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Government, Healthcare, Major Institutions Drive Augusta's Economy
City services and anchor organisations underpin employment and output in the Augusta-Richmond County metro area.
How we reported this
Augusta’s nominal GDP stands at approximately $37 billion, with real GDP expanding at roughly 1.5 percent per year. This pace sits slightly below the national average of 2.2 percent. The figures come from recent local economic reporting and reflect the metro area’s reliance on steady public and health-sector activity.
Employment Anchored by Government and Health Care
The largest industries by employment are Government with 56,772 jobs, Health Care with 34,751 jobs, Retail Trade with 27,931 jobs and Manufacturing with 24,903 jobs. These sectors are supported through city and county services that maintain public payrolls and coordinate with regional health providers. The medical district alone employs over 25,000 people and generates a $1.8 billion economic impact, illustrating how local decisions on health infrastructure sustain a substantial share of the workforce.
Population, Labor Force and Income Context
The Augusta-Richmond County metro area has over 618,000 residents and a civilian labor force nearing 288,000. The metro unemployment rate stood at 4.5 percent as of February 2025. Median household income is $68,000, which is $12,200 below the national median of $75,100. These measures are tracked through local planning documents and help guide decisions on workforce services and public investment.
Employment Trends and Institutional Drivers
Total regional employment grew by 3,720 jobs over the last five years and is projected to grow by 11,881 jobs over the next five years. Major economic drivers include Augusta University, the Savannah River Site and the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon. These institutions operate alongside city services that manage permitting, infrastructure and workforce programs, shaping how the local economy absorbs and projects job growth.
Local government and partner organisations continue to monitor these indicators to align services with employment needs and infrastructure demands. Residents and businesses can review the latest data through the Augusta Economic Development Authority and the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce for updates on labor-market conditions and institutional activity.