North Carolina is Ranked #1 for Business

Powered by an economy that has hit its stride with a turbocharged track record of innovation, North Carolina is America’s Top State for Business (2023).  

North Carolina’s solid finances and pristine credit rating are the cornerstone of the nation’s top economy as measured by a CNBC study. Economic and job growth was among the strongest in the country.

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More than Business

Residents of Caldwell County are fortunate to reside in a vibrant region that extends well beyond business success. Many employers, workers and families live, work and enjoy many of the communities in Caldwell County and throughout the Hickory–Lenoir–Morganton MSA. A reflection of that combined energy was reflected recently by U.S. News and World Report, which listed Hickry as the #1 most affordable place to live in the U.S. The report cited refreshing home values that meet the needs of young professionals, families and retirees alike. 

Caldwell County is the Best of North Carolina

Caldwell County is one of the most affordable and advantageous locations in North Carolina for businesses and industries. We have industrial sites, converted manufacturing space and land along the US 321 corridor that is priced better than neighboring counties. Caldwell County Economic Development (CCED) has repurposed and filled over 4.2 million square feet of industrial and commercial space vacated during the Great Recession of 2008. 

Caldwell's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has realized 30 percent growth since the Great Recession (building exponential momentum after 2014). Caldwell emerged from the pandemic the only county in the Hickory–Lenoir–Morganton MSA whose GDP did not decline in 2020.

Furthermore, CCED and our economic partners make doing business easier. We offer direct support to existing companies or businesses looking to invest in our community by providing the data and solutions decision-makers need. Our power is in our partnerships. Our experts streamline and simplify, infusing Southern hospitality into every interaction. 

CCED and our economic partners:

  • Forge partnerships with businesses to make their relocation or expansion as smooth and easy as possible.
  • Customize solutions and responses to meet your specific needs.
  • Offer constant support in areas like job training. 
  • Bring everything and everyone to the table to facilitate success. 

Access the Caldwell County Key Indicators Report and the Western Piedmont Council of Governments Economic Indicators Newsletter to learn more.

CaldWELL CHOSEN