Economic Development

Walker County boasts a labor force of nearly 33,000 workers. Roughly 41% of local jobs are in the service sector, while manufacturing accounts for 34% of all private employment positions.​ Roper Corporation, Shaw Industries Group, Hitachi Astemo, Labrie Enviroquip, and Five Star Breaktime Solutions are among Walker County’s top employers. A new Pilgrim’s prepared food plant is scheduled to open in 2027.

The Walker County Development Authority, assists in the marketing and development of various properties within the county. For details on a specific property, contact our Economic Development Director, Stephanie Watkins, at 706-924-0099 (o) or 423-269-3034 (c).

The Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority also assists with development in the county. Their mission is to market available properties and attract a variety of businesses that can create jobs, expand the local tax base, and encourage responsible economic development.

Some of our most in demand locations include the Northwest Georgia Business & Industrial Park and Walker County Business Park. Walker County’s industrial parks are equipped with fiber technology that allow for unlimited data processing capacity. These are some of the first “smart parks” in the State of Georgia.

Walker County is also home to the best welding school in the nation. Skills USA consistently ranks Georgia Northwestern Technical College at the top college in the nation for this trade.