What are the Main Industries in Berkeley County?

Berkeley County has a population of 136,000 residents and is one of the fastest-growing counties in West Virginia. Its proximity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. attracts people moving out of major cities, while its location along I-81 makes it a hub for companies establishing supply chains across the East Coast. 

Your business can find land, a skilled workforce, and healthy infrastructure in Berkeley County. A few industries have already established themselves here, and are thriving with the community’s support. See what kinds of jobs are available in Berkeley County and the companies that move here. Here are our four key industries: 

Manufacturing

According to the U.S. Census, 11.1% of the Berkeley County workforce is employed in manufacturing. Several manufacturing companies have moved to the region because of West Virginia’s ample supply of fresh water. Berkeley County also boasts some of the most affordable electricity in the state. 

Multiple education partners have responded to the need for manufacturing job training and have developed programs to support the local workforce. Companies can draw from a labor pool of one million people, who live within an hour’s commuting distance.

Logistics

Logistics and distribution companies thrive because of the location of Berkeley County. Interstate 81 crosses through the county, allowing companies to transport goods to the Canadian border. The Port of Baltimore, one of the 10 busiest ports in the U.S., is less than 100 miles (a two-hour drive) from Berkeley County.

Logistics and distribution companies can also access multiple rail providers, including CSX (Class 1) and Winchester & Western (shortline). Establishing supply chains has never been easier. 

Data Centers

There are more than 4,000 data centers nationwide, and demand for storage and computing continues to grow. As more people than ever use generative AI for basic tasks, companies are looking to establish data centers in areas with a large water supply, affordable electricity rates, and a skilled workforce. Berkeley County meets all of these needs.

There are currently seven data centers in West Virginia, including one in Berkeley Springs. This state provides untapped opportunities for data investment, while the Berkeley County workforce has the knowledge and skills your organization needs.

Defense

The State of West Virginia plans to invest heavily in the defense industry, making it easier for companies to establish operations here. Berkeley County is uniquely positioned to take advantage of this vision for the future. Its proximity to the Washington, D.C. metro area makes it ideal for executives who need to meet with military and government leaders.

Some of the current names in the region include STS, HMS, and ADI.