Staunton, located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, offers a strategic, centralized location for efficient East Coast commerce.
Our city provides immediate, multi-modal access to critical markets thanks to our unbeatable transportation access. This includes direct connections to major Interstates (I-81/I-64), Class I rail lines, and global air freight connections, ensuring optimal supply chain efficiency. We boast a labor force defined by its exceptional work ethic and high concentration of degree-holders and skilled technicians, supported by leading regional educational institutions. Our team is committed to supporting your project timeline, offering expedited permitting and fully customized incentive packages designed to maximize your return on investment.
Quantitative Factors
Labor Market Analysis
- Labor Pool: 360,000 within 50-mile radius (Staunton-Waynesboro MSA + adjacent counties)
- Manufacturing Employment: 12.3K in Staunton; regional concentration in advanced manufacturing
- Average Wage: $58,434 (manufacturing) – 14% above Virginia average, indicates quality workforce
- Unemployment: 3.4% (tight but manageable)
- Educational Attainment: Strong regional presence of JMU, UVA, Blue Ridge Community College
- Workforce Training: Virginia Talent Accelerator (ranked #1 nationally) – customized, no-cost training
Operating Cost Structure
| Annual Cost (250 Employees) | Staunton | vs. Southeast Average |
|---|---|---|
| Labor | $14,608,500 | +8% |
| Utilities | $1,200,000 | +5% |
| Property Tax | $222,500 | +25% |
| Transportation | Advantaged | – |
| Total | $16,031,00 | +7% |
Qualitative Factors
Business Climate
- CNBC: Virginia #1 State for Business (2024), #4 (2025)
- Business Facilities: Virginia State of the Year (2024)
- Right-to-Work state
- Regulatory environment: Streamlined permitting (1/3 time vs. 2 years ago)
- Political stability: Pro-business across administrations
Quality of Life
Employee Recruitment & Retention
- Cost of Living: 95.3 (4.7% below U.S. average)
- Median Home Value: $277,650 (vs $400K+ in competitive metros)
- Shenandoah Valley location: Outdoor recreation, cultural amenities
- Education: Strong K-12, higher ed access (JMU, UVA, Mary Baldwin, BRCC)
- Healthcare: Augusta Health (regional medical center)
- Arts/Culture: American Shakespeare Center, museums, downtown vitality
Supply Chain & Market Access
- I-81 Corridor: Within 250 miles of 40% of U.S. population
- Markets: 2-hour drive to DC (6M people), Richmond (1.3M), Roanoke (315K)
- Logistics: Major trucking corridor, competitive rates
- Nearshoring Advantage: East Coast port access for reshoring operations
Incentives & Zones
Ready to Discover the Magic?
Our team is ready to help get you the information you need for your business.