Technology trends can indicate how well a region is keeping pace with resources and training that support technical innovation and new types of jobs. As well, having access to the Internet is increasingly essential for participating in much of modern life.
In 2020-24, 88% of households in Lancaster County had access to the Internet, slightly lower than Pennsylvania and the U.S (90% and 91%, respectively). Compared to neighboring counties, Lancaster had the second-lowest share of households with internet access, just above Lebanon County. The City of Lancaster had a higher percentage of people with internet access, at 90%.
In 2024, 6% of jobs in Lancaster County were considered high-tech, below both the state and national rates, both 10%. Chester County had the largest percentage of high-tech jobs, at 14%, and Lebanon County had the smallest percentage, at 2%.
In 2024, 14% of residents in Lancaster County aged 25 or older had a STEM degree. This was lower than both the state rate of 24% and national rate of 20%, respectively. Lancaster County was tied with Berks County for the 4th-largest percentage of STEM graduates among surrounding counties, behind Dauphin (37%), Cumberland (16%), and York (15%) and above Lebanon (10%) and Chester (9%).
Per capita funding for science and engineering research and development in Lancaster County was $9 per resident in 2024, exceeding $5 million. That was below the per capita funding level of $493 per resident for the state as a whole. Lancaster’s spending was below Chester and Dauphin counties, at $14 and $20 per resident, respectively, but above Berks and Cumberland, at $4 and $6 per resident, respectively.
Per capita funding statewide has increased 39% since 2010, while per capita funding in Lancaster, Chester, and Cumberland counties have all experienced decreases of 33%, 20%, and 51%, respectively, since 2010.
| INDICATORS | TREND |
|---|---|
| Households With Internet Access | Increasing |
| High-Tech Jobs | Increasing |
| STEM Graduates | Maintaining |
| Science and Engineering Research and Development | Maintaining |
