veterans live in Cumberland Valley. Their average median income is $60,436, and their unemployment rate is 2.5%.

Facts & Figures

According to the National Association of Counties:

  • From 2020 to 2022, the GDP of Cumberland County increased by 7.5%, from $16.1B to $17.3B.
  • 2022 Median Household Income was $82,849, 11.1% above the national median
  • 2022 Labor Force was 135,100
  • 2010 to 2020 Population Change: 10.22%

In  May 2022, the PA Center for Workforce Information & Analysis reported the following average annual wages across all occupations in Cumberland Valley:

  • Average annual wage: $56,840
  • Median annual wage: $45,220
  • Entry annual wage: $29,090
  • Experienced annual wage: $70.710

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