Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA
Ranked Among Top 100 Leading Locations in the U.S.
Montgomery County, Virginia – Montgomery County, VA - The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford metropolitan statistical area (MSA) ranked No. 30 overall leading location by Area Development magazine. Among the mid-sized metros (populations between 160,000 and 600,000) studied, the Blacksburg MSA ranked No. 12 in the country. The Blacksburg MSA was also the only other metro in Virginia to receive this designation besides Richmond, VA. This is based on a list of Top 100 Leading Locations in the U.S. for 2016 published by the magazine.
Published by Area Development, the "Leading Locations" study examined 394 MSAs and looked at prime work force, economic strength, year-over-year growth, and five year growth to determine its rankings. This is the sixth year that Area Development magazine has published their “Leading Locations” list.
The goal of the rankings was to determine recent and long-term economic vitality, as well as, each MSAs capacity to support business growth. The prime workforce category helped propel the Blacksburg MSA to a higher ranking, especially given the universities and community colleges located in the area. In the area of prime workforce, the Blacksburg MSA ranked 4th overall and 2nd among mid-sized metros. Being home to Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College allows the region a prime workforce to pull from after students graduate from their respective colleges.
The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA, known locally as the New River Valley (NRV), has a population of over 160,000 and encompasses the City of Radford, Montgomery County, Pulaski County, Giles County, and Floyd County. The area is designated an MSA by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget due to its high degree of economic and social integration.
About Us
Montgomery County, Virginia - home of Virginia Tech and the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg - is a progressive, technology-driven community with an abundance of outdoor amenities. The Montgomery County Economic Development Department actively supports the startup, retention and expansion of companies in Montgomery County as well as the recruitment of new businesses to the community. To learn more, visit www.YesMontgomeryVA.org.