Within a 60-mile radius of Bay County, there are more than 500,000 residents and a civilian labor shed of over 250,000 workers with the state’s youngest mean age. This energetic, motivated, and productive workforce is ready to meet the needs of employers across industries.

A strong military presence contributes significantly to the talent pool. Each year, nearly 500 service members separate from Tyndall Air Force Base, many choosing to stay in Bay County to begin second careers. Combined with graduates from local colleges and universities, this creates a steady pipeline of skilled, experienced workers.

Six U.S. military installations surround the region, providing a stabilizing economic influence on the local economy. Bay County is home to Naval Support Activity Panama City, Tyndall Air Force Base and U.S. Coast Guard Station Panama City. Eglin Air Force Base, the largest base in the U.S. Air Force, and other naval and aviation-related installations are in close proximity, creating one of the nation’s largest military base footprints.

Bay County’s military bases also serve as a catalyst for attracting a strong cluster of research activity, defense contractors and aviation and aerospace-related companies and suppliers. Nearly every nationally-recognized defense contractor, approximately 60 companies, has a presence in Bay County

A strong military presence contributes significantly to the talent pool. Each year, nearly 500 service members separate from Tyndall Air Force Base, many choosing to stay in Bay County to begin second careers. Combined with graduates from local colleges and universities, this creates a steady pipeline of skilled, experienced workers.