Transcript Economic State of Davidson County

Economic State of
Davidson County
2007
Presented By:
Davidson County Economic Development
Commission
September 4, 2008
Population Growth
Trends
Population Growth of the County

Davidson County has seen steady growth
in population over the past 18 years.

The County fell from the 11th most
populated state in 2005 to 12th in 2006,
and then to the 14th in 2007 with an
estimated population of 156,530 as July
2008.
Source: US Census Bureau
Population Estimates for Davidson County 2000 2007
159,000
156,530
157,000
155,000
152,178
153,000
151,238
151,000
149,000
153,775
154,623 154,857
149,663
11th
147,246
12th
14th
147,000
145,000
2000
Census
July
2001
July
2002
July
2003
July
2004
July
2005
Source: US Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program
July
2006
July
2007
Population Growth of Municipalities
Since 2000

Like the County, the Town of Denton has experienced a steady growth rate.

2006 marked the second consecutive year of population decline for the City
of Lexington. However, in 2007 Lexington’s population increased.

The City of Thomasville has seen a much faster rate of growth, due in part to
an annexation in 2002. In 2007 Thomasville added 304 citizens

The fastest growing municipality within Davidson County is the City of High
Point. High Point’s portion of Davidson County has grown by 35% this
decade.

Two of NC’s newest municipalities, Wallburg and Midway, with populations of
2,856 and 4,427 respectively, were both incorporated this decade and are still
too new to get reliable growth estimates for.
Source: US Census Bureau
Population Estimates for the City of Lexington 2000 - 2007
30,000
25,000
20,000
20,398 20,308 20,284 20,338
19,953 20,002 20,148 20,412
15,000
10,000
2000
Census
July
2001
July
2002
July
2003
July
2004
July
2005
Source: US Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program
July
2006
July
2007
Population Estimates for the City of Thomasville
2000 - 2007
30,000
25,994 26,298
25,708
25,556
25,441
24,973 25,260
25,000
19,788
20,000
15,000
10,000
2000
Census
July
2001
July
2002
July
2003
July
2004
July
2005
Source: US Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program
July
2006
July
2007
Population Estimates for the Town of Denton 2000 - 2007
1,485
1,476
1,475
1,467
1,465
1,455
1,450
1,451
1,451
1,452
2000
Census
July
2001
July
2002
July
2003
1,457
1,460
1,445
1,435
1,425
July
2004
July
2005
Source: US Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program
July
2006
July
2007
Population Estimates for the Town of Wallburg 2000 - 2007
3,000
2,500
2,819
2,811
2,832
2,856
July
2004
July
2005
July
2006
July
2007
2,001
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
2000
Census
July
2001
July
2002
July
2003
Source: US Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program
Population Percent Change 2000 to 2007
45.00
40.00
35.00
30.00
25.00
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00
42.73%
34.70%
32.90%
6.31%
1.93%
Davidson
County
City of
Lexington
1.79%
City of
Thomasville
Town of
Denton
Town of
Wallburg
Source: US Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program
High Point
Davidson County Population Projections
225,000
200,000
175,000
150,000
183,898
154,179
160,499 168,440
191,080
175,834
125,000
100,000
75,000
50,000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2025
Source: NC Office of State Budget & Management, State Demographer
2030
Projected Population Density

Over the next 25 years, the number of persons
per square mile in Davidson County is projected
to increase from 278 people per square mile to
335 people per square mile – an increase of
approximately 20%.

That would be the equivalent to the present day
density of Buncombe County (Asheville) or
Catawba County (Hickory).
Projected Persons Per Square Mile, Davidson County
400.00
350.00
300.00
250.00
278.28
289.42
301.21
312.18
2005
2010
2015
2020
324.10
334.61
2025
2030
200.00
150.00
100.00
50.00
0.00
Source: NC Office of State Budget & Management, State Demographer
Population Changes
by Race
Population Growth by Race,
1990 - 2000

While the population of Whites and African-Americans
increased at a slow steady rate, the population of Asians
and Hispanic rapidly increased.

According to the 2000 Census, there were 4,765
Hispanic persons; an increase of more than 690% from
1990.

Also according to the 2000 Census, there were 1,222
Asian persons; an increase of over 150% from 1990.
Source: US Census Bureau
Percent Change in Population by Race, 1990 - 2000
800.00
691.53%
700.00
600.00
500.00
400.00
300.00
156.18%
200.00
100.00
0.00
37.97%
13.14%
9.33%
White
African
American
American
Indian
Source: US Census Bureau
Asian
Hispanic
Davidson County Population Growth by Race 2000 - 2006
90.00%
80.00%
70.00%
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
0.00%
80.73%
19.03%
5.67%
White
6.45%
14.66%
African
American
American
Indian
Asian
Source: US Census Bureau, Population Estimates Division, 2006 numbers
released in 2007.
Hispanic
Public Schools in
the County
Public School Enrollment

Davidson County School System saw an increase in
enrollment for the 2006-2007 school year of 100
students over the previous year.

After continuous declining enrollment since the 20002001 school year, Lexington City Schools had an
increase for the 2006-2007 school year of 31 students.

