CRANBERRY TWP — The township's growth will continue over the next several years, with a need for more retail and restaurants, according to a recently completed market analysis.

During Thursday's supervisors meeting, the board heard a summary of the analysis from Ron Henshaw, the township's planning and development services director.

Based on information from 2017, the analysis is the third with others completed in 2007 and 2015. Henshaw said it compares the township and region to four other regions, including Monroeville, Robinson, Pittsburgh and Washington as well as against itself. It measures demographics, workforce and the retail and commercial markets of those regions.

From a growth standpoint, the report indicates Cranberry had the fastest growth rate from 2010 to 2017, and is set to attract the largest number of new residents over the next four years. The township has the youngest population outside of Pittsburgh, with an average age of 39.

Overall, the Cranberry region outpaced other regions in growing from 78,875 people to 93,163, with the township accounting for about one-third of that. It allowed the township to surpass McCandless as the most populous of the communities.

The report indicates the corridor has the highest median income at just over $111,000. Henshaw said 20,573 people come to the township to work, with 10,377 leaving to work elsewhere. A total of 2,614 live and work in the community.

“That is the number that we're constantly striving to improve upon,” he said, adding that mixed-used developments aim to increase that number.

Henshaw said the township has 234 retail establishments with average sales of $836 million. Additionally, there are 87 restaurants with annual sales of $80 million.

Even with growth in those areas, Henshaw said the report indicates the township should have about 1.5 million square feet of additional retail space. He said that number is partially based on which stores township residents must leave the area to patronize, and the type of stores that could bring more people to the township.

The township could also use more hotels, despite the influx of new business in that area in recent years, Henshaw said.

Henshaw said the information is one of the most important tools the township possesses in attracting new business and residents. He said any interested party is given a copy of that analysis as well as the township comprehensive plan.

Jerry Andree, township manager, said the data allows leaders to model the future community and improve the quality of life for residents and business owners.

Supervisor Chairman Dick Hadley added that the numbers further show the value and possibilities that exist in the township.

“We're part of a region that is growing, and I think we're the driving force within that region,” he said.