Economy

Economy

The surrounding area has a large farming population, including many Amish and Mennonite families. Franklin County’s largest crop is corn (maize) with 579 farms that cover 29,916 acres (121.07 km2) of land. Franklin also has 344 wheat farms and 299 barley farms which combined cover 14,063 acres (56.91 km2).[54] Manufacturing in Chambersburg includes machinery production, metal fabrication, and food processing according to the 1997 Economic Census of Franklin County.[55] The largest sectors by payroll were manufacturing companies such as T B Wood’s Inc., Manitowoc cranes, retail trade, and health care and social assistance. The economy of the area is still largely based on agriculture.[32]

Retail stores such as Wal-Mart and Lowe’s serve the population with jobs and basic needs. The Chambersburg Mall with four anchor stores and about fifty smaller stores is located in the unincorporated village of Scotland, about four miles (6 km) north of town on Interstate 81.[56] Chambersburg’s retail sector has grown quickly since 2006 with the opening of Target, Petsmart, Michaels, and Kohls near the newly built Exit 17 of Interstate 81. Several restaurants new to the region have also opened, including Starbucks (2), TGI Fridays, Red Robin, Fuddruckers, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Ruby Tuesday, and Panera Bread.

The city’s location on Interstate 81 within 100 miles (160 km) of both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland encourages trucking and distribution businesses.[57] The Letterkenny Army Depot five miles (8 km) north of town is a major employer. Camp David also employs Chambersburg residents. In 2004 Chambersburg had a per capita personal income (PCPI) of $28,208, below the national average of $33,050.[58]