We Know Lancaster & Central PA
Launched in early 2018, the Center for Regional Analysis (CRA) is the premier source of insight into economic conditions driving our local economy. Established by the Economic Development Company of Lancaster County, the Center provides economic insights and data analytics to guide decisions that drive market performance and growth for private businesses and for policy makers.
What We Do
INFORMED DECISION MAKING TO DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN LOCAL ECONOMIES
CRA conducts research on a range of policy and market issues impacting the growth of regional communities and businesses.
Have a Business or Public Policy question?
Click here to read what the Center for Regional Analysis can do. When you’re done – email or give us a call for more information.
RECENT REPORTS/RELEASES
Economic Intelligence Reports:
In-depth reporting on the state of Lancaster County’s economy
Bi-monthly report providing deep-dive analysis of a variety of economic factors ranging from state and national GDP; workforce/labor supply; consumer outlook and small business conditions.
Click the links below to view or download full monthly reports.
- 2021 Labor Market Review – January 20, 2022
- Economic Intelligence Report – December 1, 2021
- Economic Intelligence Report – September 24, 2021
- Economic Intelligence Report – July 28, 2021
- Economic Intelligence Report – May 27, 2021
- Economic Intelligence Report – March 15, 2021
- Economic Intelligence Report – January 14, 2021
Consumer Sentiment Reports:
An early read on the economic outlook of Lancaster County residents
In partnership with LNP Media Group, the Center for Regional Analysis conducts a monthly poll of Lancaster County residents’ confidence in and expectations about the local economy. The poll is conducted the first week of every month.
Click the links below to view or download full monthly reports.
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – June 22, 2022
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – May 19, 2022
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – April 26, 2022
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – March 18, 2022
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – February 17, 2022
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – January 17, 2022
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – December 15, 2021
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – November 15, 2021
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – October 21, 2021
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – September 23, 2021
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – August 19, 2021
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – July 22, 2021
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – June 21, 2021
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – May 27, 2021
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – April 22, 2021
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – March 22, 2021
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – February 20, 2021
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – January 20, 2021
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – December 17, 2020
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – November 30, 2020
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – October 25, 2020
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – September 24, 2020
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – August 20, 2020
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – July 22, 2020
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – June 23, 2020
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – May 19, 2020
- Consumer Sentiment in Lancaster County – April 18, 2020
COVID-19 Economic Impact:
Small Business is the Business of Lancaster County
Lancaster County’s economy is made up of small businesses – with over 13,000 businesses, all but 3% have fewer than 100 employees. These small businesses face the greatest risk of closure as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the economy slips into a recession.
Tracking Initial Claims to Understand the State of Business
At a time of economic uncertainty fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, initial unemployment claims provided important, timely information on how businesses were responding to pandemic conditions and signaled their outlook on the economy returning to normal.
Research Projects:
Tracking initial claims to understand the state of business
The Center for Regional Analysis has conducted various research projects for public- and private-sector businesses, municipalities and organizations. Below are reports that CRA clients have given permission to share.
Click the links below to view or download reports.
- Advanced Manufacturing Skills Gap in Greater Berks Region (January 2021)
- Prepared for Berks County Workforce Development Board
- Lancaster County’s Labor Needs: High Demand Occupations in Health Care & Manufacturing (April 2021)
- Prepared for Employer Demand Committee of CareerReady Lancaster! and Lancaster County Workforce Development Board
- Occupational Opportunities in Lancaster County – Looking Ahead Over The Next Decade (May 2021)
- Prepared for The Steinman Foundation