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About Lehigh County
The Heart of the Lehigh Valley
Lehigh County anchors Pennsylvania's third-largest metropolitan area, where 375,000 residents and over 8,400 businesses create a powerful economic engine between Philadelphia and New York. This is where Allentown's urban renaissance meets Emmaus's small-town charm, where world-class healthcare facilities neighbor centuries-old covered bridges, and where Mack Trucks shares the landscape with organic farms and award-winning breweries.
A Legacy of Innovation and Industry
Allentown, our county seat and Pennsylvania's third-largest city, embodies American industrial evolution. Once the cement capital that literally built America's skylines, today's Allentown pulses with healthcare innovation, financial services, and a thriving arts district centered around the PPL Center. The city's 4,200 businesses range from Fortune 500 headquarters to immigrant-owned restaurants transforming the 7th Street corridor.
Beyond Allentown, communities like Bethlehem (partially in Lehigh), Emmaus, and Macungie offer distinct business environments. The Route 100 corridor buzzes with retail and restaurants, while the I-78/Route 22 junction has become a logistics powerhouse. Head west into the countryside and you'll find working farms, antique shops, and businesses that have served Pennsylvania Dutch communities for generations.
Why Businesses Choose Lehigh County
The economics are compelling: Lehigh County offers metropolitan amenities with manageable costs. Commercial space runs 40% less than Philadelphia and 60% less than New York metro areas. Our workforce of 190,000 combines manufacturing expertise with modern skills from Lehigh University, Muhlenberg College, and Cedar Crest College.
Major employers like Lehigh Valley Health Network, Air Products, and PPL Corporation provide stability, while the Allentown NIZ (Neighborhood Improvement Zone) offers unprecedented tax advantages for businesses. The county's strategic location and educated workforce continue attracting companies from startups to Fortune 500s.
Life in Lehigh County
This is the Lehigh Valley at its finest - sophisticated yet approachable, historic yet forward-thinking. The Allentown Art Museum houses world-class collections. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom thrills families. The D&L Trail follows the historic canal through charming towns. Coca-Cola Park hosts the IronPigs, while local farms host everything from sunflower festivals to wine tastings.
Residents enjoy excellent schools, diverse neighborhoods, and housing that's actually attainable. From Allentown's revitalized downtown lofts to Macungie's suburban developments to Lower Macungie's rural properties, there's something for every lifestyle and budget.
Your Strategic Northeast Location
Location is everything, and Lehigh County excels. Philadelphia sits 60 miles south. New York City is 90 miles east. Harrisburg is 80 miles west. The Pocono Mountains are 40 miles north. This positioning means businesses can efficiently serve the entire Northeast corridor's 60 million consumers.
Transportation infrastructure supports this advantage: I-78 provides direct east-west access, Route 22 parallels as a commercial corridor, I-476 (Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension) connects north-south, and Route 309 links to Montgomery County. Lehigh Valley International Airport adds global connectivity right in our backyard.
Connect with Lehigh County Businesses
Whether you're seeking professional services, exploring dining options, finding healthcare providers, or scouting business opportunities, our directory connects you with Lehigh County's diverse business community. From Allentown's urban core to the farmlands of Weisenberg Township, from major medical centers to family-owned shops, discover what makes Lehigh County an exceptional place to do business.
Lehigh County Demographics & Statistics
Population Statistics (2023)
Total Population
375,408
Median Age
39.3 years
Population Density
19 communities
Lehigh County Economic Overview
Median Household Income
$77,493
Poverty Rate
11.9%
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
Lehigh County Housing Market
Median Home Value
$276,100
Median Rent
$1,326/mo
Owner Occupied
65%
Lehigh County Education Attainment (Adults 25+)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lehigh County
What is the population of Lehigh County?
As of 2023, Lehigh County has a population of approximately 375,408 residents, making it the 3rd most populous county in Pennsylvania. The population has grown 8% since 2010, with the highest concentration in Allentown and the rapidly developing Lower Macungie Township.
What are the major cities and towns in Lehigh County?
The largest city is Allentown (county seat) with 125,845 residents, followed by Bethlehem (partially in Lehigh), Emmaus, Macungie, Coopersburg, and Coplay. The county comprises 25 municipalities with over 8,400 businesses distributed across urban centers, suburban townships, and rural communities.
How do I start a business in Lehigh County?
Starting a business requires registering with the PA Department of State, obtaining an EIN from the IRS, and securing local permits through your municipality. Allentown requires a business privilege license, while townships have varying requirements. The Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and Lehigh Valley SCORE offer free counseling and resources for new businesses.
What are the major employers in Lehigh County?
The largest employers include Lehigh Valley Health Network (20,000+ employees), Air Products (3,000+ employees), PPL Corporation, Amazon fulfillment centers, Mack Trucks, B. Braun Medical, and St. Luke's University Health Network. The county has over 8,400 businesses with strong healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.
What is the average commercial rent in Lehigh County?
Commercial rental rates vary: downtown Allentown office space averages $14-20/sq ft (with NIZ incentives potentially reducing costs), suburban retail spaces run $18-30/sq ft, and warehouse space along Route 22 costs $7-12/sq ft. These rates are 40% lower than Philadelphia and 60% less than New York metro areas.
What business incentives are available in Lehigh County?
The Allentown NIZ offers state and local tax forgiveness for qualifying businesses, LERTA provides tax abatements, Keystone Innovation Zones support tech companies, and various state grants are available. The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation helps businesses access federal, state, and local incentive programs.
How far is Lehigh County from major cities?
