Find local businesses in Northampton County, PA.
Browse 21+ businesses across 9 communities in Northampton County. Find reviews, hours, contact info, and discover local services, restaurants, and shops.
Popular Categories
Featured businesses in Northampton County
Be the first featured business in Northampton County!
Get FeaturedOwn a business in Northampton County?
Get your business found by local customers across Northampton County. List your business for free and start connecting with customers in your community.
- Local Businesses
- 21+
- Communities
- 9
- Cost to list
- Free
- Support local
- ✓ Yes!
Discover Things to Do in Northampton County
Explore top restaurants, attractions, entertainment, and outdoor activities
Browse Northampton County Businesses by City
Explore businesses in Northampton County's cities and towns
Browse Northampton County Businesses by Category
Find businesses by type across Northampton County
About Northampton County
The Heart of the Lehigh Valley
Northampton County anchors the eastern edge of Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, where the Delaware River carves the state border and 316,000 residents build communities that honor the past while embracing the future. This is where colonial-era Bethlehem's Moravian heritage meets cutting-edge medical research, where Easton's revitalized downtown buzzes with new restaurants, and where the Slate Belt's quarries still supply America's roofing materials.
A Dynamic Business Landscape
Bethlehem tells a uniquely American story of transformation. The massive SteelStacks, once part of Bethlehem Steel's blast furnaces, now host concerts and festivals while the former steel site houses Wind Creek Casino, attracting 9 million visitors annually. Downtown Bethlehem's historic district draws tourists year-round, supporting 400+ small businesses along Main Street's 18th-century architecture.
Easton, our county seat at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh rivers, has reinvented itself as an arts and culture hub. The Crayola Experience brings families downtown, while Lafayette College drives innovation and young talent. Head north into the Slate Belt communities of Bangor and Pen Argyl, and you'll find businesses that have quarried and processed slate for over 150 years, alongside new logistics operations capitalizing on Route 80's cross-country corridor.
Strategic Advantages for Business
The numbers tell the story: Northampton County offers Philadelphia and New York access without metropolitan costs. Commercial space runs 40-60% less than those markets. Our workforce of 160,000 combines traditional manufacturing expertise with modern healthcare and technology skills, educated by Lehigh University, Lafayette College, Moravian University, and Northampton Community College.
The county's strategic position along Interstate 78 and Route 80 makes it a logistics powerhouse. Major distribution centers for companies like FedEx and Home Depot leverage our location to reach 100 million consumers within a day's drive. Meanwhile, St. Luke's University Health Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network continue expanding, creating thousands of healthcare jobs.
Quality of Life That Attracts Talent
This is genuine Pennsylvania living - where you can walk cobblestone streets in Historic Bethlehem (a National Historic Landmark), hike the Appalachian Trail along our northern border, or tube down the Delaware River in summer. The county offers 15 parks covering 1,800 acres, from Louise Moore Park's swimming complex to Jacobsburg's environmental education center.
Families appreciate our strong school districts, particularly in Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Saucon Valley. Housing remains attainable despite appreciation - you can still buy a quality home for under $300,000. And culturally, we're rich: Musikfest brings 1 million visitors each August, the State Theatre hosts Broadway shows, and ArtsQuest programs engage thousands of students annually.
Your Gateway Location
Location drives opportunity in Northampton County. Philadelphia sits 60 miles south. New York City is just 75 miles east. Allentown borders us immediately west. The Poconos begin at our northern edge. This positioning means businesses can efficiently serve the entire Northeast Corridor while enjoying lower operational costs.
Transportation infrastructure supports this advantage: Interstate 78 crosses east-west, Route 80 runs along our northern border, Route 33 connects to the Poconos, and Route 22 provides a major commercial corridor. Lehigh Valley International Airport, just minutes from our western border, offers direct flights to major hubs.
Connect with Northampton County Businesses
Whether you're seeking local services, exploring dining options, finding healthcare providers, or researching business opportunities, our directory connects you with Northampton County's diverse business community. From Bethlehem's tourist district to Easton's urban core, from Wind Gap's industrial parks to Hellertown's small-town shops, discover what makes Northampton County an exceptional place to do business.
