Cost of Doing Business

Affordable Workforce

Our laborforce is not just available, it’s affordable. Our average county wage is $17.73/hour and our 2011 Laborshed Study found the wage range to attract upper qualified hourly wage applicants is between $10.00/hour and $12.00/hour. Click here to learn more about our workforce advantage.

Insurance Rates

Insurance rates in Georgia are some of the least expensive in the nation, especially when it comes to ensuring vehicles. Additionally, your company will realize less expensive property insurance rates here than in many cities, as we have a professional, full-time fire department and some of the lowest crime rates in Georgia.

Utility Costs

The City of Valdosta and Lowndes County owns and operates water and sewer serving the county’s residents and businesses. Due to wise investments over the years and an eye on planning for the future, the county has some of the most affordable and stable rates in the State of Georgia.

The City and County has ample capacity to serve new employers and has the infrastructure in place to serve new development throughout our large business parks. This is a huge cost savings for your business when looking to develop new facilities.

Our business development team is here to help your business to run smoother and operate with high efficiencies. From annual thermography to on-going load management analysis, we can provide you with the tools and resources needed to make wise business decisions that boost your bottom line and your “sustainability.”

Learn more about our municipal utilities.

State Business Advantages

Georgia’s “pro business” environment is the product of state statutes, economic development practices and third-party endorsements. Here are just a few facts that illustrate how Georgia speaks business.

Low corporate taxes: Georgia was the first southeastern state to pass single-factor corporate tax apportionment. This legislation applies the 6 percent corporate tax rate only to the portion of income earned inside the state. High bond ratings: Georgia is one of a handful of states to have the highest bond ratings (AAA) from all three major municipal bond rating agencies — Moody’s Fitch and Standard & Poor’s.
Top rankings: Year after year, Georgia ranks as a “top 10” state for business — by Forbes, CNBC and many others. Example: Since 2013, Georgia has been named the #1 State for Business by Site Selection Magazine.
Corporate presence: Industry giants Home Depot, UPS, Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines are just a few of the 32 Fortune 1000 companies that chose Georgia for their headquarters. And only New York and Houston have more Fortune 500 companies.
Fiscal conservatism: State law mandates that Georgia continuously maintain a balanced state budget. And the state consistently maintains one of the nation’s lowest debt-per-capita levels. Business development support: Georgia’s Department of Economic Development has industry experts and project managers whose sole responsibility is to help businesses expand. These professionals connect companies large and small to government and business leaders at home and abroad; represent the state’s industries at conventions and meetings worldwide; and provide a wealth of data and analysis to inform decision-making.
Community leadership: The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), Georgia Chamber of Commerce and dozens of other development agencies statewide assist businesses in communicating with communities, educating a diverse workforce, and promoting the growth of their industries.