Allentown is strategically located 60 miles from Philadelphia (1.25 hours), 90 miles from NYC (1.75 hours), 80 miles from Harrisburg (1.5 hours), and 100 miles from Baltimore (2 hours). This provides access to 60+ million consumers within a 3-hour drive, ideal for business distribution and customer reach.
What highways run through Lehigh County?
Major highways include I-78 (east-west connecting NJ to Harrisburg), I-476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension), US Route 22 (MacArthur Road commercial corridor), and Route 309 (north-south). These provide excellent logistics access and support the county's thriving transportation and warehousing sector.
What is the workforce like in Lehigh County?
Lehigh County has a labor force of approximately 190,000 workers with 30.5% holding bachelor's degrees or higher. The median age is 40.8 years, providing experienced workers. Lehigh University, Muhlenberg College, Cedar Crest College, and LCCC support workforce development for the county's diverse business sectors.
What languages are spoken in Lehigh County?
While English predominates, approximately 25% of Allentown's population speaks Spanish at home, creating opportunities for bilingual businesses. The county also has significant Arabic, Chinese, and Pennsylvania Dutch speaking communities. Many businesses, especially in healthcare and retail, offer multilingual services.
Is Lehigh County good for manufacturing businesses?
Yes, Lehigh County has a strong manufacturing heritage with 25,000+ manufacturing jobs across 450+ manufacturing businesses. The skilled workforce, lower costs than major metros, proximity to markets, and excellent highway access make it ideal for manufacturing. Major manufacturers include Mack Trucks, B. Braun, and Olympus Corporation.
What is the Allentown NIZ and how does it benefit businesses?
The Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) is a 128-acre district in downtown Allentown where qualifying businesses can use state and local taxes to pay for development costs. This unique incentive has attracted over $1 billion in investment, making it one of the most advantageous business zones in Pennsylvania.
How is the healthcare sector in Lehigh County?
Healthcare is the largest employment sector with Lehigh Valley Health Network as the region's biggest employer. The county has 1,500+ health-related businesses including major hospitals, specialty clinics, and medical device manufacturers. This creates opportunities for medical suppliers, biotech companies, and health services businesses.
Where are the main commercial districts in Lehigh County?
Key commercial areas include downtown Allentown (NIZ district), Hamilton Street corridor, Cedar Crest Boulevard (retail/medical), Route 22/MacArthur Road (shopping), Lehigh Valley Mall area (Whitehall), and the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. These districts host the majority of the county's 1,200+ retail businesses.
What is the sales tax in Lehigh County?
Pennsylvania's 6% sales tax applies throughout Lehigh County with no additional local sales tax. Clothing, unprepared food, and manufacturing equipment are tax-exempt. This competitive rate benefits businesses compared to neighboring New Jersey (6.625%) and New York (8%+).
Is Lehigh County growing?
Yes, Lehigh County shows consistent growth with an 8% population increase since 2010. Major developments include the continued Allentown waterfront transformation, multiple data centers, warehouse expansions along I-78, and new mixed-use developments. Lower Macungie Township is among Pennsylvania's fastest-growing municipalities.
What is the cost of living in Lehigh County?
Lehigh County offers competitive living costs with median home values at $276,100 and median household income at $77,493. The overall cost of living is 3% below the national average and 25-35% lower than Philadelphia and New York metros, helping businesses attract and retain talent.
Does Lehigh County have public transportation?
LANTA (Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority) operates 26 bus routes connecting major employment centers, shopping areas, and residential neighborhoods. The county is 90 minutes from Philadelphia's 30th Street Station via bus connections and 2 hours from NYC via trans-bridge bus lines.
What permits do I need to open a restaurant in Lehigh County?
Restaurants need a PA business license, EIN, local business permit, health permit from Lehigh County Health Bureau or PA Department of Agriculture, liquor license (if applicable) from PLCB, and fire safety inspection. Allentown has additional requirements. The process typically takes 2-4 months. The county has over 800 food service establishments.
How do Lehigh County property taxes compare to surrounding counties?
Lehigh County's average effective property tax rate is 1.67%, higher than Berks (1.54%) and Northampton (1.56%) but lower than Monroe (1.89%). Combined with strong services and schools, this makes Lehigh attractive for businesses and residents seeking value in the Lehigh Valley.
Are there co-working spaces in Lehigh County?
Yes, Lehigh County has several co-working options including Velocity in downtown Allentown, Box Seats at Coca-Cola Park, Serendipity Labs, and spaces at Ben Franklin TechVentures. These serve the county's growing startup ecosystem and remote workforce, with rates ranging from $150-500/month.
What banks offer small business loans in Lehigh County?
Major lenders include Embassy Bank, BB&T (Truist), Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, and local credit unions like PSECU. The county's 600+ financial services businesses offer various loan products. The Lehigh Valley SBDC provides free assistance with loan applications and business planning.
What are the fastest-growing business sectors in Lehigh County?
Healthcare services, warehousing/logistics (driven by I-78 access), professional services, and technology companies show strong growth. The food and beverage manufacturing sector is expanding with craft breweries and specialty foods. Downtown Allentown's NIZ continues attracting office and mixed-use development.
Can I operate a home-based business in Lehigh County?
Yes, most Lehigh County municipalities allow home-based businesses with proper permits. Requirements vary but typically limit customer visits, signage, employees, and commercial vehicles. Check with your specific municipality among the county's 25 communities for local zoning regulations and permit requirements.
What makes Lehigh Valley International Airport important for businesses?
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) provides direct flights to 13 destinations, handles significant cargo operations, and offers convenient business travel without Philadelphia or Newark hassles. Located in Hanover Township, it's a major asset for the county's international businesses and supports the region's global commerce connections.