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Demographics & Research

  • Within a 100-mile radius reside 8.6 million people and a workforce of 3.4 million.
  • Within the same 100-mile radius, Polk County has access to 500,000 students at three major research universities, numerous colleges, community colleges and technical schools.
  • Polk County has emerged as a leading logistics center due to its central location in Florida and its 18 million residents. From this platform on Interstate 4, companies have easy acces to Interstates 75 and 95 as well as US Highway 27, a major north-south route.
  • Polk County’s labor force of 276,000 persons is backed by one of the best workforce boards in the nation and by numerous training programs, including Programmable Logic Control Maintenance Mechanics, Information Technology, Engineering and Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Polk County businesses operate between two of the best international airports in the world – Tampa and Orlando. Combined, these airports provide 1,145 non-stop daily flights to all major US markets and 22 international markets. Another advantage for companies is the nearby deep-water ports of Tampa, Manatee and Canaveral.
  • CSX Railroad is building an Integrated Logistics Center on 1,250 acres of industrial land in our county which will serve destinations throughout the United States.
  • Major national and regional developers have purchased 5,000 acres of Industrial and Business Park Center properties in our community and have announced plans for the construction of 25 million square feet of space.
Testimonials
"The county's business environment and the ongoing support of the CFDC have helped us achieve [our] goal for many years and we look forward to our continued partnership."
- Charles Matthews, VP Operations, Florida's Natural Growers
"We initially targeted Polk County because of its obvious logistical advantages, but we were immediately impressed by the tremendous support and cooperation we received from the CFDC. A building can be built anywhere, but what makes a project...successful is a cooperative relationship with community leaders and the availability of a dedicated and reliable workforce."
- David Behm, VP, Aldi Inc.
"From a personal and business perspective, being new to Polk County has been a very positive experience. We are excited to live and work in Polk County and look forward to what the future has to bring in terms of growth and opportunities."
- Stacy Hackworth, Facility Manager, Ferguson
"We found the economic development atmosphere and support from Polk County to be a true asset in our decision to locate our new, state-of-the-art facility in Lakeland. When you are building the most advanced manufacturing facility your industry has ever seen, you have to have confidence in the long-term commitment of the community. We found just that in Polk County and are pleased to be one of their newest business neighbors and partners."
- Ross Dalton, President, GTECH Printing Corporation
"In 1962, State Farm opened its doors in Winter Haven, which is now our Florida headquarters. We are so proud to be a part of this great Polk County community. Polk County provides State Farm with a workforce that brings diverse talents and experiences to provide the quality service our State Farm customers expect and deserve."
- Jim Thompson, Sr. Vice President, State Farm Insurance