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About York County
The Heart of South Central Pennsylvania
York County stands proudly as the birthplace of American democracy, where the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation in 1777. Today, 459,000 residents and over 8,400 businesses continue that pioneering spirit, creating a dynamic economy that bridges centuries of craftsmanship with 21st-century innovation. From the bustling streets of York City to the productive farmlands of southern townships, this is where tradition fuels tomorrow.
Built on American Innovation
York City, our county seat, embodies resilience and reinvention. Once home to the York Motor Car Company and birthplace of the York Peppermint Pattie, today's York pulses with revitalized markets, tech incubators in historic buildings, and a thriving arts district. The city's 3,100 businesses range from century-old manufacturers like Harley-Davidson to cutting-edge robotics firms and craft breweries breathing new life into industrial spaces.
Beyond York, the Route 30 corridor through Spring Garden and West Manchester Township offers premier shopping and dining, while the I-83 logistics corridor powers East Coast commerce. Travel south toward the Mason-Dixon Line and discover preserved farmland, antique markets, and small-town businesses that have anchored their communities for generations.
Why Businesses Choose York County
The economics are compelling: York County delivers Baltimore and Harrisburg market access at a fraction of the cost. Commercial properties run 40-60% less than Baltimore metro rates. Our workforce of 220,000 combines deep manufacturing expertise with modern skills from York College, Penn State York, and HACC's York campus.
Opportunity abounds across sectors. Advanced manufacturing thrives with companies like BAE Systems and Johnson Controls. The logistics sector expands along I-83. Healthcare grows with WellSpan Health and UPMC. And our agricultural heritage - from family farms to Utz Quality Foods - continues evolving with consumer tastes.
Living in York County
This is authentic Pennsylvania - where hex signs adorn barns, the aroma of fresh pretzels fills Central Market, and Friday nights mean high school football. The York Fair, America's oldest, has run continuously since 1765. Factory tours at Harley-Davidson and Utz showcase our manufacturing pride, while the Heritage Rail Trail offers 21 miles of scenic beauty.
Families love the excellent schools, affordable housing, and genuine community feel. Outdoor enthusiasts explore Codorus State Park's 3,500 acres, golf at over 30 courses, or paddle the Susquehanna River. Culture thrives at the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center and numerous galleries in York's WeCo District.
Strategic Mid-Atlantic Location
Location drives success in York County. Baltimore sits 50 miles south. Harrisburg is 25 miles north. Philadelphia is 100 miles east. Washington, D.C. is 85 miles south. This prime position puts 55 million consumers within a three-hour drive - perfect for distribution and customer access.
Transportation infrastructure excels: I-83 runs north-south connecting Harrisburg to Baltimore, Route 30 crosses east-west linking Lancaster to Gettysburg, and Route 15 provides access to Frederick, Maryland. The county is 30 minutes from Harrisburg International Airport and 60 minutes from BWI.
Connect with York County Businesses
Whether you're seeking local services, exploring dining options, finding healthcare providers, or researching business opportunities, our directory connects you with York County's diverse business community. From York City's urban energy to Hanover's industrial strength, from Red Lion's small-town charm to Shrewsbury's suburban growth, discover what makes York County an exceptional place to do business.
York County Demographics & Statistics
Population Statistics (2023)
Total Population
459,312
Median Age
40.9 years
Population Density
10 communities
York County Economic Overview
Median Household Income
$82,238
Poverty Rate
8.6%
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
York County Housing Market
Median Home Value
$235,000
Median Rent
$1,150/mo
Owner Occupied
76%
York County Education Attainment (Adults 25+)
Frequently Asked Questions About York County
What is the population of York County?
As of 2023, York County has a population of approximately 459,312 residents, making it the 6th most populous county in Pennsylvania. The population has grown 5.8% since 2010, with the highest concentration in York City and the Route 30 corridor through Spring Garden and West Manchester townships.
What are the major cities and towns in York County?
The largest city is York (county seat) with 44,800 residents, followed by Hanover (16,400), Red Lion (6,400), Spring Grove (2,200), and Shrewsbury (4,000). The county comprises 72 municipalities with 8,400+ businesses distributed across urban centers, suburban townships, and rural communities.
How do I start a business in York 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. York City requires a business license, while townships have varying requirements. The York County Economic Alliance and SCORE York offer free counseling and resources for new businesses.
What are the major employers in York County?
Major employers include WellSpan Health (8,000+ employees), BAE Systems (1,800+ employees), Harley-Davidson (1,000+ employees), Johnson Controls, UPMC Hanover, Utz Quality Foods, and York College. The county has over 8,400 businesses with strong manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and food processing sectors.
What is the average commercial rent in York County?
Commercial rental rates vary by location: downtown York office space averages $10-16/sq ft, Route 30 retail spaces run $18-28/sq ft, and warehouse space along the I-83 corridor costs $5-9/sq ft. These rates are 40-60% lower than Baltimore metro areas, making York County attractive for business expansion.
What business incentives are available in York County?
York County offers LERTA tax abatements, Opportunity Zones with federal tax benefits, RACP grants for development projects, and workforce development programs through PA CareerLink York County. The York County Economic Alliance provides assistance accessing state and local incentive programs for qualifying businesses.
How far is York County from major cities?
