Covington County Has a Strong Labor Pool Across Southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle

One of the biggest barriers to growth in the modern economy is finding people to hire. A staggering 75% of employers globally say are having trouble filling roles. Modern businesses looking to move or expand don’t just look at tax rates and business incentives anymore, they also look at the labor pool. Companies need to go where the workers are, and those workers are in Covington County, Alabama.

“If you want to quickly staff your business with people who are eager to get the job done, move to Alabama,” says Rick Clifton, president and CEO of the Covington County Economic Development Commission (CCEDC). “The residents of Covington County want to work and have a strong work ethic. With the right training, they can be an asset to any organization.”

Covington County draws from a labor pool of over 288,000 workers ages 16 and up. It pulls from several counties across Southern Alabama and even attracts workers from out of state. Learn more about this strong labor pool and why your workforce is already in Alabama. 

Alabama Residents Are Willing to Drive 45 Minutes to Work

The average employee in Covington County drives 24 minutes to and from work every day. This aligns strongly with the national average average of 26.8 minutes. However, research shows that people are willing to drive up to 45 minutes to work in Covington County, with some commuters driving 60 to 90 minutes each day, expanding the labor pool to over 288,000.  

If you are considering moving your operations to Southeast Alabama, know that your labor pool extends well beyond the borders of Covington County. The map below shows just how far you can get within 45 minutes of the county. Our labor pool stretches far up into the state of Alabama and almost reaches the Gulf of Mexico in Florida.

“The labor pool in Covington County is strong, but companies can look beyond its borders if they have specific hiring needs,” says Clifton. “More than 2,000 people commute into Covington County every day from other parts of Alabama and Florida. We continue to bring people in from across the region.”  

The 45-Minute Drive Time Expands the Labor Pool to 288,577

While Covington County currently has a workforce of 15,000, the labor pool opens significantly when you consider the potential employees who live within the 45-minute drive time. Companies can pull from a population of 288,577 who live in the surrounding counties and would be willing to drive into Covington County for work. This includes 18,756 veterans.

Companies can also pull from a skilled, educated labor pool. Covington County is home to several manufacturing companies that invest in workforce development and upskilling. From an education perspective, 89% of workers have graduated high school, and more than half have attended at least some college classes.   

Alabama is Investing in Workforce Development 

The labor shortage isn’t caused by a lack of workers, it is caused by a lack of skilled talent. Companies are looking to hire employees who have the right skills to succeed in their roles or people who are eager to learn. The Alabama Department of Commerce is addressing skills shortages through the development of AIDT – one of the top-ranked workforce development programs in the United States.

AIDT is a free resource for job seekers and employers. Workers can access training programs that grow their skills, while companies can find candidates who meet their ideal skill sets. AIDT works alongside other workforce training partners in Covington County, like Southeast AlabamaWorks, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College and its MacArthur Campus, and Enterprise State Community College’s Alabama Aviation College.

Not only do you have a substantial labor pool to pull from in Southeast Alabama, but you have a skilled workforce that is willing to learn if it means getting the job done. 

Learn More About Doing Business in Covington County 

Covington County, Alabama, has 288,577 job candidates within a 45-minute drive away. They are eager to work, willing to develop new skills, and are looking forward to growing their careers. You can solve your labor shortage problems in Southeast Alabama.

Discover other business incentives that come with moving to the region. Learn about location advantages, including easy access to major highways and ports in the Gulf of Mexico, along with the quality infrastructure that comes with moving here. We can’t wait to see your business thrive in Covington County.