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About Northumberland County
Where Pennsylvania's Past Powers Tomorrow
Northumberland County sits at the confluence of the Susquehanna River's branches in central Pennsylvania, where 91,000 residents and over 2,800 businesses create a unique tapestry of industrial legacy and emerging opportunities. This is where anthracite coal once fueled America's growth, and today's entrepreneurs are writing the next chapter in towns like Sunbury, Shamokin, and Mount Carmel.
A Legacy of Innovation and Industry
Sunbury, our county seat, holds a special place in American history as home to Thomas Edison's first three-wire electrical system in 1883. Today's Sunbury balances its historic downtown with modern healthcare facilities and manufacturers. Throughout the county, you'll find businesses that have adapted from the coal era - machine shops that once served mines now craft precision parts, and former railroad towns have become logistics hubs.
The Route 11 corridor along the Susquehanna River connects communities from Northumberland borough to Riverside, offering scenic business locations with river valley advantages. Meanwhile, Route 61 runs through the county's coal region communities, where entrepreneurial spirit transforms challenges into opportunities, and small businesses serve tight-knit communities with pride.
Why Businesses Choose Northumberland
The economics make sense: commercial space costs 40-60% less than Harrisburg or Scranton. Our workforce of 43,000 combines generations of manufacturing expertise with fresh talent from nearby Bucknell University and Susquehanna University. Property taxes stay reasonable, and the cost of doing business remains refreshingly low.
Manufacturing still drives our economy, with companies like Furman Foods, Merck Sharp & Dohme, and NHS Human Services providing stable employment. Healthcare continues expanding with Geisinger facilities anchoring the sector. And our strategic location along major transportation routes keeps distribution and logistics businesses thriving.
Life in the Susquehanna Valley
This is authentic Pennsylvania - where Friday night football matters, church festivals bring communities together, and neighbors still know your name. The Susquehanna River provides boating, fishing, and waterfront dining. Knoebels Amusement Resort in nearby Elysburg draws families from across the state. The coal region's unique culture lives on in family recipes, local traditions, and stories passed between generations.
Housing remains genuinely affordable with median home values around $152,000. Good schools, safe neighborhoods, and that small-town feel attract families looking to escape metro area stress without sacrificing opportunity.
Your Central Pennsylvania Advantage
Location is everything, and Northumberland County delivers strategic access. Harrisburg lies 50 miles south. Williamsport is 35 miles north. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre sits 60 miles northeast. State College is 45 miles west. This positioning means businesses can reach major Pennsylvania markets while maintaining lower operational costs.
Key routes make connections easy: Interstate 80 runs just north of the county, Route 11 follows the Susquehanna River, Route 15 provides north-south access, and Route 61 connects the coal region communities. Rail lines still serve industrial sites, a legacy of our transportation heritage.
Discover Northumberland County Businesses
Whether you're seeking local services, exploring dining options, finding healthcare providers, or researching business opportunities, our directory connects you with Northumberland County's resilient business community. From Sunbury's professional services to Mount Carmel's family shops, from major manufacturers to home-based businesses, discover what makes Northumberland County a smart place to grow your business.
Northumberland County Demographics & Statistics
Population Statistics (2023)
Total Population
90,925
Median Age
44.4 years
Population Density
7 communities
Northumberland County Economic Overview
Median Household Income
$57,948
Poverty Rate
12.2%
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Northumberland County Housing Market
Median Home Value
$151,600
Median Rent
$777/mo
Owner Occupied
75%
Northumberland County Education Attainment (Adults 25+)
Frequently Asked Questions About Northumberland County
What is the population of Northumberland County?
As of 2023, Northumberland County has a population of approximately 90,925 residents, making it a mid-sized Pennsylvania county. The population has remained relatively stable, with the highest concentrations in Sunbury, Shamokin, Mount Carmel, and the Route 11 corridor communities.
What are the major cities and towns in Northumberland County?
The largest communities are Sunbury (county seat) with 9,200 residents, Shamokin with 6,900, Mount Carmel with 5,700, Kulpmont, Milton, Northumberland borough, Coal Township, and Riverside. The county comprises 44 municipalities with over 2,800 businesses serving urban, suburban, and rural communities.
How do I start a business in Northumberland 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. Sunbury requires a business privilege license, while other townships have varying requirements. The Northumberland County Chamber of Commerce and local SCORE chapter offer free business counseling and startup assistance.
What are the major employers in Northumberland County?
Major employers include Geisinger Health System (2,000+ employees), Furman Foods in Northumberland borough, Merck Sharp & Dohme, NHS Human Services, Wood-Mode Inc., and various state correctional facilities. The county has over 2,800 businesses with strong manufacturing, healthcare, food processing, and service sectors.
What is the average commercial rent in Northumberland County?
Commercial rental rates are highly competitive: downtown Sunbury office space averages $8-14/sq ft, Shamokin retail spaces run $6-12/sq ft, and industrial/warehouse space costs $4-8/sq ft. These rates are 40-60% lower than Harrisburg metro areas, making Northumberland County extremely attractive for business operations.
What business incentives are available in Northumberland County?
Northumberland County offers Keystone Opportunity Zones with significant tax relief, LERTA tax abatements in designated areas, PA Industrial Development Authority loans, and workforce development grants through PA CareerLink. The county's economic development office helps businesses access state and federal incentive programs.
How far is Northumberland County from major cities?
