Whitley County

County Overview

With 18% of U.S. consumers and 29% of U.S. transportation manufacturing companies located in a 300 mile radius, Whitley County provides business with a strategic and accessible location for business. Seven state highways and three U.S. highways divide this Indiana county, access to I-69 and 80-90 (toll road) is readily available and the Fort Wayne International Airport is only 10 short miles away.

Economic Development in Whitley County
In 2007, this Indiana county hosted four new companies, five expansions, $104.85 million in investment and 151 new jobs.

Population
Total Population, 2008
32,667
Projected Population 2015
34,803
Total Households, 2005-07
12,836
Median Age, 2008
38
Population Breakdown by Age, 2008
0-13 years
18.5%
14-17 years
5.7%
18-24 years
8.1%
25-44 years
26.5%
45-64 years
28.0%
65-84 years
11.2%
85+ years
1.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Household Income
Year
Median HHI
PCI
2000
$45,503
$26,620
2007
$57,903
$31,173
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and BEA
Labor Participation
Labor Force
17,990
Employed
15,805
Unemployed
2,185
Unemployment Rate
12.2%
Source: BLS LAUS, Preliminary 2009 Annual
Commuting, 2007
Commuting INTO Whitley County
3,557
Commuting OUT of Whitley County
8,364
Source: STATS Indiana 
Housing, 2005-07
Total Housing Units
13,758
Total Occupied Housing Units
12,836
Owner Occupied
11,061
86.2%
Rental
1,775
13.8%
Seasonal or Recreational, 2000
304
Median Value for Owner Occupied Housing
$122,600
Median Gross Rent
$570
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Education Attainment, 2005-07
Level
Total
%
Less than High School
2,123
9.8%
High School Graduate
8,883
41.0%
Some College
4,745
21.9%
Associate's Degree
2,136
9.9%
Bachelor's Degree
2,565
11.8%
Master's, PhD, and/or Professional Degree
1,214
5.6%
Note: Data applies to the population 25 and older
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-07 ACS
Largest Private Employers
Steel Dynamics Inc.
C & A Tool Engineering Inc.
Ultra Electronics-USSI
Advanced Assembly, LLC
80/20
BRC Rubber Group
Micropulse
Reelcraft Industries
Shindigz
Parkview Whitley
Source: Community Research Institute
Announced Jobs & Investments, 2008
New Companies
2
Expanding Companies
8
Financial Investment
$55.47 Million
Jobs Created
258
Private Average Annual Wage & Employment By Industry - 2008
Industry
Avg. Annual Wage
Emp.
% Emp.
Total - All Covered
$31,990
12,028
 
Total - Private
$32,194
10,481
 
Natural Resources & Mining
$23,982
108
1.0%
Construction
$37,799
496
4.7%
Manufacturing
$40,752
4,767
45.5%
Trade, Transportation, Utilities
$27,887
1,729
16.5%
Information
$28,514
85
0.8%
Financial Activities
$33,653
273
2.6%
Professional and Business Services
$25,611
583
5.6%
Education and Health Services
$26,091
1,134
10.8%
Leisure and Hospitality
$9,949
867
8.3%
Other Services
$20,138
439
4.2%
Source: BLS QCEW
Direct County Contact
Mr. Alan Tio
Whitley County EDC
220 W. Van Buren, Suite 102
Columbia City, Indiana 46725

Phone: 260-244-5506
Toll Free: 888-244-5506 
Fax: 260-244-4024

www.whitleyedc.com
atio@whitleyedc.com