Area Talent

Workforce

Total Businesses

2,495

Total Employed

26,167

Workers 16+

35,823

2025 HealthCare / Social Assistance

Businesses

223

Employed

4,520

2025 Manufacturing Businesses

Businesses

129

Employed

3,477

2025 Retail Trade Businesses

Businesses

397

Employed

3,142

2025 Educational Services - Businesses

Businesses

Employed

2,391

2025 Public Administration

Businesses

120

Employed

2,249

2025 Accommodation / Food Service

Businesses

166

Employed

2,133

Some
High School

5,869

Graduated
High School

14,747

Associates
Degree

7,088

Bachelor's
Degree

8,533

Graduate
Degree

3,730

Average Commute Time

27 min.

Resident Commuters

20,919

Non-Resident Commuters

14,491

Drive Alone

29,188

Carpooled

3,781

Public

Work At Home

2,266

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-18

My Report:

Add

View Help

Record-Breaking Private Sector Wage Growth

Caldwell County ranked 20th out of North Carolina’s 100 counties for wage growth in 2023. Since 2015, wages have grown an impressive 51.5%.

Our Mountains, Rivers and Lakes are Calling

Life in Caldwell County can be full of adventure. Spend the day exploring parks, mountains, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and biking.

Meander the Blue Ridge Parkway and Historic Happy Valley

Explore scenic vistas, historical sites, art, breweries, wineries, eateries and more along this world famous route.

Existing Manufacturing Space Available

Move right into one of our existing manufacturing buildings. The infrastructure is in place and a trained workforce is ready.

Entrepreneurship is Thriving

Record numbers of new businesses and industries have registered in Caldwell: 250-500 each year since 2018. The CCC&TI Business Center is ready to assist.

Renowned “Adventure Towns”

The Blue Ridge foothills, Pisgah National Forest and Wilson Creek are our playgrounds for biking, off-roading, watersports, hiking, hunting, fishing and camping.

Our Festivals Bring Neighbors Together

Whether we’re celebrating art, butterflies, blackberries, BBQ or wine, the calendar is full of Southern charm.

2025 Key Indicators Report

Caldwell County is building on its historic manufacturing legacy while embracing the industries of tomorrow. With affordability, a strategic location, and a skilled workforce, the county is a prime destination for business growth and investment.

Free Job Training for Qualifying Businesses

CCED works closely with CCC&TI and local manufacturers to meet the workforce needs of employers.

Eat and Play North Carolina

Explore the Caldwell County Itinerary for food, shopping, highlights, lodging and adventures! We invite locals and visitors to delight in the journey and the destination.

NC is America’s Top State for Business

NC is America’s Top State for Business (CNBC, 2022)

Powered by an economy that has hit its stride and turbocharged by a track record of innovation, Caldwell County is the best of NC.

Smithsonian Celebrated Sculpture Gardens

Caldwell County has the most extensive collection of permanent public outdoor sculptures per capita in the U.S. Our annual Sculpture Celebration is the largest in the South.

NC is the No.1 Southeast State for Sustainability

NC is the No.1 Southeast State for Sustainability (Site Selection)

NC has increased production of renewables by nearly 52%, double the average of all 50 states

Area Talent

Workforce

Target Industries

Record-Breaking Private Sector Wage Growth

Our Mountains, Rivers and Lakes are Calling

Meander the Blue Ridge Parkway and Historic Happy Valley

Existing Manufacturing Space Available

Entrepreneurship is Thriving

Renowned “Adventure Towns”

Our Festivals Bring Neighbors Together

Free Job Training for Qualifying Businesses

Eat and Play North Carolina

NC is America’s Top State for Business (CNBC, 2022)

Smithsonian Celebrated Sculpture Gardens

NC is the No.1 Southeast State for Sustainability (Site Selection)