Discover the advantages of relocating or expanding your business in North Carolina, a proud right-to-work state. Benefit from competitive wage rates, attractive unemployment insurance, and efficient workers' compensation systems that create an ideal economic environment.
It is also about strong work principles. Local plant managers consistently highlight the region’s strong work ethic and impressively low absenteeism rates as key factors in their decision-making.
With nearly 2.9 million residents within a 60-mile radius of the county seat of Louisburg, and 350,000 advanced manufacturing workforce, Franklin County boasts an impressive labor pool of almost 1.5 million.

The workforce is here – are you ready to take advantage?
Workforce and Labor Shed Overview
(Within a 60-mile radius of Youngsville)
Population Insights

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Total Population:
3,107,183 (2024)
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Labor Force:
1,386,513 (2024)
Age Distribution (2024)

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20-49:
41 %
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Median Age:
38.4 years
Labor Force Status (2024)

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Employed:
1,323,484 (96.38%)
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Unemployed:
55,320 (3.4%)
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Manufacturing Workforce:
77,290
Household Information (2024)

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Total Households:
1,018,603
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Families:
635,550
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Median Household Income
$66,184
Transportation to Work

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Drove alone:
81%
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Carpool:
9%
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Public Transport (Bus/Train):
0.7%
Source: Esri, 2024
Workforce Development Initiatives
Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) delivers tailored, comprehensive, workforce development training solutions to businesses across Franklin, Granville, Vance, and Warren counties, often at no cost to the businesses. VGCC actively collaborates with local industries and economic development organizations, swiftly addressing their unique needs while ensuring confidentiality.
Targeted training programs bolster the growth of Franklin County's key and emerging industries. VGCC’s BioWork stands out as an innovative training initiative tailored for the biotechnology industry sector. Recognized nationally and led by industry experts, this program is committed to developing a skilled workforce to meet the evolving demands in the biotechnology, bioeconomy, and life science industry sectors.
The Early College High School Program illustrates innovative partnerships with local school districts. The region's K-12 education leaders collaborate with local employers to align curriculum with workforce needs, introducing programs like Early College High School, STEM education, and Career Readiness Certificates.
In addition, the Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board offers flexible training solutions for existing employees in companies undergoing expansion or operational changes. Training can take place onsite or at temporary facilities, accommodating the employer's and employee’s schedules.