Northampton County Demographics & Statistics
Population Statistics (2023)
Total Population
315,927
Median Age
42 years
Population Density
9 communities
Northampton County Economic Overview
Median Household Income
$86,687
Poverty Rate
8.8%
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Northampton County Housing Market
Median Home Value
$285,000
Median Rent
$1,335/mo
Owner Occupied
71%
Northampton County Education Attainment (Adults 25+)
Frequently Asked Questions About Northampton County
What is the population of Northampton County?
As of 2023, Northampton County has a population of 315,927 residents, making it the 7th most populous county in Pennsylvania. The population has grown steadily, with the highest concentrations in Bethlehem, Easton, and the Route 22 corridor townships.
What are the major cities and towns in Northampton County?
The largest cities are Bethlehem (75,000+ residents) and Easton (28,000+ residents, county seat). Major boroughs include Northampton, Hellertown, Nazareth, Bangor, and Wind Gap. The county comprises 38 municipalities with businesses distributed across urban centers, suburban townships, and rural Slate Belt communities.
How do I start a business in Northampton 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. Bethlehem and Easton have specific business licensing 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 Northampton County?
Major employers include St. Luke's University Health Network (10,000+ employees), Lehigh Valley Health Network, Wind Creek Bethlehem casino resort, Lehigh University, Lafayette College, B. Braun Medical, and Victaulic. The county also has significant employment in logistics, with FedEx and other distribution centers along the I-78 corridor.
What is the average commercial rent in Northampton County?
Commercial rental rates vary by location: downtown Bethlehem retail spaces average $15-25/sq ft, Easton office space runs $12-20/sq ft, and warehouse space along Route 22 and I-78 costs $5-9/sq ft. These rates are 40-60% lower than Philadelphia and New York metro areas, making expansion affordable.
What business incentives are available in Northampton County?
Northampton County offers KOZ (Keystone Opportunity Zones) with tax abatements, LERTA programs in Bethlehem and Easton, TIF districts for development projects, and New Market Tax Credits in qualified areas. The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation helps businesses access state and federal incentive programs.
How far is Northampton County from major cities?
Northampton County enjoys excellent proximity to major markets: Philadelphia is 60 miles south (1.25 hours), New York City is 75 miles east (1.5 hours), Harrisburg is 85 miles west (1.5 hours), and the Pocono Mountains begin at our northern border. This provides access to over 100 million consumers within a 4-hour drive.
What highways run through Northampton County?
Major highways include I-78 (connecting New Jersey to Harrisburg), Route 22 (major commercial corridor), Route 33 (connecting to I-80 and the Poconos), Route 309 (north-south), and Route 412 (connecting Bethlehem to Hellertown). These provide excellent logistics access for distribution and manufacturing businesses.
What is the workforce like in Northampton County?
Northampton County has a labor force of approximately 160,000 workers with diverse skills spanning manufacturing, healthcare, education, and logistics. The median age is 41 years, providing experienced workers. Four colleges and universities plus Northampton Community College ensure a steady pipeline of educated talent.
What languages are spoken in Northampton County?
While English predominates, approximately 15% of residents speak Spanish at home, particularly in Bethlehem and Easton. The county also has Portuguese, Arabic, and Chinese-speaking communities. Many businesses, especially in healthcare and retail, offer multilingual services to serve diverse customers.
Is Northampton County good for manufacturing businesses?
Yes, Northampton County has a strong manufacturing heritage with over 400 manufacturing businesses employing 15,000+ workers. The skilled workforce, lower costs than metro areas, excellent highway access via I-78 and Route 22, and proximity to major markets make it ideal for manufacturing operations.
What is unique about the Slate Belt region of Northampton County?
The Slate Belt in northern Northampton County (including Bangor, Pen Argyl, and Wind Gap) has been quarrying slate for over 150 years and remains America's primary source of roofing slate. This unique geological area supports specialized businesses in stone processing, construction materials, and related industries.
