Area Talent

Workforce

Total Businesses

2,441

Total Employed

25,091

Workers 16+

35,960

2026 HealthCare / Social Assistance

Businesses

222

Employed

4,358

2026 Retail Trade Businesses

Businesses

389

Employed

3,144

2026 Manufacturing Businesses

Businesses

122

Employed

3,059

2026 Accommodation / Food Service

Businesses

163

Employed

2,254

2026 Educational Services - Businesses

Businesses

Employed

2,214

2026 Food Service / Drinking Est.

Businesses

145

Employed

2,125

Some
High School

5,540

Graduated
High School

16,653

Associates
Degree

7,327

Bachelor's
Degree

7,800

Graduate
Degree

4,138

Average Commute Time

26 min.

Resident Commuters

21,245

Non-Resident Commuters

14,298

Drive Alone

29,357

Carpooled

3,523

Public

Work At Home

2,561

Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31

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Manufacturing Week 2026

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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

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.

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.

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.

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%.

construction worker in welding PPE using a grinder on metal fabrication with sparks flying

Existing Manufacturing Space Available

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

Free Job Training for Qualifying Businesses

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

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.

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.

Our Festivals Bring Neighbors Together

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

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.

Area Talent

Workforce

Target Industries

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

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

Smithsonian Celebrated Sculpture Gardens

Entrepreneurship is Thriving

Eat and Play North Carolina

Record-Breaking Private Sector Wage Growth

Existing Manufacturing Space Available

Free Job Training for Qualifying Businesses

Meander the Blue Ridge Parkway and Historic Happy Valley

Our Mountains, Rivers and Lakes are Calling

Our Festivals Bring Neighbors Together

Renowned “Adventure Towns”