Beaufort County Economy

Location

Beaufort County, North Carolina is strategically located just 1.5 hours east of Raleigh and only 30 minutes from Greenville. It is part of the Greenville-Washington Combined Statistical Area (GWCSA), offering access to regional markets and resources. As a designated participant in Foreign Trade Zone #214 (FTZ #214 SENC), Beaufort County provides individuals and businesses the advantage of importing foreign goods into a duty-free zone—enhancing global trade and supply chain efficiency.

People from across the country are drawn to Beaufort County for its scenic waterfront living, mild climate, absence of traffic congestion, diverse and growing economy, strong schools, and unmistakable southern hospitality.

Workforce & Industries

As part of the Greenville-Washington Combined Statistical Area (GWCSA), Beaufort and Pitt Counties boast a combined population of over 225,000 and a workforce exceeding 102,000. The region offers a talented, available, and trainable labor pool supported by a strong pipeline from local high schools, community colleges, a major university, and workforce retraining programs.

The GWCSA is home to more than 150 manufacturing establishments, employing over 8,500 people. These manufacturers produce a diverse range of products, including air filters, boats, electric motors, lift trucks, pharmaceuticals, plastic components, metal fabrications, retail store fixtures, and truck bodies—underscoring the region’s industrial versatility and strength.

Business Climate

CNBC recently named North Carolina the #1 state for business— and Beaufort County is proud to contribute to that success. Home to a diverse array of industries, Beaufort County hosts a wide variety of companies, including:

• AAF Flanders
• BTW Global 
• Carver Machine Works
• Elite Truck
• Iconic Marine Group
• idX Impressions
• InterMarket Technology
• ITW Medical Inc.
• National Spinning Co.
• Nutrien
• Oakridge Industries
• Pamlico Yachtworks
• PAS USA Inc.
• ProtoTech Manufacturing
• Sesame Technologies
• VT Hackney

These businesses span sectors such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, marine products, and more benefiting from the region’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and supportive business climate.

Why Companies Choose Beaufort County

A wide range of companies have chosen to locate in Beaufort County, North Carolina—and for good reason. The region offers a compelling mix of logistical advantages, business-friendly policies, and workforce strength, including:

• Competitive tax rates

• Supportive and stable business climate

• Highly capable workforce

  • 17% of the private-sector workforce is employed in manufacturing

• Strategic access to air travel

  • Three airports within 30 to 120 minutes, offering daily flights via major carriers

• Proximity to major deep-water ports

  • Morehead City, Wilmington, and Norfolk—all within 90 minutes

• Rail access

  • Direct service by Norfolk Southern and CSX, with enhanced connectivity via the Carolina Connector (CCX) Intermodal Terminal

• Foreign Trade Zone #214 (FTZ #214 SENC)

  • Duty-free advantages for international trade

Beaufort County provides the infrastructure, talent, and business environment to help companies thrive—whether they're looking to expand, relocate, or start fresh.