Waynesboro “On the Rise” Among Virginia Cities

WAYNESBORO – Fueled by increases across multiple categories, Waynesboro is grwing in critical ways and posting significant gains.  According to online consumer advocacy site NerdWallet, the City ranks high as one of Virginia’s “Cities on the Rise,” based on an assessment of population growth, employment figures and personal income levels gleaned from U.S. Census Data.  Impressively, of the 114 cities reviewed (each with total population over 10,000), Waynesboro placed 13th overall.

“The recent ranking by NerdWallet reflects Waynesboro’s strident interest in progress and the economic advancement that has been realized by our community.” said Greg Hitchin, Director of Economic Development and Tourism.  “The City has become more populous and more prosperous over time, realizing the highest employment gain on the list at 4.5%, with corresponding income growth of 4.1% for the period studied (2010-2012).  We are eager for these trends to continue and are actively engaged to that end.”

Overall, the state forecast appears favorable.  According to Kamran Rosen of NerdWallet, “Virginia residents were largely insulated from large-scale job losses during the recession, with the unemployment rate never climbing above 7.4% . . . Virginia’s [current] unemployment rate of 5.6% is lower than Maryland, the nation’s capital, and the national average of 5.9%.” With a working-age population of 16,559, Waynesboro led the entire group for employment growth from 2010-2012 and was one of just three localities with gains above 4%.  A strong, accessible pipeline of available workers is one of the hallmarks of the City and also the Shenandoah Valley region – not surprisingly, this component is also a top draw for site selectors seeking the right location for corporate clients’ impending projects.

Gregory E. Hitchin, Director
www.WaynesboroBusinesss.com
HitchinGE@Waynesboro.Va.Us
540-942-6779
301 West Main Street
Waynesboro, VA 22980