How is the healthcare sector in Northampton County?
Healthcare is the largest and fastest-growing employment sector with two major health networks - St. Luke's and Lehigh Valley Health Network - operating multiple hospitals and facilities. Over 25,000 people work in healthcare, creating opportunities for medical suppliers, specialized services, and health technology businesses.
Where are the main commercial districts in Northampton County?
Key commercial areas include Historic Downtown Bethlehem (tourism and retail), South Side Bethlehem (Wind Creek and SteelStacks), Downtown Easton (arts and dining), Route 22 corridor (big box retail and services), Route 248 in Nazareth (local businesses), and multiple industrial parks along I-78.
What is the sales tax in Northampton County?
Pennsylvania's 6% sales tax applies throughout Northampton County with no additional local sales tax. Clothing, unprepared food, and manufacturing equipment are tax-exempt. This competitive rate benefits retail businesses compared to New Jersey's 6.625% and New York's 8%+ rates.
Is Northampton County growing?
Yes, Northampton County shows consistent growth with population increasing 8% since 2010. Major developments include the $400M expansion at Wind Creek Bethlehem, Martin Tower site redevelopment, numerous warehouse projects along I-78, and continuous healthcare facility expansions by both major health networks.
What is the cost of living in Northampton County?
Northampton County offers competitive living costs with median home values at $285,000 and median household income at $86,687. The overall cost of living is about 3% above the national average but 20-30% lower than Philadelphia and 40% lower than New York metro areas, helping businesses attract and retain talent.
Does Northampton County have public transportation?
LANta (Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority) operates 26 bus routes connecting major employment centers, colleges, and commercial areas. However, most residents rely on personal vehicles. The county is 15 minutes from Lehigh Valley International Airport and 90 minutes from Philadelphia International.
What permits do I need to open a restaurant in Northampton County?
Restaurants need a PA business license, EIN, local business permit, health permit from Northampton County Health Department, liquor license (if applicable) from PLCB, and fire safety inspection. Bethlehem and Easton have additional city requirements. The process typically takes 2-4 months depending on renovations needed.
How do Northampton County property taxes compare to surrounding counties?
Northampton County's average effective property tax rate is approximately 1.35%, competitive with Lehigh County (1.40%) and lower than Monroe County (1.65%) but higher than Bucks County (1.25%). Combined with no local earned income tax in some municipalities, this creates a favorable business tax environment.
Are there co-working spaces in Northampton County?
Yes, Northampton County has several co-working options including Velocity in Bethlehem, The Brick in South Bethlehem, and spaces at the Easton Public Market. These serve freelancers, startups, and remote workers. Rates range from $100-350/month for dedicated desks, supporting the county's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What banks offer small business loans in Northampton County?
Major lenders include Embassy Bank, Lafayette Ambassador Bank, ESSA Bank & Trust, Wells Fargo, and PNC Bank. Local credit unions like PSECU and PPL Credit Union also offer competitive rates. The Lehigh Valley SBDC provides free assistance with loan applications and business planning.
What are the fastest-growing business sectors in Northampton County?
Healthcare services, warehousing/logistics (driven by I-78 access), professional services, and tourism/hospitality show strong growth. The food and beverage manufacturing sector is expanding with craft breweries and specialty food producers. Technology startups are also growing, particularly around the colleges.
Can I operate a home-based business in Northampton County?
Yes, most Northampton County municipalities allow home-based businesses with proper permits and zoning compliance. Requirements vary but typically limit customer visits, signage, employees, and external impacts. Check with your specific municipality among the county's 38 communities for local regulations.
What tourism assets drive business in Northampton County?
Major tourism drivers include Historic Bethlehem (National Historic Landmark), Musikfest (1 million annual visitors), Wind Creek Bethlehem casino, Crayola Experience in Easton, SteelStacks arts campus, and the Delaware River recreation corridor. These attractions support hundreds of hospitality, retail, and service businesses throughout the county.