Business & Industry

Private establishments employ over 23,000 people in Somerset County, according to the latest Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages data. The local economy boasts a solid foundation in manufacturing, which accounts for over 11% of our private sector workforce. Beyond manufacturing, the business community spans diverse professionals – from financial advisors to engineers – providing the expertise needed to fuel growth and innovation.

Manufacturing has shaped Somerset County’s history and continues to drive its success. Early industries like sawmills, tanneries, and brick factories drew workers here, fostering an enduring work ethic that propels today’s businesses. Our industrial landscape is broad and dynamic, encompassing heavy fabrication alongside cutting-edge technologies in precision products and advanced materials.

Energy production remains a cornerstone, leveraging natural resources since the county’s founding. From historic hydroelectric dams to coal mining, and now wind energy and natural gas, Somerset County adapts to meet global demands while sustaining local jobs.

With average windspeeds exceeding 21 miles per hour, the county is prime for renewable energy. Towering wind turbines along ridgetops harness this resource, generating clean power. As of 2025, Somerset hosts more wind farms than anywhere else in Pennsylvania – eight in total – with 198 turbines producing around 389 megawatts of capacity, contributing nearly 25% of the state’s wind energy output. A new 81-megawatt project, Sugar Maple Wind Farm, is slated for operation in late 2026, further boosting capacity.

Coal mining persists as a vital part of the energy mix. In 2023, Somerset County produced over 2.1 million short tons, ranking fourth in Pennsylvania and supporting hundreds of high-wage jobs in a sector that

remains reliable and affordable. Preliminary 2024 data indicates steady output amid national shifts toward diversified energy.

Natural resource extraction – from lumber and stone to oil and gas – keeps the economy humming. These industries create ripple effects, supporting suppliers, transporters, and service providers. Recent investments in sustainable practices, like enhanced reclamation in mining, ensure long-term viability.

Somerset County’s business ecosystem thrives on collaboration. Organizations like the Somerset County Economic Development Council facilitate growth through grants, training, and networking. For instance, a 2024 Appalachian Regional Commission award of $1.88 million to JARI Growth Fund bolsters entrepreneurship in outdoor recreation, projecting 400 new jobs and $3 million in private investment across the region, including Somerset.

Emerging sectors add vibrancy: agri-tourism leverages farms for events and products, while tech firms tap broadband expansions for remote work. With low costs, skilled labor, and strategic location near major markets, Somerset invites entrepreneurs to invest.

Whether starting a venture or expanding, our community offers the tools for success. From robust infrastructure to a dedicated workforce, Somerset County is where businesses flourish amid natural beauty and opportunity.