Major Industry Sectors

Healthcare, Leisure & Hospitality, and Retail are our 3 largest industry sectors, currently employing almost 56% of our total workforce.  Manufacturing is also a consistently solid industry sector, and our defense & military industry is growing. Moore County is an attractive and convenient location for military contractors and suppliers, not only because the Fort Bragg Army installation, Pope Army Airfield, and the Camp Mackall training facility are our neighbors, but also because our workforce is enhanced by the large number of separated and retired military who have settled here to enjoy the exceptional lifestyle.

Moore County is committed to our established industries and strives to maintain a business climate that is conducive to their growth and success. But we also seek business relocations and expansions that further diversify our economic base and compliment our quality of life.

At a Glance:  All Industries (Public & Private Sectors) – 2021

Source:  NCDOC Labor & Economic Analysis Division, D4 System – Quarterly Census Employment & Wages

Recognizing Local Manufacturers:

Moore County Celebrates National Manufacturing Day

Expansion in Carthage:

Multimillion Dollar Expansion Underway for Southern Pines Brewing Company

Healthcare Industry

Healthcare facilities occupy 3 places in the list of the top 10 private-sector employers in Moore County, so it’s not surprising that healthcare is our largest private industry sector, employing 30.3% of our private-sector workforce (2020).  Within this sector, FirstHealth of the Carolinas is the County’s largest private employer.  The healthcare industry is very significant to the local economy and also contributes to the area’s popularity as a retirement location.

Moore County’s Sandhills Community College offers programs in Health Sciences and Nursing to provide the workforce that our local healthcare facilities need.  Construction is underway on Foundation Hall, the new nursing education building, on SCC’s Pinehurst campus.

Retail Industry

Retail Trade is our 3rd largest private industry sector based on the number of workers employed.

The stores and shops in Moore County are frequented not only by residents and tourists, but also by the residents of the surrounding counties who view Moore County as a shopping destination.  In the past several years, Moore County has seen a tremendous increase in construction to expand the retail base in response to tourist traffic and the needs of residents.

Retail spaces and sites in Moore County are plentiful for new stores and restaurants wanting to locate here.

Manufacturing Industry

Manufacturing is the 5th largest private industry sector in Moore County based on the number of workers employed.  Moore County boasts a diversified and successful manufacturing sector with quite a few companies in operation here for over 20 years.  These companies produce a wide variety of products from kiosks to medical textiles to food packaging.

To provide the skilled workforce that our local manufacturers need, Sandhills Community College offers advanced manufacturing and trades programs on its campuses, and administers customized job training that can be delivered at the work site, on campus, or at another desired location for new and existing employees.