Skip to main content

WNC Business

Economic Impact of Government and Nonprofit Industries

Dec 02, 2024 09:10AM ● By Randee Brown

Government

According to Riverbird Research, the number of jobs in the region’s government industry decreased by 2% between 2018 and 2023, slightly more than the state's overall loss of 1% during that time period.

The total concentration of 56,460 jobs in an 18-county area of WNC was approximately 15% greater compared to the national average in 2023. These jobs were supported by 912 payrolled business locations and earned an average wage of $56,092 annually, excluding supplements.

The highest concentration of government work occurred in Buncombe County with 15,462 jobs, followed by Swain County with 6,739 of these jobs.

Nonprofit

According to Riverbird Research, the number of jobs in the region’s nonprofit industry increased by 11% between 2018 and 2023, below the state’s overall increase of 15% during that time period.

The total concentration of 3,672 jobs in an 18-county area of WNC was approximately 18% greater compared to the national average in 2023. These jobs were supported by 460 payrolled business locations and earned an average wage of $42,496 annually, excluding supplements.

The highest concentration of nonprofit work occurred in Buncombe County with 1,915 jobs, followed by Henderson County with 390 of these jobs.