Bonney Forge
Business &
INDUSTRY
Huntingdon County maintains a diverse and stable economy supported by nearly 1,000 businesses and organizations. The county has a civilian labor force of 18,817, and as of April 2026, the unemployment rate stands at 4.7%.
Healthcare, public administration, and educational services are the largest employment sectors. Penn Highlands Huntingdon leads in healthcare, while public administration is bolstered significantly by the two state prisons — SCI Huntingdon and SCI Smithfield. Education is also a major employer, with Juniata College, The Grier School, and four local school districts playing key roles.
Manufacturing remains a vital part of the economy, accounting for approximately 11% of private sector jobs. ACCO Brands in Alexandria traces its roots to the J.C. Blair Company, the inventor of the paper tablet in the 1800s, and continues to produce popular Five Star and Mead notebooks. Bonney Forge in Mount Union is a leading manufacturer of forged steel valves, fittings, and specialty products for industrial use. NOV Fiberglass Systems, also located in Mount Union, produces high-performance fiberglass piping and storage tanks used in demanding industrial and chemical environments. Cabinetworks Group continues its major expansion in the area, investing millions to increase production capacity.
Tourism plays a significant role in the local economy. Raystown Lake, the largest lake wholly contained in Pennsylvania, attracts thousands of visitors each year to its marinas, campgrounds, and scenic shoreline, generating millions in annual economic impact for local businesses. The historic East Broad Top Railroad continues to grow in popularity as a major tourism destination.
