The Local Economy of the Pocono Mountains Region
The economy of the Pocono Mountains region is a study in transition. What was once an area defined by small-scale farming, light industry, and seasonal tourism has evolved into something more complex — a commuter belt, a retirement destination, a growing healthcare hub, and a year-round tourism economy that draws millions of visitors annually from the New York metropolitan area and beyond.
Tourism remains one of the region’s most significant economic drivers. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau estimates that the region draws millions of visitors each year, supporting thousands of jobs in hospitality, food service, outdoor recreation, and retail. Ski resorts, water parks, golf courses, hiking trails, state parks, and resort hotels collectively form an infrastructure that keeps the economy humming across all four seasons.
Real estate and construction have been major engines of economic activity in Monroe County and neighboring areas for the past two decades. The affordability of Pocono homes relative to the New York and New Jersey markets drove a significant wave of in-migration, fueling residential construction and driving up home values. That dynamic has created both opportunity and tension — longtime residents have seen costs rise while newcomers have sought affordable housing in a region they hope will retain its character.
Healthcare is one of the largest employers in the region. Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Luke’s University Health Network, and other healthcare providers maintain significant facilities in Monroe County and surrounding areas, providing stable employment for thousands of residents across a range of professional levels.
Small businesses form the backbone of the local economy in most of the region’s communities. Retail shops, restaurants, service businesses, and trades make up the majority of employment outside of healthcare, education, and government. The region has also seen growth in remote workers who moved to the Poconos during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing income from outside the local economy while spending locally.
The Pocono Review covers local economic news including business openings and closings, employment trends, development projects, and the economic forces shaping life in northeastern Pennsylvania.