Why Will County?
Will County continues to experience strong, broad-based economic growth, with job creation at a rate that is more than double the national average post-recession. Job growth has been in a wide range of sectors, both goods-producing and service-producing. The County has also experienced ongoing support throughout the real estate market, with office and retail occupancy rates at historic highs, home prices increased year over year, and industrial real estate development remaining robust in several distinct corridors throughout the County.
Several regions within the County have seen strong new commercial and industrial development, with strong development interest in the I-55, I-57, I-80, and I-355 corridors. Will County was home to several of the Chicago region’s largest deals of the year in 2018. This includes the opening of Ikea’s 1.2 million square ft. facility in Joliet, a 1 million square foot lease from Whirlpool in Joliet, and the commencement of major build-to-suit projects, with Diageo building a 1.5 million sq. ft. facility in Plainfield and S&S Activewear building a new 750,000 sq. ft. facility in Lockport. Since 2002, the total amount of industrial space has grown from 55 million sq. ft. to over 180 million sq. ft., leading the Midwest in this development category. The award-winning Will County Community Friendly Freight Mobility Plan, adopted in 2017, continues to provide guidance for the improving infrastructure and expanding industry growth in the County.
Will County is home to several institutions of higher learning including a state university, several mid-size private colleges, a nationally-recognized junior college, and for-profit college campuses. Will County is engaged in impactful workforce initiatives targeting training in math and science, technological innovation and workplace readiness for youth. The business community, elected officials, community groups and representatives of higher education have a history of working together on local workforce-related issues. Many of the universities and colleges have responded to the growing needs of Will County businesses and developed courses and training to suit specific requirements.
Will County is attractive for its quality lifestyle as well, offering a range of housing options, school districts, and recreational, entertainment, and shopping opportunities. Many of our municipalities are noted as best places to live, best places for young families, and best places for homeownership.
With its strategic location and availability of affordable land, Will County continues to have much to offer to both businesses and residents.
Several regions within the County have seen strong new commercial and industrial development, with strong development interest in the I-55, I-57, I-80, and I-355 corridors. Will County was home to several of the Chicago region’s largest deals of the year in 2018. This includes the opening of Ikea’s 1.2 million square ft. facility in Joliet, a 1 million square foot lease from Whirlpool in Joliet, and the commencement of major build-to-suit projects, with Diageo building a 1.5 million sq. ft. facility in Plainfield and S&S Activewear building a new 750,000 sq. ft. facility in Lockport. Since 2002, the total amount of industrial space has grown from 55 million sq. ft. to over 180 million sq. ft., leading the Midwest in this development category. The award-winning Will County Community Friendly Freight Mobility Plan, adopted in 2017, continues to provide guidance for the improving infrastructure and expanding industry growth in the County.
Will County is home to several institutions of higher learning including a state university, several mid-size private colleges, a nationally-recognized junior college, and for-profit college campuses. Will County is engaged in impactful workforce initiatives targeting training in math and science, technological innovation and workplace readiness for youth. The business community, elected officials, community groups and representatives of higher education have a history of working together on local workforce-related issues. Many of the universities and colleges have responded to the growing needs of Will County businesses and developed courses and training to suit specific requirements.
Will County is attractive for its quality lifestyle as well, offering a range of housing options, school districts, and recreational, entertainment, and shopping opportunities. Many of our municipalities are noted as best places to live, best places for young families, and best places for homeownership.
With its strategic location and availability of affordable land, Will County continues to have much to offer to both businesses and residents.
