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