Thomasville City Schools had a decrease in enrollment
for the 2006-2007 school year of 17 students.
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction
Total Enrollment in Public Schools
25,000
20,000
19,458
19,544
19,211
19,125
19,573
19,765
20,257
15,000
10,000
5,000
3,428
3,355
2,519
2,509
3,261
2,512
3,024
2,600
3,100
2,952
2,580
2,640
3,030
2,528
0
20002001
20012002
20022003
County
20032004
Lexington
20042005
20052006
Thomasville
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction
20062007
Percent Change in Total Enrollment for School Years
Ending 2001-2007
5.00
4.11
0.76
0.00
-5.00
County
Lexington
Thomasville
-10.00
-15.00
-11.61
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction, Davidson County Schools, Lexington City Schools, Thomasville City Schools
Number of Graduates from Public
Schools

After a steady increase in the number of graduates since
the 2000-2001 school year, Davidson County schools
experienced an increase for the 2006-2007 school year
of 78 graduates.

Both of the city school systems also experienced
increases for the 2006-2007 school year in the number
of graduates from the previous school year.


Lexington City Schools had a Increase of 1 graduate
Thomasville City Schools had a decrease of 10 graduates
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction
Number of Graduates from Public School Systems
1,500
1,000
1,046
990
1,090
1,096
1,144
1,104
1,182
500
129
94
136 91
131 126
134 119
138 123
116 119
129
117
0
2000- 2001- 2002- 2003- 2004- 2005- 20062001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
County
Lexington
Thomasville
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction, Davidson County Schools, Lexington City Schools and Thomasville City Schools
Percent Change in Number of Graduates for School
Years Ending 2001-2007
40.00
37.23
30.00
20.00
19.39
10.00
0.00
County
Lexington
Thomasville
-10.00
9.30
-20.00
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction, Davidson County Schools, Lexington City Schools and Thomasville City Schools
Number of Dropouts Grades 9-12
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
392
376
391
320
299
287
266
61
73
27
20002001
59
27
21
20012002
60
20022003
County
55
27
29
4729
20032004
20042005
20052006
Lexington
Thomasville
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction
47 57
20062007
Dropout Rates for Grades 9-12

For the third consecutive year, Davidson County schools
experienced an increase in dropout rate for the 20062007 school year with a rate of 5.91%.

Thomasville City schools experienced a increase in the
dropout rate, with a rate of 6.98%.

Lexington City schools dropout rate remained the same
at 5.63%.
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction
Dropout Rates by Percentage for Grades 9-12
10.00
8.00
8.67
6.77
6.00 5.72
4.00
4.68
7.10
5.63
5.25
3.41
2.00
6.67
7.05
5.27
4.78
4.08
4.86
4.52
3.92
20022003
20032004
6.49
4.86
4.74
4.01
6.98
5.91
5.63
5.24
5.79
5.63
5.04
3.76
0.00
20002001
20012002
County
Lexington
20042005
Thomasville
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction
20052006
20062007
North Carolina
Teacher Turnover Rates for the
2007 School Year

Davidson County
Elementary – Increase-19%
 Middle – Increase-18%
 High – Increase-23%


Lexington City




Elementary – Increase-20%
Middle – Decrease-18%
High – Increase-34%
Thomasville City



Elementary – Decrease-21%
Middle – Increase-35%
High – Decrease-21%
Source: Education First, NC School Report Cards
2006-
Teacher Turnover Rates for Davidson County Schools
30%
26%
25%
20%
15%
19%
16%
12%
14%
14%
9%
9%
10%
5%
17%
14%
15%
15%
12%
23%
19%
18%
11%
4%
0%
20012002
20022003
20032004
Elementary
20042005
Middle
Source: Education First, NC School Report Cards
20052006
High
20062007
Teacher Turnover Rates for Lexington City Schools
60%
55%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
43%
32%
25%
29%
20%
16%
23%
21%
18%
19%
12%
31%
16%
34%
20%
18%
17%
0%
2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007
Elementary
Middle
Source: Education First, NC School Report Cards
High
Teacher Turnover Rates for Thomasville City Schools
40%
36%
35%
35%
29%
30%
26%
23%
25%
26%
25%
17%
21%
20%
16%
15% 11%
16% 14%
10%
12%
12%
10%
9%
5%
0%
2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007
Elementary
Middle
Source: Education First, NC School Report Cards
High
Property Tax
Revenues
Sources of Revenue 2007 - Davidson County
Debt
Proceeds,
25%
Other, 4%
Property Tax,
32%
Sales &
Service, 6%
Intergovernment,
Other Tax, 4%
Sales Tax,
16%
20%
Source: NC Department of State Treasurer
Property Tax Revenue 2000-2007:
Davidson County

For the second consecutive year, Davidson
County saw an increase in tax revenues of over
$1,800,000 in 2007.

For the 2000 to 2007 time period, the county
saw an overall increase in tax revenues of more
than $15.5 million dollars: a 38.97% increase.
Source: Davidson County Tax Administrator’s Office
Property Tax Revenue for Davidson County
2000 - 2007
$60,000,000.00
$55,543,351
$53,520,938
$49,789,171
$53,681,583
$49,557,652
$48,736,921
$50,000,000.00
$40,000,000.00
$41,102,978
$39,966,993
$30,000,000.00
$20,000,000.00
$10,000,000.00
$0.00
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Source: Davidson County Tax Administrator’s Office, NC Department of State Treasurer
2007
Sources of Revenue 2007 - City of Lexington
Debt Proceeds
5%
Intergovernment
4%
Other
Miscellaneous
3%
Property Tax
8%
Sales &
Services
2%
Sales Tax
4%
Utility
73%
Source: NC Department of State Treasurer
Property Tax Revenue 2000-2007:
City of Lexington

The City of Lexington saw a increase in tax
revenues in 2007; tax revenues were up by
more than $215,000.

