Roanoke Region Job Growth Continued in 2016
In 2016, the Roanoke Region of Virginia continued to grow jobs and its economy. The Roanoke metro saw employment grow by 1,200 jobs between December 2015 and December 2016, for a rate of growth of 0.7%, matching the rate of growth in Richmond and putting Roanoke ahead of the majority of metro areas in the state.
Average employment for the entire year is at its highest level since 2007.
Employment gains were mainly in education and health and finance/business services.
The region is poised for continued growth into 2017 and beyond with more than 1,400 jobs announced from projects under development such as Eldor Corporation, Virginia Community College System, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits, and Deschutes Brewery.
Employment Change, December 2015 to December 2016
| METRO AREA | 2015 EMPLOYMENT | 2016 EMPLOYMENT | CHANGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville | 113.5 | 116.7 | 2.8% |
| NOVA | 1414.2 | 1443.7 | 2.1% |
| Winchester | 62.5 | 63.7 | 1.9% |
| Roanoke | 162.8 | 164 | 0.7% |
| Richmond | 667.8 | 572.2 | 0.7% |
| Harrisonburg | 64.7 | 64.8 | 0.2% |
| Hampton Roads | 769.2 | 767.6 | -0.2% |
| Lynchburg | 104.1 | 103.7 | -0.4% |
| Blacksburg | 77.6 | 76.9 | -0.9% |
| Staunton-Waynesboro | 49.8 | 48.8 | -2.0% |
* December numbers in thousands of jobs.