Employment

Once totally dependent on the railroad industry, Blair County is now as diverse as any economic region in the country. Large, stable employers have invested heavily in the future of their businesses, employees and our community – but no single business dominates the workforce or employs more than about 5 percent of our almost 64,000 workers.

Today, companies that had been created in the 19th century and that have been fundamental to the success of Blair County for more than 100 years coexist and cooperate with new and emerging companies that are attracted to our work ethic, low cost of living, competitive utility rates, and safe communities.

Technological advances include the Interstate 99 Innovation Corridor, the marketing and economic development engine that combines the tremendous educational and research advantages of Penn State University with the locational advantages of Bedford, Blair and Centre counties.

Some of the top employers in Blair County include the Altoona Regional Health System, Sheetz, NPC, Inc. in Claysburg, Appleton Inc. in Roaring Spring and American Eagle Paper Mills in Tyrone.