Over the course of 2000 to 2007, property tax
revenues have increased by more than $1.9
million dollars: an increase of 37%.
Source: Davidson County Tax Administrator’s Office, NC Department of State Treasurer
Property Tax Revenues for City of Lexington
2000 - 2007
$8,000,000.00
$7,047,319 $6,888,567 $7,104,130
$6,634,433
$6,357,696
$6,329,494
$7,000,000.00
$5,598,809
$6,000,000.00
$5,000,000.00
$5,183,338
$4,000,000.00
$3,000,000.00
$2,000,000.00
$1,000,000.00
$0.00
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Source: Davidson County Tax Administrator’s Office, NC Department of State Treasurer
2006
2007
Sources of Revenue 2007 - City of Thomasville
Other
Miscellaneous,
3%
Property Tax,
19%
Debt
Proceeds, 37%
Utility, 19%
Intergovernment,
10%
Sales &
Services, 4%
Sales Tax,
11%
Source: NC Department of State Treasurer
Property Tax Revenue 2000-2007:
City of Thomasville

The City of Thomasville saw an increase of more
than $405,000 in tax revenues for 2007.

The City has had an overall increase in tax
revenues from 2000 to 2007 of over $2.9 million
dollars; a 60.47% increase.

This is due in part to a major annexation that
occurred in 2002.
Source: Davidson County Tax Administrator’s Office, NC Department of State Treasurer
Property Tax Revenues for the City of Thomasville
2000 - 2007
$9,000,000.00
$8,000,000.00
$7,000,000.00
$6,000,000.00
$5,000,000.00
$4,000,000.00
$3,000,000.00
$2,000,000.00
$1,000,000.00
$0.00
$6,927,032 $6,717,978 $7,135,658
$7,439,676
$7,844,677
$5,935,914
$4,888,709 $5,169,572
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Source: Davidson County Tax Administrator’s Office, NC Department of State Treasurer
2007
Sources of Revenue 2007 - Town of Denton
Debt
Proceeds, 10%
Other
Miscellaneous,
9%
Property Tax,
19%
Intergovernment,
7%
Sales &
Services, 0%
Utility, 39%
Sales Tax,
11%
Source: NC Department of State Treasurer
Property Tax Revenue 2000-2007:
Town of Denton

The Town of Denton saw an decrease in tax
revenues for 2007 in the amount of $22,702.

Once again, during the time period 2000-2007,
the Town has had an overall increase in tax
revenues of nearly $115,590; an increase of
more than 30%.
Source: Davidson County Tax Administrator’s Office, NC Department of State Treasurer
Property Tax Revenues for Town of Denton
2000 - 2007
$600,000.00
$486,027 $474,796
$462,064
$500,000.00
$497,498
$436,383 $429,078
$395,959
$400,000.00 $381,908
$300,000.00
$200,000.00
$100,000.00
$0.00
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Source: Davidson County Tax Administrator’s Office, NC Department of State Treasurer
2007
Percent Change in Property Tax Revenue 2000 - 2007
70.00
60.47%
60.00
50.00
40.00
38.97%
37.06%
30.27%
30.00
20.00
10.00
0.00
County
Lexington
Thomasville
Denton
Source: Davidson County Tax Administrator’s Office, NC Department of State Treasurer
Labor Force
Annual Average Labor Force and
Employed Persons, 2000-2007

The Davidson County labor force declined by 474 people
between 2000 and 2003.

Since 2003, the labor force has increased by 1,492
people. The largest growth was seen between 20052006, where the county added 1,188 workers. The labor
force grew again in 2007, rising by 676 people.
Source: NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
Annual Average Labor Force & Persons Employed
82,000
80,000
78,000
79,558
79,713
79,548
79,084
79,900
78,353
78,712
76,957
76,000
80,576
76,182
74,727
74,296
74,000
73,363
73,264
74,010
2003
2004
2005
75,246
72,000
70,000
68,000
2000
2001
2002
Labor Force
2006
Employed
Source: NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
2007
Annual Average of Unemployed Persons
and Unemployment Rate, 2000-2007

The average number of unemployed people as of 2007
was higher than in 2000 by 1,793 persons.

However, the number of unemployed persons peaked in
2003 and has now declined by 1,327 people as of 2007.

The average unemployment rate was 2.2 percentage
points higher as of 2007 than in 2000.
Source: NC Employment Security Commission
Annual Average of Unemployed Persons
7,000
6,000
5,252
5,721
5,089
4,986
5,000
4,702
4,654
4,394
2005
2006
2007
4,000
2,601
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Source: NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
Annual Average Unemployment Rate
8.0
7.0
6.4%
6.5%
7.7%
6.5%
6.0
6.1%
5.9%
5.5%
2006
2007
5.0
4.0
2.8%
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Source: NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
Employment &
Wages
Average Annual Manufacturing
Employment & Wages

For the period 2000 – 2007, the average annual
employment in the manufacturing industry has
decreased by a total of 7,362 persons.

