Historical Experience and Dedication Have Led to a Diverse Industry Base in Buffalo County.

As a result of inherent location advantages, decades of public/private investment, and a dedicated workforce, Buffalo County’s economy is extremely diverse. Many companies and institutions are established industrial pillars poised for continued growth. Others, such as Information Technology, are well-positioned for exponential growth in the years ahead thanks to public and private investment in our people and place. 

Interested in learning more? Check out Buffalo County’s target industries below:

Overview:

The Target Industry Analysis for Buffalo County, completed in February 2024, aims to identify key industries for future retention, expansion, and recruitment efforts. The analysis covers Buffalo County and its surrounding counties (Adams, Custer, Dawson, Hall, Kearney, Phelps, and Sherman) to understand regional economic dynamics based on commuting patterns and industry trends.

Top Industries by Employment:

  1. Manufacturing
  2. Government
  3. Health Care & Social Assistance
  4. Retail Trade**
  5. Accommodation & Food Services**

Fastest Growing Industries by Employment (2017-2022):

  1. Real Estate
  2. Manufacturing
  3. Utilities
  4. Construction
  5. Finance & Insurance

Declining Industries by Employment (2017-2022):

  1. Information
  2. Educational Services
  3. Mining, Quarrying, Oil & Gas Extraction
  4. Management of Companies & Enterprises
  5. Other Services (except Public Administration)

Industry Strengths by Location Quotient:

  1. Agriculture
  2. Manufacturing
  3. Retail Trade
  4. Wholesale Trade
  5. Government

Key Findings:

  • Mature Industry Targets: Industries with strong current presence but facing potential national decline. Notable examples include Building Equipment Contractors, Animal Slaughtering & Processing, and Plastics Product Manufacturing.
  • Key Industry Targets: Industries essential for future growth, showing strong recent and projected growth, such as Animal Food Manufacturing, Basic Chemical Manufacturing, and Medical Equipment & Supplies Manufacturing.
  • Potential Industry Targets: Sectors with potential to drive future growth, including Nonresidential Building Construction, Insurance Carriers, and Architectural, Engineering, & Related Services.
  • Supply Chain Opportunities: Identified opportunities for local businesses to supply more inputs to key industries, reducing dependency on imports and fostering local economic growth.

Strategic Implications:

The analysis underscores the importance of leveraging regional strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, and wholesale trade while addressing the challenges of declining industries. By focusing on retention and expansion of key and potential industries, Buffalo County can better position itself to meet contemporary economic challenges and capitalize on future opportunities.

This summary provides a strategic framework for the Development Council of Buffalo County to enhance local economic development efforts by targeting industries with the highest potential for sustained growth and impact.