VLCDA Data Set

 

Demographic & Trends

With a population around 113,941 Valdosta-Lowndes County’s labor force is drawn from 7 counties in the region and more than 177,719 workers live within a 45 minute drive of Valdosta-Lowndes County.

The following are a few key pieces of data for Valdosta-Lowndes County:

 

Environmental

In Valdosta-Lowndes County, we know the value of time. That’s why our local review and permitting processes are simple and straight-forward. It’s easy for us to offer expedited permitting, because that’s how we do business everyday!

Permitting & Zoning

When comparing us to metro areas and large cities, Valdosta-Lowndes County development review and permitting process is a substantial location advantage. Our zoning code is short and to the point. And, our review processes are efficient and timely.

Plan Review & Permit Issuance

Generally, plan review and permits can be issued in a matter of days. The following are estimated timelines for each type of review/permit. Timing assumes plan submitted by the applicant are complete.

  • Site Plan Review is accomplished within 7 to 10 business days

  • Building, Mechanical, Plumbing & Electrical Code Review is accomplished within 7 to 10 business days

  • Permit issuance is accomplished within 5-7 business days after final plan review/approval.

  • For a complete list of construction codes for the state of Georgia, Click Here.

For more information on obtaining a building permit please contact Valdosta-Lowndes County Building Inspections Department at 229-259-3506.

Plan Submittal and Review Process for the City of Valdosta and Lowndes County, Georgia, Click Here.

Zoning

Valdosta and Lowndes County has multiple commercial and industrial zones. The following is a brief summary of each zone and a partial list of allowed uses. Please refer to the City/County’s zoning code.

Lowndes County

Zoning Districts for Lowndes County, Georgia are defined in the Lowndes County Unified Land Development Code, Click Here.

City of Valdosta

Zoning Districts for the City of Valdosta are defined in the City of Valdosta Land Development Regulations, Click Here

  • Matt Martin, City of Valdosta Planning and Zoning Administrator

Lowndes County page provides information for Lowndes County, including county services, property sales and tax information.

City of Valdosta provides downloadable permit applications, copies of policies and lists of licensed contractors in the area

 

Workforce

Available, Affordable Workforce

Valdosta-Lowndes County has a highly trained workforce both available and affordable. And, now is the time to seize on the opportunity to take advantage of more than 177,700 skilled workers.

Here, you’ll also find local job training programs offered through Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, as well as state and local incentives that can help you advance the skills your workforce needs to stay on top of the competition. Learn more about our workforce development opportunities and available incentives.                     

In Valdosta-Lowndes County, Georgia you’ll find a workforce advantage that will help you start faster and compete quicker!

 

Workforce Overview

 

Valdosta-Lowndes County

Unemployment Rate

(December 2019)

3.2%

Valdosta-Lowndes County Population (2020)

Valdosta-Lowndes County Population (2010)

113,941

109,233

Population Employed

in Lowndes County

51,132

Total Laborshed Workforce

in Lowndes County

56,173

Population

(7 Counties)

186,961

Total Labor Force Participation

Rate 

(7 Counties)

81,142

Number of Workforce

within 45 Mile Drive

177,719

Average County Hourly Wage

(January 2018)

$13.26

 

Available Workforce Characteristics

Est. Number of Unemployed in Laborshed

Willing to Accept Employment

4,337

Average Age

30

Median Lowest acceptable Weekly Wage

$459

Average Distance Willing to Commute (one way)

60 Miles

% with Education Beyond High School

80.4%

% with an Associates Degree

10.1%

% with an Undergraduate Degree

15.7%

% with a Postgraduate/professional degree

10.3%

% Interested in Working Varied Shifts (2nd, 3rd & split)

50%


Source: Jobs EQ

Last Updated: January 2020

 

Taxation

Georgia has some of the lowest taxes in the nation. And, your company may qualify for added corporate income tax credits or property tax abatements. Below you will find information on our local sales and property tax rates, as well as links to information on state tax rates and credits.

Sales Tax

The sales tax in Valdosta-Lowndes County is 8.0%, which reflects a 4.0% state tax and a 4.0% local sales tax. Sales taxes on certain utilities associated with the manufacturing of goods are exempt from the State Sales Tax.

 

Leading Employers

Our leading employers continue to innovate and create new opportunities for growth in both business and jobs. Here is a short list describing some of our top employers.

Company

Type of Business

Current Employees

Lowe's Distribution Center

Distribution

900

Home Depot RDC 5085

Distribution

600

CDK Global/Fresh Beginnings

Baked Goods/Call Center

1,500

Langdale Forest Products Company

Forest Products

300

Packaging Corp. of America

Kraft Paper

350

Archer Daniels Midland

Soybean Processing

250

Dillard's Distribution Center

Clothing/Retail Center

150

SAFT America, Inc.

Batteries

300

 

More information about our leading employers.

Learn more about our key industries.


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