Montgomery County is a relatively diverse and progressive place. It tends to favor Democrats in national elections, it is open to renewable energy and climate solutions, and generally has an educated and high-earning workforce. Skippack Township is located in the center of Montgomery County–it is part of the greater Philadelphia metropolitan and economic region. Economic development messaging may or may not be effective given the diversity of the economy in the area and opportunities for residents to commute. However, Skippack Township is a medium-to-high income community with single family homes common for many suburbs, so may be subject to NIMBYism or concerns over property values and access to open, natural space.
Political Data
Montgomery County leans Democratic. The Cook Political Report’s Partisan Voting Index (PVI) assigned the Pennsylvania’s 4th Congressional District, a D+7, making it somewhat competitive, but favoring Democrats.
In 2020, the county voted for Biden (D) by a 26.2 point margin. In 2016, it voted for Hillary Clinton (D) by a 19.4 points. Over the past three Presidential elections, the margins have grown wider in favor of Democrats.
Population Characteristics
Total Population: 14,193
- White - 75.3%
- Black or African American - 16.3%
- American Indian/Native - 0.1%
- Asian - 4.9%
- Two or more races - 1.0%
- Hispanic or Latino - 3.6%
Education
- High School Graduate or higher - 86.7%
- Bachelors degree or higher - 42.6%
Workforce Data
According to the latest data from the U.S. Census, Skippack Township has an employment rate of 59.2%. The county’s median household income is $121,881. About 0.8% of the population falls under the poverty line. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montgomery County, PA has a 3.1% unemployment rate, below the national average of 3.6%.
The following occupations and industry data represents Montgomery County.
Top Occupations:
- Management (59,628)
- Business & Financial Operations (35,201)
- Education Instruction & Library (31,554)
- Health Diagnosing & Treating Practitioners & Other Technicians (28,047)
- Computer & Mathematics (23,842)
Top Industries:
- Restaurants and other eating establishments
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Individual and family services
- Management of companies and enterprises
- Scientific research and development services
Despite agriculture being a major element of the local economy and culture, it is not a large employer in the county. More data can be found at the U.S. Census Bureau. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor also maintains a county-level workforce analysis report.
Employers & Labor Force
The top 4 major employers in Placer County are:
- Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation — an energy plant that converts energy into bulk electrical power. Largest employer but also seeing huge layoffs.
- Main Line Hospitals Inc — Lankenau Medical Center, part of Main Line Health, is an acute care hospital and medical complex.
- Abington Memorial Hospital — 665-bed regional referral center and teaching hospital in Abington, PA.
- SmithKline Beecham Corporation — clinical laboratories focused on pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines, and consumer healthcare. The company received an award from the Planning Commission in regard to its 40-acre lab with an innovative porous paving approach
