Loudoun No. 1 for Job Growth

CNN Money reported last week that Loudoun County produced more job growth than any other jurisdiction in the country from 2000-2011, with 83 percent growth.

About 9,500 businesses employing more than 137,000 employees operate in Loudoun, including global players such as AOL, Raytheon, Verizon and Digital Realty. Many of the county’s technology firms can be found in Ashburn, which Money ranked among the best places to live in the United States.

“The jobs followed the people,” said Loudoun County Chairman Scott K. York (R- At Large) in a statement released from the county. “It’s no accident that such a business-friendly county with the highest household income in the U.S. would attract employers who want to hire smart and successful people.”

Ashburn, through which much of the world’s Internet traffic passes, has been the recipient of the much of the growth in Loudoun.

“Ashburn is known as ‘Data Center Alley,’ and this industry has grown more than 181 percent since 2000,” said Ashburn Supervisor Ralph Buona (R).

Besides tech companies, more than 900 federal government contractors are based in Loudoun, home to Dulles International Airport about 30 miles west of Washington, DC.

“Loudoun also has a thriving small business and entrepreneur community, with more than 76 percent of Loudoun businesses employing fewer than 20 people,” said Loudoun Virginia Economic Development Director Tom Flynn.

About 46 percent of county residents live and work in Loudoun, according to the county’s release.

For more information about doing business in Loudoun, call 1-800-LOUDOUN or visit biz.loudoun.gov.