Area Talent

Workforce

Total Businesses

2,451

Total Employed

26,047

Workers 16+

35,284

2024 HealthCare / Social Assistance

Businesses

200

Employed

4,140

2024 Manufacturing Businesses

Businesses

120

Employed

3,292

2024 Retail Trade Businesses

Businesses

409

Employed

3,285

2024 Educational Services - Businesses

Businesses

Employed

2,404

2024 Accommodation / Food Service

Businesses

159

Employed

2,137

2024 Public Administration

Businesses

121

Employed

2,005

Some
High School

6,232

Graduated
High School

14,949

Associates
Degree

6,786

Bachelor's
Degree

8,241

Graduate
Degree

3,166

Average Commute Time

26 min.

Resident Commuters

21,038

Non-Resident Commuters

13,886

Drive Alone

29,247

Carpooled

3,256

Public

Work At Home

1,896

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-11

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Free Job Training for Qualifying Businesses

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

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.

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.

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

Existing Manufacturing Space Available

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

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 Festivals Bring Neighbors Together

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

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.

Area Talent

Workforce

Target Industries

Smithsonian Celebrated Sculpture Gardens

Renowned “Adventure Towns”

Entrepreneurship is Thriving

Eat and Play North Carolina

Free Job Training for Qualifying Businesses

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

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

Existing Manufacturing Space Available

Record-Breaking Private Sector Wage Growth

Our Festivals Bring Neighbors Together

Our Mountains, Rivers and Lakes are Calling

Meander the Blue Ridge Parkway and Historic Happy Valley