Sunbury is strategically located 50 miles from Harrisburg (1 hour), 35 miles from Williamsport (45 minutes), 60 miles from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (1.25 hours), 45 miles from State College (1 hour), and 150 miles from Philadelphia (2.5 hours). This provides excellent access to multiple Pennsylvania markets.
What highways run through Northumberland County?
Major routes include US Route 11 (following the Susquehanna River), US Route 15 (north-south connector), PA Route 61 (through coal region communities), PA Route 147 (river route), and PA Route 54. Interstate 80 runs just north of the county, providing east-west interstate access for businesses and logistics operations.
What is the workforce like in Northumberland County?
Northumberland County has a labor force of approximately 43,000 workers with strong manufacturing and industrial skills. The median age is 44 years, providing experienced, reliable workers. The unemployment rate of 3.9% indicates available workforce, while 18.7% hold bachelor's degrees or higher.
What languages are spoken in Northumberland County?
English is the predominant language, with Pennsylvania Dutch/German heritage still present in some communities. The county has a growing Spanish-speaking population, particularly in Shamokin and Mount Carmel, creating opportunities for bilingual businesses to serve diverse customers.
Is Northumberland County good for manufacturing businesses?
Yes, Northumberland County has a 150+ year manufacturing tradition with skilled workers and competitive costs. The county offers industrial sites with rail access, experienced workforce, wages 20-30% below metro areas, and proximity to major markets via Routes 11, 15, and nearby I-80, making it ideal for manufacturing operations.
What is the coal heritage impact on today's economy?
While active coal mining has ceased, the coal era legacy provides unique advantages: experienced industrial workforce, existing rail infrastructure, available industrial sites, and communities with strong work ethic. Many successful businesses have repurposed former coal industry facilities and skills for modern manufacturing and logistics.
How is the healthcare sector in Northumberland County?
Healthcare is a major growth sector with Geisinger facilities leading employment. The county has numerous medical practices, senior care facilities, and home health services serving an aging population. Healthcare businesses benefit from lower operational costs while accessing the regional patient base.
Where are the main commercial districts in Northumberland County?
Key commercial areas include downtown Sunbury (professional services and retail), Route 11 corridor (river communities), Shamokin's downtown district, Mount Carmel's business district, and Route 61 commercial strips. Each community maintains its own business district serving local needs.
What is the sales tax in Northumberland County?
Pennsylvania's 6% sales tax applies throughout Northumberland County with no additional local sales tax. Clothing, unprepared food, and manufacturing equipment are tax-exempt. This competitive rate benefits local businesses compared to neighboring states with higher combined rates.
Is Northumberland County growing?
While population remains stable, economic diversification continues with new businesses in healthcare, logistics, and services. Downtown revitalization efforts in Sunbury and Shamokin, industrial park developments, and the growth of remote work opportunities are creating new economic momentum.
What is the cost of living in Northumberland County?
Northumberland County offers exceptional affordability with median home values at $151,600 and median household income of $57,948. The overall cost of living is 15-20% below the national average and 30-40% lower than Pennsylvania metro areas, allowing businesses to offer competitive wages while employees maintain good quality of life.
Does Northumberland County have public transportation?
rabbittransit provides limited fixed-route bus service in parts of the county, with medical transportation available through various programs. Most residents and businesses rely on personal vehicles. The county is 90 minutes from Harrisburg International Airport and 2 hours from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.
What permits do I need to open a restaurant in Northumberland County?
Restaurants need a PA business license, EIN, local municipal permit, health permit from the PA Department of Health, liquor license (if applicable) from PLCB, and fire safety inspection. The process typically takes 2-3 months. Sunbury and larger boroughs may have additional requirements.
How do Northumberland County property taxes compare to surrounding counties?
Northumberland County's effective property tax rate averages 1.35%, lower than Luzerne (1.58%) and comparable to Snyder (1.32%) but higher than Montour (1.15%). Combined with low property values, actual tax bills remain very affordable, benefiting the county's businesses and property owners.
Are there co-working spaces in Northumberland County?
While traditional co-working spaces are limited, several options exist including shared office spaces in downtown Sunbury, the Degenstein Community Library's business center, and small business incubator spaces. Remote workers often utilize local coffee shops and libraries with wifi. Rates are significantly lower than urban areas.
What banks offer small business loans in Northumberland County?
Major lenders include Northumberland National Bank (local institution), M&T Bank, First National Bank, Service 1st Federal Credit Union, and Muncy Bank & Trust. The county's financial services businesses understand local market conditions. SEDA-COG and local SCORE chapters assist with loan applications and business planning.
What are the fastest-growing business sectors in Northumberland County?
Healthcare services, senior care facilities, logistics/warehousing along Route 11, professional services supporting remote work, and tourism/outdoor recreation businesses show strong growth. The renewable energy sector is emerging with solar projects on former mining lands creating new opportunities.
Can I operate a home-based business in Northumberland County?
Yes, most Northumberland County municipalities permit home-based businesses with proper registration. Requirements vary by township but typically limit customer traffic, signage, and employees. Rural areas offer more flexibility. Check with your specific municipality among the county's 44 communities for local zoning regulations.
What outdoor recreation businesses thrive in Northumberland County?
The Susquehanna River supports marinas, boat rentals, fishing guides, and waterfront restaurants. Knoebels Amusement Resort attracts regional tourists. The county's forests and state game lands support hunting outfitters, campgrounds, and ATV rental businesses. The developing Susquehanna Greenway trail system creates opportunities for bike shops and outdoor gear retailers.