More News

Pinehurst-Southern Pines ranks as the #1 micropolitan area in NC for sixth consecutive year

By Staff Report, posted 2 years ago
Photo courtesy of Policom Corporation

For the sixth year in a row, the Pinehurst-Southern Pines micropolitan tops POLICOM’s 2023 Economic Strength Rankings as the #1 micropolitan area in North Carolina.

The Pinehurst-Southern Pines area is first out of 22 micropolitan statistical areas in North Carolina and 21st out of 543 micropolitan statistical areas across the United States. Pinehurst-Southern Pines moved up 18 places from its 2022 ranking, placing the area in the top 7 percent nationally of communities with a stable and consistently growing economy in 2023.

A “micropolitan” is defined as a statistical area having an urbanized core with a population of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000 and includes adjacent territory that is socially and economically integrated with the core as measured by commuting ties. The Pinehurst-Southern Pines micropolitan includes all of Moore County.

POLICOM, a Florida-based independent economic research firm, uses 23 economic factors measured over a 19-year period to analyze local and state economies annually to determine if a particular economy is growing or declining and why. 

“Our consistent POLICOM ranking as the #1 micropolitan in North Carolina affirms that Moore County’s economy is consistently growing in both size and quality,” said Natalie Hawkins, President of Moore County Economic Development Partnership, in a press release. “Our ranking speaks volumes about the collective strength and success of Moore County’s businesses and industries that are the solid foundation of our local economy.”

“MCEDP recognizes the correlation between a strong economy and a better quality of life. However, we cannot afford to be complacent because our economy is strong and prosperous today,” Hawkins cautioned in a press release. “It’s critical that our local government officials continue to have priorities and policies that not only support our existing businesses but also encourage the recruitment and formation of new businesses so our economy can continue to prosper.”

After Pinehurst-Southern Pines, the second highest North Carolina micropolitan in POLICOM’s rankings is Kill Devil Hills (#43 nationally), followed by Boone (#53 nationally) and Morehead City (#62 nationally).

Visit https://policom.com/rankings-micropolitan-areas/ to view POLICOM’s complete ranked list of micropolitan areas for 2023.

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
cape-fear-valley-health daniel-mccullough-md headshott

Navigating weight loss: Insights from a bariatric surgeon

Daniel McCullough, MD - Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Director, Cape Fear Valley Health
north-carolina-military-business-center bill-simons headshott

Federal Food Series Webinars Will Connect North Carolina Food Businesses with Government Buyers

Bill Simons - Regional Program Manager, Goldsboro, North Carolina Military Business Center
fayetteville-state-university sambit-bhattacharya-phd headshott

FSU students and faculty make strides towards advancement in applied AI in the Intelligent Systems Laboratory

Sambit Bhattacharya, Ph.D. - Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Intelligent Systems Lab, Fayetteville State University

In The Current Issue

Creating opportunities: The Defense Alliance Foundation seeks to strengthen the local defense innovation ecosystem

DAF Chairman Phil Williams (far left) pictured with City of Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin (center) on June 10 following a presentation on a 25- year vision for the city’s continued growth and transformation. Photo provided by the DAF.The Defense Al


Empowering the mission: Linchpin Solutions provides tools to turn the tech of the future into the tools of today

Linchpin Solutions attends defense conferences throughout the year, using conferences and tradeshows to exhibit their services and connect with network professionals, including industry, military and government leaders to address and understand today


Lumberton is ready for takeoff: Lumberton Regional Airport embarks on major expansion to meet growing demand

Photo provided by Gary Lewis.The City of Lumberton is moving forward with a new terminal project at the Lumberton Regional Airport. It’s a collaborative effort involving several partners, including Cooper Tacia General Contractors, Talbert & Brig