LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. – Bethlehem ranked second in the state for population growth over the last few years, and two other towns in our area are not far behind.
From 2020 to 2025, Bethlehem ranked second for population growth (3,856), Upper Macungie Township ranked third (3,237), and Easton ranked seventh (2,296) out of 2,560 municipalities, according to the most recent U.S. Census data.
Collectively, Lehigh Valley has added 21,000 people since 2020, a 3.1% increase, the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation said in a news release.
The LVEDC says that’s on par with the nation and nearly eight times as fast as population growth statewide.
85% of the Valley’s municipalities added people over the past five years, including Allentown, the LVEDC said.
Both Lehigh and Northampton counties rank in the Top 10% of all U.S. counties for population growth among 18-34-year-olds, according to the LVEDC. Northampton ranks first in Pennsylvania. Lehigh is seventh.
The region’s population growth is driven by migration, people moving here from elsewhere in the U.S. and from other countries. Read more about the region’s population growth here.
The LVEDC says the influx of people is helping fuel the region’s $57.3 billion economy.
“Workforce and the talent of a region’s population are the most critical assets to both retaining exiting companies and recruiting new ones,” said Don Cunningham, President & CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation.
“The growth of the Lehigh Valley’s population, particularly that of young people, is the foundation of why the market continues to outrank other regions of our size or larger in economic development.”