SWOT Analysis
STRENGTHS
Total Population
177,003
Emsi, 2020
Population grew by 5,591 over the last 5 years and is expected to grow by 6,027 over the next 5 years
Regional Employment
66,646
Emsi, 2021
Just decreased by 1,865 over the last 5 years, but is projected to grow by 3,320 over the next 5 years.
College Educated
15.4%
Bachelor’s Degree
Additional 11% hold Associate’s Degrees, 2.4% above the national average
Labor Force Participation Rate
74%
Emsi, 2021
- Proximity to Norfolk offers access to a major population and job center
- Coastal tourism supports jobs, outside dollars, & tax revenue
- Regional poverty rate is lower than the state’s HS Graduation rates are high across the region
- Nation’s largest and busiest Coast Guard air station
Low crime rates help make the region attractive
