Manufacturing remains the leading employment sector in Chattooga County, continuing its long-standing role as the backbone of the local economy.

Recent workforce data from 2024 through 2026 shows approximately 2,846 Chattooga County residents are employed in manufacturing jobs, making it the county’s largest employment sector by a wide margin.

Historically known for textile and floor covering production, the county’s manufacturing base has expanded in recent years to include automotive parts and building materials industries.

Healthcare and social assistance ranks as the county’s second-largest employment sector with more than 1,300 workers, followed by retail trade with over 1,100 employees.

Industry-specific job data also shows wholesale operations remain a major source of employment in the county with more than 2,500 local jobs, while public administration and education continue to provide hundreds of additional positions.

Among the county’s major employers are Mount Vernon Mills, Mohawk Industries, and the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Economic officials say agriculture also continues to play an important role in Chattooga County through poultry, cattle, and hay production, even though it employs fewer workers overall than manufacturing.

As a designated Tier 1 county in Georgia, Chattooga County also qualifies for the state’s highest level of job tax credits for companies creating at least five new jobs.