However, for this same time period, the average annual
wages paid per employee in the manufacturing industry
has increased by $6,062.41.
Source: NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
Average Annual Employment and Average Annual Wages for
Manufacturing Industry
40,000
35,000
$28,681
30,000
25,000
19,392
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
2000
$32,855
$34,743
$27,130
$28,311
$29,527
$30,840
$31,735
17,600
16,263
14,633
14,204
14,073
13,375
12,030
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2001
2002
Average Annual Employment
Average Annual Wage
Source: NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
Average Annual Employment &
Wages for all Industries

As in manufacturing, during this same time period, the
average annual employment for all industries in
Davidson County decreased by a total of 6,281 persons.

Employment declined in 2003, but rose again in 2004
and continued to rise through 2006, but showed a slight
decline in 2007.

The average annual wages per employee in all
industries has increased by $4,212 since the year 2000.
Source: NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
Employment and Wages for all Industries in
Davidson County 2000 - 2007
60,000
50,000
50,448
48,305
46,401
44,911
44,502
44,624
44,855
44,167
40,000
30,000
$29,380 $30,368
$26,156 $25,896 $26,676 $27,144 $28,028 $28,652
20,000
10,000
0
2000
2001
2002
2003
Average Annual Employment
2004
2005
2006
Average Annual Wage
Source: NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
2007
Average Annual Employment & Wages
for all Industries

During the period 2000 – 2003, the total wages paid in Davidson
County decreased by more than $106 million.

In 2004 total wages paid increased by more than $26 million.

In 2005 total wages paid increased by more than $31 million.

In 2006 total wages paid increased by more than $41 million.

In 2007, total wages paid again increased, by over $22 million.
Source: NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
Average Annual Employment & Wages
for all Industries

During the period 2003 – 2007, the total wages paid in
Davidson County increased by more than $121 million.

As of 2007, the total wages paid in Davidson County are
about $14 million more than the total wages paid in
2000.
Source: NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
Total Annual Wages Paid in
Davidson County 2000-2007
$1,360
$1,341,087,042
$1,340
$1,320
$1,318,635,500
$1,326,542,491
$1,300
$1,277,480,367
$1,280
$1,253,247,893
$1,260
$1,243,412,964
$1,240
$1,246,367,086
$1,219,789,657
$1,220
$1,200
$1,180
$1,160
$1,140
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Source: NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
2007
Furniture and Textile
Employment
Furniture & Textile Workers in
Davidson County
Industry
Annual Average
Employment
1990
# Jobs
Lost 1990
to 2000
Annual Average
Employment
2000
# Jobs
Lost 2000
to 2007
Annual Average
Employment
2007
Furniture
8,806
1,224
7,588
4983
2605
Textiles
4,718
2,697
2,021
1381
640
Source: NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
Employment in the Furniture & Textile Industry
10,000
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
8,806
7,582
4,781
2,605
2,021
640
Annual Average
Employment 1990
Annual Average
Employment 2000
Furniture
Annual Average
Employment 2007
Textiles
Source: NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
Average Wages
Average Hourly and Weekly Wages

Accurate wage determination can’t be measured
due to the delay in releasing of information by
governmental entities of up to 18 months.

The NC Department of Commerce tells us
annually what our county’s average wage is and
that wage must be met or exceeded in order for
a company to apply for William Lee Act tax
credits.
Average Hourly Wage Since 1996
$16.00
$13.33
$14.00
$12.00
$10.00
$11.60
$10.80
$11.53
$13.68
$14.13
$12.60
$12.18
$12.98
$12.10
$12.63
$10.08 $10.08
$8.00
$6.00
$4.00
$2.00
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Source: NC Department of Commerce, Commerce Finance Center
Average Weekly Wage Since 1996
$600
$500
$403 $403
$432
$547 $565
$533
$504 $505 $519
$487
$484
$461 $464
$400
$300
$200
$100
Source: NC Department of Commerce, Commerce Finance Center
08
20
07
20
06
20
05
20
04
20
03
20
02
20
01
20
00
20
99
19
98
19
97
19
19
96
$0
Average Weekly Wage Compared to Wage Needed
to Keep up with Inflation, 1996 - 2008
$700
$600
$500
$400
$415 $412
$403 $403 $432
$439 $471
$461 $464
$537
$519
$480 $501 $492 $515 $519 $533
$487 $484 $504 $505
$589
$562
$547 $565
$300
$200
$100
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
100% Weekly Wage
Wage Needed to Keep up With Inflation
Source: NC Department of Commerce, Commerce Finance Center and http://inflationdata.com
Per Capita Personal
Income (PCPI)
Per Capita Personal Income
2000-2006

The Per Capita Personal Income (PCPI) for Davidson
County has not kept pace with that of the State for the
period.

The gap between the two has widened from $345 to
$3,482.

2006 data is the latest available data to date.
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Economic Accounts
Davidson County Per Capita
Personal Income, 2006

In 2006, Davidson County had a PCPI of $28,765.

This ranked 37th in the state and was 89% of the state
average of $32,247.

