North Carolina Economy

North Carolina's economy has grown far more diverse in recent years.  The new economic leaders are in the technology and service sectors, which are growing rapidly.   However, traditional industries such as agriculture and textile production have helped to make North Carolina the largest agricultural and industrial producer in the Southeastern United States.

Here's a look at the top ten industries in North Carolina in 1996:
1.  Real Estate--$16.3 billion
2.  Health Services--$10.3 billion
3.  Chemicals--$9 billion
4.  Construction--$8.5 billion
5.  Tobacco products--$7.3 billion
6.  Banking--$7.3 billion
7.  Textiles--$7 billion
8.  Utilities--$6.1 billion
9.  Transportation--$5.8 billion
10. Agriculture--$4.7 billion

In addition, filmmaking is becoming a major part of the North Carolina economies. Many major productions are shot here in locations across the state.

Another rapidly growing industry in North Carolina is tourism-each year visitors to our state spend more than 1 billion dollars. People come here for our beautiful mountains and beaches as well as all the wonderful things that lie in between.

Return to Almanac

Return to Main Page