Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority Data Set

• Demographic & Trends

• Environmental

• Workforce

• Taxation

• Governement

• Leading Employers

• Education

• Utilties

 

• Demographic & Trends

With a population around 112,154, Valdosta-Lowndes County’s labor force is drawn from 7 counties in the region and more than 213,030 workers live within a 60 minute drive of Valdosta-Lowndes County.

The following are a few key pieces of data for Valodsta-Lowndes County:

2010 Census Population	109,233
Number of Households	40,481
Gender (M/F)	54,658/57,496
Media Age	30
% of Population High School Graduate	31.7%
% of Population Some College	21.7%
% of Population Associates Degree	7.3%
% of Population Bachelor's Degree	13.9%
% of Population Graduate Degree	8.3%
% Population Change 2000-2010	18%
2012 Labor Force	52,188
Population Age 25+	66,966

Source: ESRI, Georgia Department of Labor: Workforce Statistics & Economic Research (October 2012), Applied Geographic Solutions, Thousand Oaks, CA

Last Updated: December 2012

 

• Environmental

In Valdosta-Lowndes County, we know the value of time. That’s why our local review and permitting processes are simple and straight-forward. It’s easy for us to offer expedited permitting, because that’s how we do business everyday!

Permitting & Zoning

When comparing us to metro areas and large cities, Valdosta-Lowndes County development review and permitting process is a substantial location advantage. Our zoning code is short and to the point. And, our review processes are efficient and timely.

Plan Review & Permit Issuance

Generally, plan review and permits can be issued in a matter of days. The following are estimated timelines for each type of review/permit. Timing assumes plan submitted by the applicant are complete.

• Site Plan Review is accomplished within 7 to 10 business days

• Building, Mechanical, Plumbing & Electrical Code Review is accomplished wihting 7 to 10 business days

• Permit issuance is accomplished within 5-7 business days after final plan review/approval.

• The following codes are in effect as of Jan 1st 2012 for the state of Georgia. (Georgia amendments can be downloaded at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Click Here).

  • 2006 International Building code with Georgia amendments (IBC)

  • 2006 International Plumbing code with Georgia amendments (IPC)

  • 2006 International Mechanical code with Georgia amendments (IMC)

  • 2006 International Fuel Gas code with Georgia amendments (IFGC)

  • 2006 International Fire code with Georgia amendments (IFC)

  • 2006 International Residential code with Georgia amendments (IRC)

  • 2009 International Energy Conservation code with Georgia amendments (IECC)  www.energycodes.gov                         

  • National Electrical code (NEC) 2008 Edition

  • 2000 Life Safety code (LSC)

  • 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design www.ada.gov

  • 2006 International existing building code

  • 2006 International property maintenance code

For more information on obtaining a building permit please contact Valdosta-Lowndes County Building Inspections Department at 229-259-3506.

Plan Submittal and Review Process for the City of Valdosta and Lowndes County, Georgia, Click Here.

• Ted Bilak, Plans Examiner

Zoning

Valdosta and Lowndes County has multiple commercial and industrial zones. The following is a brief summary of each zone and a partial list of allowed uses. Please refer to the City/County’s zoning code.

Lowndes County

Zoning Districts for Lowndes County, Georgia are defined in the Lowndes County Unified Land Development Code, Click Here.

• Carmella Braswell, Lowndes County Zoning Administrator

City of Valdosta

Zoning Districts for the City of Valdosta are defined in the City of Valdosta Land Development Regulations, Click Here. 

• Matt Martin, City of Valdosta Planning and Zoning Administrator

Lowndes County page provides information for Lowndes County, including county services, property sales and tax information.

City of Valdosta provides downloadable permit applications, copies of policies and lists of licensed contractors in the area

 

• Workforce

Available, Affordable Workforce

Valdosta-Lowndes County has a highly trained workforce both available and affordable. And, now is the time to seize on the opportunity to take advantage of more than 200,000 skilled workers.

Here, you’ll also find local job training programs offered through Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, as well as state and local incentives that can help you advance the skills your workforce needs to stay on top of the competition. Learn more about our workforce development opportunities and available incentives.                     

In Valdosta-Lowndes County, Georgia you’ll find a workforce advantage that will help you start faster and compete quicker!

Workforce Overview

Valdosta-Lowndes County Unemployment Rate (October 2012)	8.3%
Valdosta-Lowndes County Population (2010 Census) Valdosta-Lowndes County Population (2000 Census)	109,233 92,115
Population Employed in Lowndes County	52,188
Total Laborshed Workforce in Lowndes County	47,851
Population Employed in Lowndes Area (7 Counties)	82,602
Total Laborshed Workforce in Lowndes Area (7 Counties)	91,764
Number of Workforce within 60 Mile Drive	213,030
Average County Weekly Wage (October 2012)	$625

 

Available Workforce Characteristics

Est. Number of Unemployed in Laborshed Willing to Accept Employment	4,337
Average Age	30
Median Lowest acceptable Weekely Wage	$459
Average Distance Willing to Commute (one way)	60 Miles
% with Education Beyond High School	51.2%
% with an Associates Degree	7.3%
% with an Undergraduate Degree	13.9%
% with a Postgraduate/professional degree	8.3%
% Interested in Working Varied Shifts (2nd, 3rd & split)	50%

Source: ESRI, Georgia Department of Labor: Workforce Statistics & Economic Research (October 2012), Applied Geographic Solutions, Thousand Oaks, CA

Last Updated: December 2012

 

• Taxation

Georgia has some of the lowest taxes in the nation. And, your company may qualify for added corporate income tax credits or property tax abatements. Below you will find information on our local sales and property tax rates, as well as links to information on state tax rates and credits.

Sales Tax

The sales tax in Valdosta-Lowndes County is 7.0%, which reflects a 4.0% state tax and a 3.0% local sales tax. Sales taxes on certain utilities associated with the manufacturing of goods are exempt from the State Sales Tax.

 

• Leading Employers

Our leading employers continue to innovate and create new opportunities for growth in both business and jobs. Here is a short list describing some of our top employers.

Company	Type of Business	Current Employees
Lowe's Distribution Center	Distribution	500+
Convergys Corp.	Sat. Dish Call Center	500+
Fresh Beginnings	Baked Goods	500+
Langdale	Forest Products	250+
Packaging Corp. of America	Kraft Paper	250+
ADM	Soybean Processing	250+
Dillard's Distribution Center	Clothing/Retail Center	100+
SAFT America, Inc.	Batteries	100+

 

More information about our leading employers.

Learn more about our industry concentrations.