The PCPI change from 2005 to 2006 for Davidson
County was an increase of 6.4%.
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Economic Accounts
Comparison of Per Capita Personal Income
between Davidson County, North Carolina
and the U.S.
1990
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
United States
$19,477
$29,485
$30,574
$30,821
$31,504
$33,123
$34,757
$36,714
North Carolina
$17,246
$27,064
$27,475
$27,488
$27,904
$29,387
$30,713
$32,247
Davidson County
$16,410
$26,719
$25,743
$25,568
$26,201
$27,166
$27,289
$28,765
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Economic Accounts
Gap Between North Carolina and Davidson County Per
Capita Personal Income ($)
$4,000
$3,424
$3,482
2005
2006
$3,500
$3,000
$2,221
$2,500
$1,732
$2,000
$1,920
$1,703
$1,500
$1,000
$836
$345
$500
$0
1990
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Economic Accounts
Davidson County's Rank in the State Based on Per Capita
Personal Income
1990
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
27
27
25
24
2005
2006
37
37
17
22
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Economic Accounts
Davidson County Per Capita
Personal Income, 2006

Davidson County’s PCPI of $28,765 was 78% of the
national average of $36,714.

While Davidson County’s PCPI change from 2005 to
2006 was 6.4%, the national PCPI increased by 6.7%.

The gap between Davidson County PCPI and the
national PCPI has increased by $5,183 from 2000 to
2006.

However, the gap narrowed by $481 from 2005 to 2006.
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Economic Accounts
Gap Between United States and Davidson County Per
Capita Personal Income ($)
$9,000
$8,000
$7,000
$6,000
$5,000
$4,000
$3,000
$2,000
$1,000
$0
$7,949
$7,468
$3,067
$2,766
1990
2000
$5,957
$4,831
$5,253
$5,303
2001
2002
2003
2004
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Economic Accounts
2005
2006
Commuting Patterns
Davidson County’s Rank in the
State Based on Net Out-Commutes
State Rank
1970
1980
1990
2000
1st
1st
1st
2nd
For well over 30 years, Davidson County had the highest
amount of net out-commuters in the State.
According to the 2000 Census, that finally changed as the
county fell to second place behind Johnston County.
1990 Census
26,062 Davidson County
residents commuted out of
the county to work every
day.
Total Out-Commuters:
26,062
Total In-Commuters:
8,220
Net Commuting:
-17,842
Number of Commuters
Going to Adjacent County:
24,632
Source: 1990 Census, Journey to Work File
2000 Census
11,062
Forsyth
Forsyth
32,272 Davidson County
residents commuted out of
the county to work every
day.
Total Out-Commuters:
32,272
4,136
2,982
314
521
Source: 2000 Census, Journey to Work File
2,607
DAVIDSON
956
Randolph
Randolph
Rowan
Rowan
2,540
1,530
80
126
Cabarrus
Cabarrus
Number of Commuters
Going to Adjacent County:
30,379
14,668
Davie
Davie
Total In-Commuters:
13,134
Net Commuting:
-19,138
Guilford
Guilford
88 93
Stanly
Stanly
165
46
Montgomery
Montgomery
Daily Commuting Patterns
1990 - 2000
1990
2000
Percent Change
Total Out-Commuters
26,062
32,272
23.83%
Total In-Commuters
8,220
13,134
59.78%
Net Commuting
-17,842
-19,138
7.26%
% of employed residents who
are out-commuters
38.10%
44.30%
18.6
22.8
Average Commute Time (in
minutes) for Workers
Source: US Census Bureau
Housing
Characteristics
Housing Characteristics
1990 - 2000
Davidson County
1990
2000
Percent Change
Total Housing Units
53,266
62,432
17.21%
Occupied Housing Units
48,944
58,156
18.82%
Owner-occupied Units
36,046
43,143
19.69%
Renter-occupied Units
12,898
15,013
16.40%
1990
2000
Percent Change
Total Housing Units
567
651
14.81%
Occupied Housing Units
530
595
12.26%
Owner-occupied Units
369
406
10.03%
Renter-occupied Units
161
189
17.39%
Denton
Source: US Census Bureau
Housing Characteristics
1990 - 2000
Lexington
1990
2000
Percent Change
Total Housing Units
7,486
8,510
13.68%
Occupied Housing Units
6,985
7,926
13.47%
Owner-occupied Units
3,602
3,949
9.63%
Renter-occupied Units
3,383
3,977
17.56%
1990
2000
Percent Change
Total Housing Units
6,928
8,515
22.91%
Occupied Housing Units
6,529
7,978
22.19%
Owner-occupied Units
3,238
4,232
30.70%
Renter-occupied Units
3,291
3,746
13.83%
Thomasville
Source: US Census Bureau
Median Housing Values & Gross
Rent, 1990 - 2000
Davidson County
Median Value Owner-occupied units
Median Gross Rent
1990 ($)
2000 ($)
Percent Change
60,800
98,600
62.17%
246
464
88.62%
1990 ($)
2000 ($)
Percent Change
49,300
75,100
52.33%
181
438
141.99%
Denton
Median Value Owner-occupied units
Median Gross Rent
Source: US Census Bureau
Median Housing Values & Gross
Rent, 1990 - 2000
Lexington
Median Value Owner-occupied units
Median Gross Rent
1990 ($)
2000 ($)
Percent Change
47,900
81,800
70.77%
239
454
89.96%
1990 ($)
2000 ($)
Percent Change
48,200
81,000
68.05%
239
484
102.51%
Thomasville
Median Value Owner-occupied units
Median Gross Rent
Source: US Census Bureau
New Residential Growth, 2000 – 2007
(single-family homes constructed)
2000
County
1,261
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
1,177
1,060
849
704
872
845
692
Lexington
44
22
29
21
31
25
46
43
Thomasville
69
124
164
48
115
178
175
141
1,323
1,253
918
850
1,075
1,066
876
Totals
1,374
Source: Davidson County Inspections Department, City of Lexington Community Development, City of Thomasville Inspections
New Single Family Homes Built 2000-2007
1,400
1,261
1,177
1,200
County
1,060
1,000
849
800
872
845
Lexington
692
704
Thomasville
600
400
200
69
44
124
22
2000
2001
164
29
48
21
2002
2003
0
178
115
31
175
141
25
46
43
2004
2005
2006
2007
Source: Davidson County Inspections Department, City of Lexington Community Development, City of Thomasville Inspections
Construction Cost of New Single family
Housing Starts 2000-2007
Location
Davidson County
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
$68,764,431
$81,525,897
$80,279,382
$77,756,348
$113,069,344
$153,160,534
$172,398,496
$151,283,688
$3,603,559
$1,814,844
$2,819,628
$1,715,833
$3,780,968
$2,524,140
$5,479,518
6,864,437
Thomasville
$10,149,459
$8,892,372
$8,283,406
$4,738,557
$10,342,472
$21,966,279
$24,911,674
$19,582,577
Totals
$82,499,449
$92,233,113
$91,382,416
$84,210,738
$127,192,784
$177,650,953
$202,789,688
$177,730,702
Lexington
Source: Davidson County Inspections Department, City of Lexington Community Development, City of Thomasville Inspections
Average Construction Cost Per House
Single Family Housing Starts 2000 - 2007
Location
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Davidson County
$54,517.39
$69,265.84
$75,735.27
$91,585.80
$160,609.86
$175,642.81
$204,021.89
$218,618.05
Lexington
$81,889.07
$82,492.91
$97,228.55
$81,706.33
$121,966.71
$100,965.60
$119,119.96
$159,638.07
$147,093.61
$71,712.68
$50,508.57
$98,719.94
$89,934.54
$123,406.06
$142,352.42
$138,883.52
$60,043.27
$69,715.13
$72,930.90
$91,732.83
$149,638.57
$165,256.70
$190,234.23
$202,888.93
Thomasville
Totals
Source: Davidson County Inspections Department, City of Lexington Community Development, City of Thomasville Inspections
Residential Home Sales, 2007

