This report series explores recently released 2020 decennial census data from the U.S. Census Bureau to look at key population changes and demographic shifts that occurred over the past decade at the state and county levels. These reports include figures, tables, and discussion questions to help contextualize population information and stimulate conversations about demographic change in your county. These reports are created in partnership with the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) and the CECD's Cristy Schmidt, Penn State Extension applied research educator, who currently serves as CCAP Extension fellow.

Leaders, county staff, community stakeholders, and residents can utilize the information in this report as a tool to help understand key population and demographic trends from the past ten years. Discussion questions are included to spark important conversations about demographic change and its implications, specifically as it relates to governance and policy or decision making around topics such as resource and service allocation, attracting and retaining workforce, and placemaking strategies to help improve the quality of life for all county residents. As you read through the report information, consider how you could adapt or respond to your county’s population changes in the short-term, as well as how you might anticipate and plan for future demographic shifts.

These reports are created in partnership between the Penn State Center for Economic and Community Development, Penn State Extension, and the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP).

Reports are available for each county in the Commonwealth and can be downloaded by clicking the link below.

Download Population and Demographic Change Reports