Economic and Quality of Life Indicators for Allegheny National Forest Counties in Pennsylvania

Tourism and leisure activities play vital roles in the economic landscape of Pennsylvania’s rural counties, particularly in the northern region of the state. The five counties of Cameron, Elk, Warren, McKean, and Forest represent a significant rural tourism cluster that has experienced various economic challenges and transformations over the past two decades. This report examines the employment trends in these counties’ Leisure and Hospitality (L&H) sector from 2000 to 2023, providing insights into the sector’s resilience and vulnerabilities during major economic or other shocks.

Authors: Luyi Han, Stephan J. Goetz, Daniel Eades and Doug Arbogast

Publication: Published by NERCRD   Date Published: February 17, 2025