Facts & Data

Reports & Studies

The Economic Development Department helps with studies and plans that address business concerns in Pierce County. By gaining a better understanding of how local businesses affect and are affected by the regional and national economy, we can better tailor our services.

Understanding Our Economy & Realizing Your Potential
The Economic Development Department helps with studies and plans that address business concerns in Pierce County. By gaining a better understanding of how local businesses affect and are affected by the regional and national economy, we can better tailor our services. 

Military
The Military is Pierce County’s largest employer and a major economic driver for Pierce County. A 2017 JBLM regional economic impact study valued the economic impact of the military at between $8.3 billion to $9.2 billion and it could range as high as $11.4 billion (JBLM’s Regional Economic Impact Analysis). 

Tourism Market Studies
From October 2015 through October 2016 Pierce County conducted two studies of visitors to our area. One was an "intercept survey" where people were asked in person to complete a questionnaire about their visit. The other was an analysis of Twitter users and comments related to Pierce County places and attractions. Download the final reports for the Intercept Survey here, and for the Twitter Analysis here.

U.S. Open Economic Impact Analyses
The expected economic impact for the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bays is estimated at $140 million. Studies performed by San Diego State University and a Ph.D. Economics Professor from North Carolina State University were used in that estimation.

After the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, San Diego State University produced an economic impact report on San Diego County. That study found an estimated total economic impact of $142 million. 

After the 2014 US Open, followed immediately by the US Woman’s Open, at Pinehurst, North Carolina, an economic impact report estimated the two events combined for a total impact of over $230 million. 

Five-Year Strategic Plan
Pierce County invests in programs and initiatives to enhance our economy. The Economic Development Department is principally charged with delivering programs and services that support the business community and enhance the operating environment for businesses. In turn, those efforts lead to job retention and job creation by businesses within the community. 

The Strategic Plan guides the activities of the Economic Development Department. It is intended to provide guidance for ongoing programs and services and will change over time to meet emergent opportunities and changing conditions. 

2008 Economic Stimulus Report
At the request of the Pierce County Council through Resolution 2008-77s, Pierce County’s Economic Development Division was directed to research and report back to Council on potential ways to stimulate the local economy. 

The Economic Stimulus Report sought-out and recommended policy options and actions that had the potential to enhance the local economy - specifically targeted to helping Pierce County businesses prosper so they can create jobs. 

Agriculture
Recent changes to zoning and growth management policies have gone a long way in protecting soils with high agricultural value but Pierce County recognizes that preserving farms requires more than preserving the land. The County’s Agriculture Strategic Plan identifies policy options for retaining a vibrant agricultural industry. 

Learn more by viewing the Summary Report, the Technical Appendices or the Phase I Report from American Farmland Trust.