A Hub of Economic Strength and Opportunity

September 26, 2025
Development Authority of Peach County

The Middle Georgia region boasts a remarkably stable and diversified economy, driven by key sectors that attract top-tier employers and ensure a robust job market. This stability is a significant draw for employers and job seekers alike.

Key Economic Drivers

• Defense & Aerospace: Robins Air Force Base (RAFB), straddling Peach and Houston counties, is the single largest industrial complex in Georgia, supporting thousands of military and civilian jobs and generating an estimated annual economic impact exceeding $4.1 billion. This provides a consistent, high-tech employment base. (Source: Middle Georgia Regional Airport, MGRC)

• Manufacturing & Logistics: Peach County, in particular, showcases powerful industrial diversity. It is the proud home of Blue Bird Corporation, a global leader in school bus manufacturing, and Pratt Industries, one of America's largest recycled containerboard producers. Its strategic location and business-friendly environment are attracting new manufacturing and distribution businesses, with active growth at the Robins International Industrial Park. (Source: Peach County Development Authority, Business In Focus Magazine)

• Education & Research: Macon-Bibb County is an intellectual powerhouse, home to Mercer University and Middle Georgia State University, providing a steady stream of highly educated talent and supporting critical research centers like the Mercer Engineering Research Center. This strong academic base fosters innovation and ongoing professional development.

A Community of Talent and Growth 

The region’s demographics reveal a dynamic, youthful, and educated population, making it an attractive destination for companies seeking a skilled workforce and for families looking for excellent schools and diverse communities.

Strong Educational Foundations

The commitment to education is a hallmark of the region:

• Houston County is renowned for its top-rated public school system, which consistently performs among the best in the state, making areas like Warner Robins and Perry highly desirable for families.

• The region benefits from a wealth of accessible higher education institutions, including Fort Valley State University (in Peach County), Mercer University, Middle Georgia State University, and Central Georgia Technical College, all contributing to a highly trained local workforce.

Military and Veteran Presence

Middle Georgia deeply values its military heritage. The presence of Robins Air Force Base ensures a large, dedicated, and highly skilled veteran population that contributes significantly to the civilian labor force. Houston County and Macon-Bibb County both show a higher percentage of veterans compared to the national average, providing employers with an exceptional pool of experienced, disciplined talent.

Quality of Life and Affordability: The Middle Georgia Advantage 

For individuals and families, Middle Georgia offers a truly superior quality of life, balancing metropolitan amenities with small-town charm, all at a cost of living that maximizes purchasing power.

An Accessible Housing Market

Unlike many rapidly growing areas, the Middle Georgia housing market remains remarkably affordable and diverse.

• High-Quality Suburban Living: Houston County (Warner Robins, Perry) is a favorite for its modern, newly-constructed homes in family-friendly neighborhoods, perfectly suited for professionals and military families.

• Historic Urban Charm: Macon-Bibb offers beautifully revitalized downtown living with stylish lofts in converted historic buildings, placing residents in the heart of a thriving arts, music, and culture scene.

• Peaceful Rural Retreats: Peach County, with its picturesque agricultural heritage (home of Lane Southern Orchards), offers quiet country cottages and suburban living in towns like Byron and Fort Valley, all within a short, manageable commute of the region's major employment centers. Peach County also boasts a high owner-occupied housing rate (over 70%), reflecting a deep-seated community stability and commitment to homeownership (Source: U.S. Census Bureau).

Open for Business and Community 

Local leadership in the region has cultivated a highly business-friendly climate. Peach County, in particular, has adopted an "open to grow" attitude, actively streamlining the development process, investing in infrastructure, and preserving a high quality of life through park and downtown improvements. For employers, this means a welcoming, proactive local government and available, pre-vetted land for development, poised to become a major manufacturing and logistics hub.

Middle Georgia offers an undeniable value proposition: a dynamic economy built on the strength of world-class employers, a wealth of educational assets, and a highly affordable, high-quality lifestyle that truly allows families and businesses to put down roots and thrive.