In 2007 over 2,100 residential homes were sold.

Average sale price was over $175,000

Total sales amount was over $370,000,000
Source: Davidson County Tax Administrator’s Office
Residential Home Sales Information
2003
Homes Sold
2004
2005
2006
2007
703
2,129
2,793
2,056
2,100
Average Sales Price
$136,192.00
$142,136.47
$125,289.29
$167,728.00
$175,000.00
Total Sales Amount
$95,743,000.00
$302,608,543.00
$349,933,000.00
$344,848,768.00
$370,000,000.00
Source: Davidson County Tax Administrator’s Office
Foreclosures

From 1998-2007 the foreclosures in Davidson County
increased by 625, this is an increase of 436%.

In 2007 Davidson County ranked 14th in the State for
number of foreclosures.

The County is currently averaging about 81 foreclosures
per month.

The current average value for foreclosure properties in
Davidson County is $111,117.91.
Source: Davidson County Clerk of Court
Foreclosures from 1998-2007
1998
1999
186
253
2000
2001
2002
276
472
567
2003
2004
2005
2006
623
676
681
737
2007
811
Source: Davidson County Clerk of Court
Foreclosures from 1998-2007
900
811
800
700
567
600
623
676
681
2004
2005
737
472
500
400
300
186
253
276
1999
2000
200
100
0
1998
2001
2002
2003
Source: Davidson County Clerk of Court
2006
2007
Foreclosure Rankings in North Carolina 2007 by Number of
Foreclosures
Rank
County
Number of Foreclosures
Number of Foreclosures Per
Thousand People
1
Mecklenburg
7,940
9.16
2
Wake
4,461
5.36
3
Guilford
3,421
7.34
4
Forsyth
1,982
5.85
5
Durham
1,706
6.65
6
Cumberland
1,651
5.39
7
Gaston
1,470
7.26
8
Cabarrus
1,104
6.76
9
Union
1,085
5.88
10
Johnston
963
6.12
11
Iredell
931
6.15
12
Alamance
881
6.06
13
Catawba
834
7.21
14
Davidson
811
5.18
15
Rowan
788
5.74
16
New Hanover
714
3.75
17
Buncombe
697
3.07
18
Pitt
674
4.43
19
Randolph
664
4.74
20
Franklin
600
10.49
Source: North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts
0
12
Franklin
4.43
Randolph
3.75
Pitt
Buncombe
4
New Hanover
5.18
Rowan
6.06
Davidson
Catawba
5.88
6.12 6.15
Alamance
5.39
Iredell
6.76
Johnston
7.26
Union
6.65
Cabarrus
7.34
Gaston
5.85
Cumberland
Durham
5.36
Forsyth
8
Guilford
6
Wake
Mecklenburg
Number of Foreclosures per
Thousand Population
10.49
10 9.16
7.21
5.74
4.74
3.07
2
Zoning Districts of
Davidson County
Check with Davidson Co. Planning or GIS dept for any updates
As of July 1, 2007
New & Expanding
Industries
Historical Look at Job and
Investment Announcements

From 1992 to 1999, Davidson County saw
a tremendous fluctuation of jobs
announcements; from 246 to 957.

