Three of Pa.’s fastest-growing counties are in the midstate
Three of the commonwealth’s fastest-growing counties are in the midstate. (Graphic courtesy: Pennsylvania State Data Center)
(Harrisburg) — Three midstate counties are among the fastest-growing in the state, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Last year, Cumberland County continued its streak as Pennsylvania’s fastest growing county–increasing its population by nearly seven percent since 2010. Census estimates show the county has benefitted from people moving into the area.
Lebanon County edged out Centre and Lehigh counties in 2018 to become the state’s second-fastest growing.
Lancaster County ranks fifth by percentage of growth. It’s also third when looking at the number of people added, coming in behind Philadelphia and Montgomery counties.
Lancaster ranked high in “natural” population gain, meaning more people were born there than passed away.
While most midstate counties experienced at least some growth last year, a few saw losses.
Schuylkill County had one of the largest decreases since 2010, losing about 6,000 people.