Northwest Florida’s most significant workforce asset is the 3,000 service members that separate from our 6 major military installations each year. This well-disciplined group has valuable workforce skills from engineering to IT to maintenance.
Moreover, our educational institutions and industry associations partner with companies to offer industry certifications and customized training. Funding can also be made available to support upskilling. And, our local school districts have programs in place to ensure you have a talent pipeline to meet your growing needs.
Your company can benefit from an expansive workforce pool in Northwest Florida. Currently, one-fifth of our workforce regularly commutes more than 50 miles to work and is not burdened by congested roadways. Northwest Florida’s talented workforce is ready to start work today and grow with you tomorrow.
| Labor Shed | Population | Comparable to |
|---|---|---|
| FGNW Region | 1,179,000 | Birmingham, AL Area |
| Pensacola Region | 516,000 | Chattanooga, TN / Mobile, AL |
| Ft. Walton Region | 293,000 | Roanoke, VA |
| Panama City Region | 179,200 | Columbus, GA / Biloxi/Gulf Port, MS |
| I-10 Corridor | 58,800 | Warner Robbins, GA / Valdosta, GA |
The region has easy commutes. See a map of drive times for each region.
Region Population
1,179,000
Immediate Growth 2021 – 2025
11.3%
Expected Growth by 2050
51.3%
Labor Force
508,000+
Labor Force Commuting Radius w/i Proximity to Population Centers
1,000,000+
Annual New Military Retirees
3,300
UWF Hass Center, 2023
Median Age
40
Adults with Educational Attainment Beyond High School
62%
Not only are there over 130,000 former military personnel living in Northwest Florida, but the region is also home to over 60,000 active-duty military and civilian employees because of our generations of military assets.
Our six military bases are focused on:
On average, 3,300 service members are transitioning to civilian status annually from our Northwest Florida bases each year. These service members and their spouses are young, uniquely trained, and highly motivated people ready to start the next phase of their life. Many chose to settle in Northwest Florida because of the quality of life found while they have been stationed at one of our bases.
There are numerous programs to connect companies to this hidden talent pool as well as incentivize them, but a couple of resources include:
When it comes to workforce, Northwest Florida’s leaders take a Total Talent Solution approach. Not only do you need the workers today, but you must also prepare for your future talent. Visit our Comprehensive Workforce Training page to discover the roots we’re planting in our school districts, nurturing through post-secondary education and training opportunities for Northwest Floridians to reskill and upskill.
Northwest Florida has created a Total Talent Solution that sets your business up for success.
Florida’s Great Northwest is here to enhance Northwest Florida’s competitive position through industry diversification and quality job growth. Whether you’re a company executive, site selector, or Northwest Floridian, contact us to learn how we can work together.