During the period there was a general
upward trend in the amount of investments
announced each year in the County.
New & Expanding Industries Job Announcements
1992 - 1999
1,200
1,000
957
788
800
821
600
400
341
272
335
200
307
246
0
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
New & Expanding Industries Announced
Investments 1992 - 1999
$140,000,000
$119,696,918
$120,000,000
$100,000,000
$83,150,000
$80,000,000
$79,146,342
$73,631,827
$60,000,000
$44,350,000
$40,000,000
$25,400,000
$20,000,000
$14,208,000
$0
1992
1993
$4,870,000
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
Job and Investment Announcements
2000 - 2007

From 2000 to 2002, the numbers announced in
Davidson County dropped dramatically.

The county rebounded in 2003 - 2006 with 9,596
jobs and $419.85 million in investments
announced.

In 2007 the number of jobs announced was
2,123. New investments announced was
$110,187,869.
Source: NC Department of Commerce
New & Expanding Industries Job Announcements
2000 - 2007
3,500
3,162
3,000
2,242
2,500
1,978
2,114
2,000
2,123
1,500
1,000
756
562
500
95
0
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Source: NC Department of Commerce
2005
2006
2007
New & Expanding Industries Announced
Investments 2000 - 2007
$180,000,000
$160,600,000
$160,000,000
$140,000,000
$123,090,695
$120,000,000
$110,187,869
$95,811,824
$100,000,000
$80,100,000
$80,000,000
$60,000,000
$72,314,356
$63,850,000
$40,000,000
$20,000,000
$17,439,960
$0
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Source: NC Department of Commerce
2005
2006
2007
Jobs Lost as Compared to Jobs Announced
1992 - 2007
3,500
3,162
3,000
2,242
2,500
1,978
2,000
1,957
1,242
1,500
957
665
364
272
756
562
307
1,210
828
272 389 265
335
553
95
287
Jobs Lost
Jobs Announced
07
20
06
20
05
20
04
20
03
20
02
20
01
20
00
20
99
19
98
19
96
97
95
19
19
94
317 246
93
19
19
92
341
702
19
500
97
633
821
788
19
1,000
0
2,123
2,114
2,040
Source: NC Department of Commerce and NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
Comparison of Jobs Lost to Jobs Announced
1992 to 2007
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Jobs Lost
633
317
364
665
702
97
272
389
265
1,242
828
1,957
553
2,040
1,210
287
Jobs
Announce
d
341
957
246
335
788
272
307
821
756
562
95
1,978
2,242
3,162
2,114
2123
Net
-292
640
-118
-330
86
175
35
432
491
-680
-733
21
1,689
1,122
904
1836
Total Net
New Jobs
19922002
-294
Total Net
New Jobs
20032007
5,572
Source: NC Department of Commerce and NC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information Division
Job and Investment
Announcements 2007

Davidson County ranked 3rd in the state in
number of jobs announced.

The county ranked 2nd in the state in the
amount of square footage leased or sold.

The county ranked 12th in the state in the total
amount of investment announced.
Source: NC Department of Commerce
Counties of the Piedmont Triad Partnership
2007 Announcements
County
Jobs
Investment
Square Footage
Davidson
2,123
$110,187,869
2,199,825
Guilford
1,265
$326,605,456
1,345,480
Randolph
421
$141,720,248
916,500
Forsyth
652
$79,800,000
552,000
Alamance
205
$65,500,000
168,679
Surry
50
$500,000
0
Rockingham
648
$78,115,572
366,496
Davie
None Reported
None Reported
None Reported
Montgomery
None Reported
None Reported
None Reported
Yadkin
170
$13,000,000
225,000
Caswell
50
$680,000
0
Stokes
100
$71,000,000
0
Totals
5,684
$887,109,145
5,773,980
Source: NC Department of Commerce
Top 10 Counties in North Carolina by Jobs
Announced, 2007
Rank
County
Jobs
Investments
Square Feet
1
Wake
3,098
$87,490,000
537,500
2
Mecklenburg
2,275
$130,758,000
2,108,420
3
Davidson
2,123
$110,187,869
2,199,825
4
Durham
1,936
$434,052,388
772,062
5
Guilford
1,265
$326,605,456
1,345,480
6
Iredell
999
$265,450,000
2,889,758
7
Brunswick
883
$52,300,000
0
8
Person
680
$87,200,000
440,000
9
Forsyth
652
$79,800,000
552,000
10
Rockingham
648
$78,115,572
366,496
Source: NC Department of Commerce
New Industries - 2007

14 new industries were announced

Total investment announced – $59,845,000

New jobs announced – 1,374

Square Footage announced – 2,085,227
Expanded Industries - 2007

39 existing industries expanded

Total investment announced - $50,342,869

New jobs announced – 749

Square Footage announced – 303,220
National Recognition in 2004

In its March 2005 issue, Site Selection Magazine
released its 2004 national rankings of Top US
Micropolitans.

The Lexington-Thomasville micropolitan ranked
8th in the nation and was one of 11 North
Carolina micros in the top 100.
National Recognition in 2005

In its March 2006 issue, Site Selection Magazine
released its 2005 national rankings of Top US
Micropolitans.

