Amidst general population decline, some Pennsylvania towns are booming.
Census data shows that in Pennsylvania, more than 1,000 boroughs, townships, and cities have experienced a population increase between 2020 and 2024. Another 1,400 municipalities saw a population decline over the same period.
By 2050, Pennsylvania is expected to see a population increase of approximately 1.6%. Fifteen towns are growing at a rapid rate that is expected to contribute to this population increase.
Most of the counties that are expected to see a population increase through 2050 are located in central and southeastern Pennsylvania.
West Chester Borough in Chester County saw the greatest population increase at 21.92% from 2020 to 2024.
West Manheim Township in York County experienced growth by 20.58% over the same period, while Findlay Township in Allegheny County grew by 17.34%.
Pequea Township in Lancaster County grew by 15.28%, Kennett Square Borough in Chester County grew by 13.05%, and Sadsbury Township also in Chester County grew by 12.57%.
Spring City Borough in Chester County grew by 12.40% and Southampton Township in Cumberland County grew by 11.78%.
East Caln Township in Chester County grew by 9.44%. Lower Heidelberg Township in Berks County, Worcester Township in Montgomery County, and Phoenixville Borough in Chester County all experienced growth within the 9% range.
South Middleton Township in Cumberland County, Upper Merion Township in Montgomery County, and North Strabane Township in Washington County saw growth within the 8% range.
Most of the towns experienced a high growth rate during the 2023 period.
These towns are expected to contribute to an overall population increase in the state of Pennsylvania by 2050.