York is strategically located 50 miles from Baltimore (1 hour), 25 miles from Harrisburg (30 minutes), 100 miles from Philadelphia (2 hours), and 85 miles from Washington, D.C. (1.5 hours). This provides access to 55+ million consumers within a 3-hour drive, ideal for distribution and customer reach.
What highways run through York County?
Major highways include I-83 (north-south connecting Harrisburg to Baltimore), US Route 30 (east-west connecting Lancaster to Gettysburg), US Route 15 (connecting to Frederick, MD), and PA Route 74. These provide excellent logistics access for the county's 750+ transportation and warehousing businesses.
What is the workforce like in York County?
York County has a labor force of approximately 220,000 workers with strong manufacturing skills (20% in production). The median age is 41.2 years, providing experienced workers. York College, Penn State York, and HACC York support workforce development for the county's 8,400+ businesses.
What languages are spoken in York County?
While English predominates, approximately 8% of York County residents speak Spanish at home, with concentrations in York City. The county also has Pennsylvania Dutch/German heritage communities. Many of the county's 800+ food service businesses offer bilingual services to serve diverse customers.
Is York County good for manufacturing businesses?
Yes, York County has a 250+ year manufacturing heritage with 35,000+ manufacturing jobs across 450+ manufacturing businesses. The skilled workforce, lower costs than metro areas, and excellent I-83 highway access make it ideal for manufacturing. The county ranks in Pennsylvania's top 5 for manufacturing employment.
What agricultural businesses thrive in York County?
York County ranks in PA's top 10 for agricultural production with 1,500+ farms covering 230,000 acres, supporting 320+ agriculture businesses. Key sectors include dairy, poultry, corn, soybeans, and specialty crops. Agritourism, farmers markets, and farm-to-table businesses are growing sectors complementing traditional farming.
How is the healthcare sector in York County?
Healthcare is a major employment sector with 1,400+ health and wellness businesses including WellSpan York Hospital, UPMC Hanover, and numerous facilities employing 20,000+ workers. This creates opportunities for medical suppliers, home health services, and medical technology businesses.
Where are the main commercial districts in York County?
Key commercial areas include downtown York (revitalizing urban core with WeCo arts district), Route 30 corridor through Spring Garden and West Manchester (retail hub), Hanover's Center Square (historic downtown), and the I-83 corridor (warehousing/logistics). The county's 650+ retail businesses concentrate in these districts.
What is the sales tax in York County?
Pennsylvania's 6% sales tax applies throughout York County with no additional local sales tax. Clothing, unprepared food, and manufacturing equipment are tax-exempt. This competitive rate benefits the county's 650+ shopping and retail businesses compared to neighboring Maryland (6% plus local taxes).
Is York County growing?
York County shows steady growth with 5.8% population increase since 2010 and continuous business expansion. Major developments include the York County Convention Center, downtown York revitalization projects, and multiple industrial parks along I-83. The county added over 600 new businesses in the past three years.
What is the cost of living in York County?
York County offers affordable living with median home values at $235,000 and median household income at $82,238. Overall cost of living is 3% below the national average and 25-35% lower than Baltimore or D.C. metro areas, attracting workers for the county's 8,400+ businesses.
Does York County have public transportation?
Rabbit Transit operates fixed bus routes connecting major employment centers and provides paratransit services. However, most residents and businesses rely on personal vehicles. The county is 30 minutes from Harrisburg International Airport and 60 minutes from BWI Airport.
What permits do I need to open a restaurant in York County?
Restaurants need a PA business license, EIN, local business permit, health permit from York County Food Safety, liquor license (if applicable) from PLCB, and fire safety inspection. York City requires additional city permits. The process typically takes 2-3 months. The county has 800+ food and drink establishments.
How do York County property taxes compare to surrounding counties?
York County's average effective property tax rate is 1.42%, competitive with Lancaster (1.33%) and lower than Cumberland (1.50%) and Dauphin (1.58%). Combined with competitive commercial rates, this makes York attractive for the county's 550+ real estate businesses and property investors.
Are there co-working spaces in York County?
Yes, York County has several co-working spaces including Royal Square Development's Think Loud, CoWork on King, and spaces in Hanover. These serve the county's 600+ professional services businesses and growing remote workforce. Rates range from $125-350/month for dedicated desks.
What banks offer small business loans in York County?
Major lenders include Members 1st Federal Credit Union, PeoplesBank, Traditions Bank, M&T Bank, and Fulton Bank. The county's 620+ financial services businesses offer various loan products. SCORE York and the SBDC provide free assistance with loan applications and business planning.
What are the fastest-growing business sectors in York County?
Logistics/warehousing (driven by I-83 access), advanced manufacturing, healthcare services (1,400+ businesses), craft beverage production, and professional services (600+ businesses) show strong growth. The downtown York revitalization has sparked growth in arts, entertainment, and hospitality sectors.
Can I operate a home-based business in York County?
Yes, most York County municipalities allow home-based businesses with proper permits. Requirements vary by township but typically limit customer visits, signage, and employees. Check with your specific municipality among the county's 72 communities for local zoning regulations.
What makes York County historically significant for businesses?
York County served as America's first capital when the Continental Congress met here in 1777-1778. This revolutionary spirit continues today - York has been home to numerous American firsts including the first iron steamboat, first coal-burning locomotive, and brands like York Barbell and York Peppermint Pattie. This heritage of innovation attracts businesses seeking a location with deep American roots and entrepreneurial tradition.