Before World War II, Cranberry Township was an agricultural community with no traditional downtown area. Several small stores operated throughout the township. The township's growth was greatly facilitated by the 1952 completion of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the subsequent arrival of I-79. In the 1960s, the township's board of supervisors created the Cranberry Industrial Development Corporation to spur economic growth in the area by fostering the development of an industrial park.
In 2012, a study conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that the population of Cranberry Township would reach 32,238 by 2021. However, the actual number of residents was far lower. That is partially due to the housing market decline and the economy. However, a comprehensive plan based on the current demographics will likely lead to faster population growth than originally projected by ESRI.
The community's growth is a reflection of its diversity. More than two-dozen institutions of higher learning are located within a single campus. Butler County Community College also has a branch campus in Cranberry Township. It is also convenient to attend classes at Pittsburgh's famous universities. It is a great place to raise a family, start a business, and enjoy life in a family-oriented community.
The 2007 Market Analysis compared the Township's economic and demographic performance to nearby cities and counties. The study focused on trends and market indicators. The data allowed for comparisons with other towns and areas in Butler County and Allegheny County. Specifically, it evaluated the proportion of singles and households under the age of 20 as compared to the percentage of people aged sixty-nine and older.