Rural Economy
Rural economy means building municipal capacity and coordination to increase services and economic opportunity in rural areas and throughout the county, as outlined in the 2020 EAP. To understand York County’s relative strength in this pillar, we included metrics regarding broadband access, share of employment in rural businesses, change in farm sales, and rural health ratings.
Households with Broadband Access
Share of households with broadband access indicates the reach of internet access, an important factor for connectivity in rural areas.
%
York County
%
Berks Co.
%
Lancaster Co.
%
Lehigh Co.
%
Guilford Co.
%
Summit Co.
%
PA Average
%
US Average
Percent of Employees Employed in Rural Businesses
Share of employees employed in rural businesses assesses the economic impact of the rural workforce.
Percent Change in Farm Sales
Percent change in farm sales assesses the economic impact of the rural economy in terms of agricultural production.
Average Percent of Rural Residents that Rate Their Health Fair or Poor
Average share of rural residents that rate their health fair or poor reflects the perceived health of residents, an important qualitative finding.
How We’re Working Towards Our Goals
York College of PA Creates Plant Sciences Program to Support Local Economic Development Through Agriculture
In 2021, York College of Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Powder-Mill Foundation, launched the college’s first Environmental Horticulture program offering a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Horticulture. The newly created programs provide hands-on learning opportunities in plant science and prepare students for high-demand agricultural jobs and careers in York County.
In 2023, York College of Pennsylvania celebrated the opening of Appell Horticulture Center to accommodate the growth of the Environmental Horticulture Program. The new facility includes soil lab, plant and insect lab, plant pathology lab, student research lab, herbarium, prep rooms, study areas, meeting rooms, faculty office spaces, and support spaces – enabling students to take advantage of the advanced components of the major.
York County Catalyzes Economic Opportunity Through Trail Towns Development
Building on the original York County Economic Action Plan, York County Economic Alliance partnered with York County Department of Parks, the York County Rail Trail Authority, Explore York, and others to launch the York County Trail Towns Program. The Trail Towns Program is designed to leverage the York Heritage Rail Trail as a platform and driver for economic development in towns located along the York County Heritage Rail Trail, as well as Hanover & Wrightsville – both hubs for outdoor recreation. YCEA intends to continue to collaborate with municipal partners, business owners, and local residents to fully activate the potential of outdoor recreation to serve as a tool to build community, catalyze economic activity, and improve the quality of life of York County’s residents.
