Why Companies Choose Onslow County for Growth
A growing civilian workforce, competitive incentives, a strong tourism economy, and quality-of-life advantages that help companies attract talent and raise average incomes.
A Diversified Economy, Anchored by Partnership.
Onslow County is open for business, a strategic coastal location where companies thrive, and people love to live.
Positioned between deep-water ports with I-40 running through our center, we offer a powerful mix of logistics advantages, diversified industry clusters, competitive costs, and a ready workforce. Anchored by the strength of Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, we also deliver exceptional coastal living: beautiful beaches, the New River, affordable housing, strong schools, and a welcoming community that helps businesses recruit and retain talent.
We don't just recruit companies. We strive to offer a quality of life that makes people want to build their careers, their families, and their futures right here.
This is where opportunity, partnership, and quality of life come together on the Carolina Coast.
Growing Civilian Workforce
A 125,300-person labor force, plus 5,000+ service members and spouses transitioning to civilian careers each year — bringing leadership, technical skills, and security clearances to advanced industries.
Competitive Incentives for Higher-Wage Jobs
JDIG, One NC Fund, and local performance-based packages reward net-new jobs at or above the county wage standard — aligning support with the higher-wage employers we recruit.
Expanding Tourism Economy
Beaches, the New River, and coastal towns anchor a year-round visitor economy — fueling hospitality investment, retail growth, and diversified small-business revenue.
Quality of Life That Attracts Talent
Affordable housing, strong schools, beaches, parks, and a year-round calendar of community events help companies recruit and keep the professional talent they need to grow.
Strategic Location & Infrastructure
I-40, US Highway 17, the Port of Morehead City, and regional rail deliver fast, low-cost distribution across the entire East Coast — from a single coastal address.
Pro-Business Environment for Diversification
Available sites, streamlined permitting, and target-industry clusters in advanced manufacturing, marine trades, aviation/UAS, healthcare, and logistics — built to grow beyond defense.
Room to grow up — and grow a career.
Boardwalks, hands-on science, and community programs across Jacksonville and Onslow County give families reasons to stay and employers an easier recruiting story.
The market at a glance.
A snapshot of the workforce, wages, and economic base companies use to evaluate Onslow County.
