Centre County is changing — and in some interesting ways. From Penn State’s workforce to shifts in who’s moving in and what jobs are growing; here are some numbers worth knowing as we look at what’s ahead.
1. Penn State: The Economic Anchor
Penn State remains the region’s dominant employer, responsible for over 50% of Centre County’s job base. According to the 2024 Centre County Economic Development Strategic Plan, over 39,000 local jobs are tied to education, most of them at University Park.
Key Fact: Penn State employment in Centre County has grown to over 27,000 employees as of 2024, including:
- Tenured/tenure-track faculty: ~2,500
- Adjunct/fixed-term faculty: ~1,200
- Research & lab techs (e.g., ARL): ~1,000.
- Administrative support: ~5,000
- Housing, dining, student services: ~3,000
- Facilities and maintenance: ~2,800
- Public safety, athletics, health: ~1,200
- Graduate assistants and student workers: ~5,000
- STEM/R&D (ARL): ~2,000
- Miscellaneous/seasonal: ~829
2. Government & Public Sector Employment
- Centre County Government: ~600 employees (admin, courts, elections, emergency services)
- Municipal/Borough Jobs (State College, Bellefonte, etc.): ~500 combined.
- School Districts (State College, Bellefonte, Penns Valley, etc.): ~2,100 total (teachers, admin, support)
- COG & Authorities: ~150 employees (regional planning, fire, code enforcement, transit)
- PA State Government presence (PennDOT, District Courts, Agencies): ~250
- Federal Employment: ~100 (postal service, USDA, federal labs, social security office)
Estimated total: ~3,700 public sector jobs, representing an important part of the stable employment base.
3. Construction on the Rise
- 3,002 jobs across 285 firms
- Average annual wage: $70,597
- Projects: student housing, medical facilities, senior living, retail tied to tourism
4. Manufacturing: Leaner, More Specialized
- 4,329 jobs across 167 companies
- Average salary: $65,359
- Specialties: scientific instruments, sensors, plastics
5. The Aging Population Boom
Centre County’s fastest-growing demographic is 65+:
- 1990: 8.7% (~12,300 people)
- 2025: 16.0% (~26,000 people) an 84% increase
Result: Healthcare and senior services are booming, with new demand for:
- Age-adaptive homes
- In-home care, hospice, and rehab
- Nursing aides, wellness professionals
- Senior transportation and social programs
6. Healthcare & Social Assistance
- 9,234 jobs in healthcare and social services
- 868 jobs in retirement communities/assisted living (↑6.5% YoY)
- Home Health Care jobs up 61.8% in 2024
7. Tourism & Hospitality
- 7,256 food and beverage jobs
- 800,000+ visitors annually (football, Grange Fair, youth sports, trails)
8. Small Businesses Drive the Economy
- 86% of employers have fewer than 20 employees.
- More closures than startups since 2020
- Small firms contribute ~30–35% of payroll in PA; larger firms provide 65–70%
9. Centre County = College-Educated Workforce
- Nearly 50% of adults 25+ hold bachelor’s degrees
- Top jobs require post-secondary credentials (nursing, tech, engineering)
10. AI & the New Job Reality
- Many employers are cautious about hiring.
- AI reduces the need for some entry-level roles.
- Gig, freelance, and “bridge jobs” are rising.
- Ford’s CEO forecast: 50% cut in white-collar roles.
- Expect hybrid roles and platform-based work.
11. Commuting & Regional Workforce
- 54% live and work in Centre County
- 46% commute in from surrounding areas
- Average commute: ~20.3 minutes
- More remote work and multi-job households
Summary Outlook: A Region in Flux
- Seniors 65+ are now one of the fastest-growing economic drivers.
- Construction is strong but tied to non-permanent growth (students, seniors, tourism)
- Population peaked in 2018 and may never exceed that again, according to state experts.
- The job mix is shifting: less youth, more seniors, more part-time and tech-augmented work.
- Tourism, retirement, and wellness sectors are propping up the tax base.
Sources:
Bellefonte and State College School District Employment Disclosures
Centre County Economic Development Strategic Plan (2024)
Centre County Profile Report (2019)
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (2024)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (QCEW, FRED)
U.S. Census Bureau (1990 Census Summary Files)
Centre Regional Planning Agency, Active Transportation Plan (2024)
USAFacts.org (2023 Demographic Estimates)
PA Department of Aging (2024 Forecast)
PA Top 50 Employers Report (2024)
PSU Fact Book and Budget Planning Reports
Centre County Government HR & Budget Reports
