Competitive Advantages
Why business feels at home in Jefferson County.
Jefferson County: Rich in history, with a wealth of competitive advantages. A location where global industry feels at home and where your enterprise future is unlimited, success fueled by a unique combination of assets, including:
Just an hour’s drive from D.C., Jefferson County rolls out access to everywhere your operation needs to be, starting with major Eastern markets via I-81, I-70 and I-95. Jefferson County’s proximity—to D.C., to Northern Virginia and to Southern Maryland—unlocks opportunity at every level: Markets, a high-value knowledge workforce and other critical resources.
Even in a state with a cost of living 12% lower than the national average, Jefferson County is a standout, offering a cost of living that is 20% or more below neighboring counties in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. Lower costs stretch paychecks, bringing labor costs down.
Businesses also enjoy lower costs and greater operational stability through West Virginia’s:
- Rates on workers compensation insurance, the 4th lowest in the nation.
- Low manufacturing workforce turnover--in fact, the nation’s lowest.
- Continual reduction in business tax burden, allowing businesses to save approximately $800 million between 2007 and 2021.
Fed by a labor pool of 2.5 million within 50 miles, the Jefferson County workforce has the scale to meet your operational needs, and the skill to put you ahead in the global market. Our higher skills are built on the foundation of an educated populace—39.1% of County residents hold an associate’s degree or higher. Our quality is also driven by the value we place on work: Jefferson County’s labor participation rate is 66%, a rate that is above both the state and national average.
Robust opportunity is spread across Jefferson County, including in federally designated Opportunity Zones (OZ), like the master-planned Burr Business Park, where customizable acreage is available and more than 50 leading companies are now thriving, including Automated Merchandising Systems, DALB, and the U.S. Coast Guard Operations Systems Center. Another strategic site, the Middleway Industrial site, offers 270 shovel-ready acres and a 325,000 sq.-ft. industrial building.
Jefferson County is a place of delightful balance: Imagine a tranquil horse farm inside the D.C. metro. Picture families enjoying the benefits of welcoming, low-cost neighborhoods, K-12 and higher education that chart the path to success, all set against West Virginia’s most scenic natural splendor. Imagine historic and picturesque downtowns offering on-trend amenities including distilleries, excellent dining and Amtrak commuting, with D.C.’s cultural and entertainment opportunities just an hour’s drive away. Our balance is one reason business feels at home in Jefferson County—and so do people.
Powerfully connected location in Washington, D.C. MSA
Just an hour’s drive from D.C., Jefferson County rolls out access to everywhere your operation needs to be, starting with major Eastern markets via I-81, I-70 and I-95. Jefferson County’s proximity—to D.C., to Northern Virginia and to Southern Maryland—unlocks opportunity at every level: Markets, a high-value knowledge workforce and other critical resources.
Attractively low cost of living. Substantially lower costs of business
Even in a state with a cost of living 12% lower than the national average, Jefferson County is a standout, offering a cost of living that is 20% or more below neighboring counties in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. Lower costs stretch paychecks, bringing labor costs down.
Businesses also enjoy lower costs and greater operational stability through West Virginia’s:
- Rates on workers compensation insurance, the 4th lowest in the nation.
- Low manufacturing workforce turnover--in fact, the nation’s lowest.
- Continual reduction in business tax burden, allowing businesses to save approximately $800 million between 2007 and 2021.
A deeper labor pool with higher skills
Fed by a labor pool of 2.5 million within 50 miles, the Jefferson County workforce has the scale to meet your operational needs, and the skill to put you ahead in the global market. Our higher skills are built on the foundation of an educated populace—39.1% of County residents hold an associate’s degree or higher. Our quality is also driven by the value we place on work: Jefferson County’s labor participation rate is 66%, a rate that is above both the state and national average.
Sites that deliver greater opportunity and productivity
Robust opportunity is spread across Jefferson County, including in federally designated Opportunity Zones (OZ), like the master-planned Burr Business Park, where customizable acreage is available and more than 50 leading companies are now thriving, including Automated Merchandising Systems, DALB, and the U.S. Coast Guard Operations Systems Center. Another strategic site, the Middleway Industrial site, offers 270 shovel-ready acres and a 325,000 sq.-ft. industrial building.
Modern amenities and metropolitan outlook + spectacular beauty and agrarian serenity
Jefferson County is a place of delightful balance: Imagine a tranquil horse farm inside the D.C. metro. Picture families enjoying the benefits of welcoming, low-cost neighborhoods, K-12 and higher education that chart the path to success, all set against West Virginia’s most scenic natural splendor. Imagine historic and picturesque downtowns offering on-trend amenities including distilleries, excellent dining and Amtrak commuting, with D.C.’s cultural and entertainment opportunities just an hour’s drive away. Our balance is one reason business feels at home in Jefferson County—and so do people.
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