County Economic Trends

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County Economies Grew by 5.9 Percent Between 2020 and 2021
Percent change in county GDP between 2020 and 2021.
Note: Real GDP in 2012 chained dollars.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis; Regional Accounts - Gross Domestic Product by County, 2022.
Output and Productivity Amid a Global Pandemic
2021 County GDP Analysis
Output and Productivity Amid a Global Pandemic, published in March 2023, analyzes the impact of the pandemic on county economies, drawing on new county-level gross domestic product (GDP) data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
Archive of County Economy Publications
County Economic Output Trends, 2020County Economic Output Trends analyzes 2018 county-level gross domestic product (GDP) data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), finding a diverse national economy on the rise, but evidence that not all local economies are experiencing the same expansion. | |
Local Economies in the Global Market, 2020Local Economies in the Global Market analyzes county engagement with the world economy through NACo’s new Global Market Engagement (GME) Index, emphasizing the key role counties play in encouraging exports and exploring foreign investment. |

New disaster recovery grants now open to support county economic development
The U.S. Economic Development Administration has launched the Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program, making $1.45 billion available to help communities recover from natural disasters and build long-term economic resilience. Counties affected by major disaster declarations in 2023 or 2024 are eligible to apply for funding to rebuild infrastructure, strengthen local economies and prepare for future disruptions. This program goes beyond immediate recovery, aiming to transform local economies and foster sustainable, long-term economic growth.

California county helps homeowners build ADUs
Napa County, Calif. created a forgivable loan for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units to aid rental housing affordability.

County analyzes data, seeks community input for comprehensive growth plan
As Howard County, Md. grew and became more diverse, HoCo By Design analyzed data and engaged the community to draw more input to help plan the county’s future.