The Lexington-Thomasville micropolitan ranked
4th in the nation and was one of 15 North
Carolina micros in the top 100.
Newcomer Claims
Checkered Flag
ThomasvilleLexington
unseats
entrenched
incumbent to
become
the nation's No. 1
Micropolitan
Area for
corporate
projects.
Site Selection Magazine, March 2008
Issue
2007 Top 10 Micropolitans
Rank
Micropolitan Area
Project Count
1
Lexington-Thomasville (Davidson County), NC
30
2
Statesville-Mooresville, NC
21
3
Wooster, Ohio
17
T4
Daphne-Fairhope, Ala.
14
T4
Tupelo, Miss.
14
6
Findley, Ohio
11
T7
Effingham, Ill.
10
T7
Ottawa-Streator, Ill.
10
9
Batavia, N.Y.
9
T10
Alexandria, Minn.
8
T10
Moses Lake, Wash,
8
Source: Site Selection Magazine
Davidson County
Economic
Development
One of Ten Top
Economic
Development
Groups in the Nation
Triumph of the Heartland
Middle America sets the pace in economic
development performance.
The bright lights of the big cities may grab the attention of the major media, but when it comes to
economic development, no one does it better than Middle America.
From the rolling hills of Scranton, Pa., to the riverboats of St. Louis, the iconic images of America's
Heartland form the backdrop of the top-performing economic development organizations in the country.
Their hometowns read like a Who's Who of Main Street America: Scranton, Tupelo, LexingtonThomasville, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Akron, Chicago, Sioux City, St. Louis and Greensboro.
Those 10 communities are the anchor cities of this year's Top Economic Development Groups. Every
year, Site Selection selects the winning organizations based upon the following
criteria: total capital investment; investment per capita; total jobs created; jobs
created per capita; the contributions of the local or regional economic development
organization toward the attainment of these numbers; overall economic vitality;
depth and breadth of economic strength; diversity of industry; ability to generate
breakthrough deals; and the ability to provide verifiable documentation for all
projects.
Site Selection Magazine, May 2008 Issue
Triumph of the Heartland
Middle America sets the pace in economic
development performance.
Davidson County Economic Development Commission
Lexington-Thomasville, North Carolina
Steve Googe,
Exec. Dir.
Beating an entrenched incumbent at its own game is no easy task. Just ask Steve Googe, the executive director of the
Davidson County Economic Development Commission. In 2007, the work performed by his group helped
propel tiny Lexington-Thomasville, N.C., past Statesville-Mooresville, N.C., for the Top
Micropolitan Area of the Year in total corporate projects.
It wasn't an accident. From 2000 through 2006, the county lost 7,500 jobs as old textile mills and furniture factories went
out of business or moved offshore. But out of loss came opportunity, notes Googe, as the area went to work marketing
some 10 million sq. ft. (929,000 sq. m.) of vacant industrial space.
The results came dramatically in 2007. The county landed a record 30 new plants or expansions totaling $160 million in
investment and creating 3,459 jobs. The largest came from Unilin Flooring, which announced a $30-million factory
expansion in Thomasville.
The area benefits from the success of Richard Childress Racing, a motorsports operation that emerged this year as the
most dominant race team in NASCAR. In late 2007, RCR announced two expansion projects totaling $9 million, 70 jobs
and 118,000 sq. ft. (10,962 sq. m.).
"Racing technology companies represent a growing industry in the county," Googe says. "A lot of the technology that is
brought to Davidson County generates more of that type of business coming here."
Site Selection Magazine, May 2008 Issue
2007 Top 10 Economic Development Groups
Davidson County Economic Development Commission,
North Carolina
Greater Akron Chamber, Ohio
World Business Chicago, Illinois
Cincinnati USA Partnership, Ohio
Piedmont Triad Partnership, North Carolina
Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, Pennsylvania
St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, Missouri
Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Pennsylvania
The Siouxland Initiative, Iowa
Community Development Foundation, Missouri
Interesting Facts
2007
Interesting Facts for Davidson
County 2007

There were over 150,000 licensed vehicles in
the county in 2007, which is up from 144,960 in
2006.

Average single family home built was
approximately 1,800 to 2,000 square feet.
Source: Davidson County Tax Administrator’s Office
Interesting Facts for Davidson
County 2007

The largest single family home built in 2007 was
13,143 square feet; total tax value is $2,175,340
(excluding land).

To date, the largest single family home in the
county has approximately 18,246 heated square
feet and has a total tax value (excluding land) of
$3,507490.
Source: Davidson County Tax Administrator’s Office
Interesting Facts for Davidson
County 2007

There were a total of 5,672,720,674 gallons of
water sold by the various water suppliers in the
county.

This amount is equal to 7.46% of the total
capacity of High Rock Lake at full pond.
Source: Davidson Water, Inc., City of Lexington, City of Thomasville and Town of Denton
Total Water Useage 2003-2007
(gallons)
7,000,000,000
6,000,000,000
5,813,225,980
5,338,728,813
5,343,423,051
4,615,876,757
5,000,000,000
5,672,720,674
4,000,000,000
3,000,000,000
2,000,000,000
1,000,000,000
0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Source: Davidson Water, Inc., City of Lexington, City of Thomasville and Town of Denton
Data, graphs and maps gathered and/or compiled by:
Davidson County Economic Development Commission
PO Box 1287
Lexington, NC 27293
(336) 243-1900
(336) 243-3027 fax
For Further Information, Contact:
Steve Googe
[email protected]
Or
Amanda Whitaker
[email protected]