Danville, Virginia is currently experiencing an economic resurgence, offering great opportunities for residents, workers and investors. Located in south-central Virginia along the North Carolina border, within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the nation’s population, Danville boasts historical landmarks, recreational opportunities and beautiful rolling countryside. Thousands of new jobs are flowing into Southern Virginia as Caesars Casino prepares to open its permanent resort before this year is out and varied industries move into the region or expand their presence. Meanwhile, local economic developers are working on a 3,500-acre Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill that could employ as many as 8,500 people. Since 2015, companies have invested more than $1.55 billion in the Danville region, bringing more than 4,800 jobs to an area still regaining its economic footing following the shuttering of textile, apparel and furniture factories in recent decades. Danville, Virginia is definitely experiencing an economic resurgence in 2024 and has huge potential for growth in the future.
Danville is also quickly becoming a hotbed of culture in southern Virginia. We play host to music fans, art enthusiasts, theater buffs, and cinema-goers of all ages. Be it the Carrington Pavilion summer concert series, the Danville Symphony Orchestra, an art series at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts, or a theater production for children, Danville can fill all your cultural needs.
Danville, Virginia has a promising outlook for job growth, with the projected future job growth rate at 10.94%, which is significantly higher than the US average!
Danville’s Population and Potential for Business
When considering locations, companies tend to look at the population and available labor force within a 45- to 60-mile radius. According to 2022 U.S. Census figures, just over 136,000 people live in the Danville region, including Pittsylvania and Halifax counties, including nearly 74,000 between ages 20 and 65, but about 1.2 million people reside within 45 to 65 miles. That includes Lynchburg and Roanoke, as well as the North Carolina metropolitan areas of Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill and Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point. Combined, those areas have a labor shed of more than 540,000 potential workers.
Education For Future Workforce In Danville
Over the past decade, Danville and Pittsylvania County have allocated more than $70 million to ensure a pipeline of skilled workers. Danville offers many local educational institutions, including Danville Community College, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and middle and high schools where IALR’s GO TEC (Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers) program introduces students to the possibilities of careers in manufacturing.
Danville’s Industry
Danville offers a very diverse industry base with a deep appreciation for the manufacturing sector. Primary sectors include advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, environmental and life sciences companies, and IT and professional services.This region embraces a diverse culture that appreciate the importance of manufacturing. Danville’s stable and friendly business climate has attracted both national and international companies to the region. The area boasts a wide variety of businesses, which range from high technology and telecommunications to wholesale distributors and manufacturers. Thousands of employees in the Danville area will additionally find opportunities with thriving start-up manufacturers and research facilities.
Caesars Casino
Caesars Virginia expects to hire 1,300 employees for its $650 million permanent resort hotel and casino, expected to open in late 2024. The multimillion-dollar resort casino opened a temporary facility this spring with about 400 workers; casino management plans to have these new employees when the permanent casino opens at. Current Danville businesses look forward to the casino bringing further development and residents to the area.
Thriving Health Sector
Danville has a thriving health sector that plays a dual role in the community by prioritizing residents’ well-being and offering a substantial source of employment opportunities.This sector’s impact extends beyond healthcare professionals, as it also provides employment options for a broad spectrum of skills. These include information technology specialists, administrators and managers, and facilities maintenance staff. A top employer in the health sector in this city is Danville Regional Medical Center.
Danville’s Revitalization
About $50 million in public funds and $355 million in private monies have been invested in revitalizing Danville’s River District as a catalyst for attracting people back to the city. The projected growth is driving up demand for single and multifamily homes. Danville has recently shown improvements in schools, health care and housing. Quality of life and cost of living are Southern Virginia’s main selling points. There’s tremendous value in being a resident of this region. Danville offers a lower cost of living, less traffic congestion and access to several popular metro areas within an hour’s drive.
Cost Of Living
Danville, Virginia gets a BestPlaces Cost of Living score of 69.2, which means the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities is 30.8% lower than the U.S. average and 33.6% lower than the average for Virginia.
DANVILLE PROXIMITY MAP
Some of Danville’s Top Employers
Tyson Foods: A world-class food company with a broad portfolio of brands
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company: A major manufacturer in the region
Nestlé USA: A major corporation in Danville
Essel Propak: A major corporation in Danville
IKEA: Has its only North American manufacturing facility in the region
Hanesbrands, Inc. A major employer in the region
Also, well known national employers Target, McDonald’s, The Home Depot, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Amazon, UPS, US Army, and PepsiCo are top employers in Danville. The region offers a very diverse industry base, including advanced manufacturing, environmental and life sciences companies, and IT and professional services.
Major Danville Attractions
While auto racing is the region’s top draw, other attractions include the Virginia Museum of Natural History, with dinosaur and prehistoric whale fossils; the AAF Tank Museum, which has more than 120 armored tanks and artillery pieces on exhibit; Danville Science Center; and the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History. Danville’s downtown River District features bars, restaurants, shopping and boutique hotel The Bee. For those who like to get outdoors, hike the scenic Riverwalk Trail or go kayaking, rafting and tubing on the Dan River. Danville is quickly becoming a hotbed of culture in southern Virginia. We play host to music fans, art enthusiasts, theater buffs, and cinema-goers of all ages. Be it the Carrington Pavilion summer concert series, the Danville Symphony Orchestra, an art series at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts, or a theater production for children, Danville can fill all your cultural needs.
Learn more about Danville’s culture, industry at discoverdanville.com!
