• Unemployment rate: 6.6%
• Per Capita Income: $14,854
• The county received designation by Florida as a state Enterprise Zone
• In 1990, 53% of the county’s labor force was comprised of persons over the age of 65. The average in Florida at that time was 3.7%

Community Overview:

Highland County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state. It also encompasses Florida’s oldest population with an average age of 51.5 years. Local government, seasonal farm jobs, and seasonal retail business make up most of their income. Traditional agricultural jobs are common employing 15.7% of the county’s workforce. These jobs are seasonal in nature. As a result, the unemployment rate fluctuates greatly. It can reach up to 12% in any given month. Low salaries and low education levels are prevalent. Over 30% of the 6,925 residents in targeted Champion Community area live below 125% of the poverty level. 65% of the children in elementary school qualify for free or reduced lunch. 

Strategic Plan Highlights:  

With the implementation of its strategic plan, the Highlands County Industrial Development Authority seeks to achieve a balance in economic and sustainable community development. In planning, they empowered their residents by encouraging them to identify employment and business opportunities to become successful at work and become financially independent. They plan to:

• Employment - Increase job readiness and employment training program and create new jobs;
• Economic Development - Create loan fund for small business expansions, relocation or start-up and develop an industrial park; and,

• Housing - Construction of safe, affordable housing, assisted living complexes, and home rehabilitation and offer home ownership counseling.

Partnerships: Local government, businesses, and community organizations play a large role in implementing benchmarks.

• Some other partners include: South Florida Community College, Heartland Workforce Development Board, Ridge Area Association for Retarded Citizens, Highlands County School Board, Highlands County Builders Association, Redlands Christian Migrant Association, Highlands County Commissioners, Highlands City Housing Authority, Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce, Central Florida Regional Planning Council, and Sebring Police Department.

Leveraging:

Highlands County Industrial Development Authority is in the beginning stages of identifying viable organizations at the federal, state, and local level for funds, technical assistance and in-kind contributions. Various grants, matching funds, or loans have not yet been tapped into to maximize leveraging possibilities for project dollars. Strategic marketing efforts helped a new employer, Cross Country Automotive Services, to be recruited to the area. This employer will create approximately 400 jobs. 

Community Involvement:

Community involvement is consistent through neighborhood planning groups and the participation of state and local government agencies, non-profit agencies, and advisory boards at planning sessions. Local experts give in-kind technical assistance to the agency.     

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