Greenville, NC MSA Ranks High for Business and Careers
GREENVILLE, NC (August 15, 2013) – The Greenville, NC MSA has been ranked number 6 on Forbes.com’s list of “Best Small Places for Business and Careers.” This is a four place jump from last year’s number 10 spot.
The 15th annual ranking of the Best Small Places for Business and Careers evaluates the 184 smaller metropolitan statistical areas in the U.S. These range in size from 55,000 people in Carson City, NV MSA to 258,000 in Gulfport, MS. The Greenville, NC MSA has a population of 194,300.
Forbes.com uses data from economic research firm Moody’s Analytics, the U.S. Census and demographer Bert Sperling. Twelve metrics including job growth, business costs, cost of living, income growth over the past five years, educational attainment and projected economic growth through 2014 are used to determine the rankings. Net migration patterns as well as cultural and recreational opportunities are also considered.
Business costs and educational attainment are given the most weight in the overall ranking. The Greenville, NC MSA ranked in the top 20% in both of these categories. Cost of living was listed as more than 10% below the national average. The recent increase in local high school graduation rates was a factor that may have elevated this year’s ranking. Greenville was also noted for having a wide range of cultural events on and off the East Carolina University campus.
Forbes is a leading source for reliable business news and financial information. Forbes.com provides news on politics, economics, business and finance as well as provides various lists such as the “Best Places for Business and Careers” on a yearly basis.
“We are pleased that not only are we are in the top ten again for 2013, but we have moved up four spots in one year,” says Kelly Andrews, Associate Director of the Pitt County Development Commission. “This validates that we have the assets, the people and the business climate to recruit industry to the Greenville, NC MSA, and we are becoming more attractive each year in these competitive categories.”
To see the entire list of the Best Small Places for Business and Careers, use the link below.
Best Small Places for Business
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