A Growing, Youthful Market
Student growth at our colleges and universities has helped drive steady population growth. Keep in mind that large student populations can skew raw income and poverty figures in census data.
Higher Education Enrollment
Industries That Power The Valley
A diverse base built on food, manufacturing, technology, and logistics, anchored by transportation access and a skilled, university-fed workforce. Hover a panel to learn more.
Food Processing
The modern poultry industry began just outside Harrisonburg in 1922. Today the sector thrives with names like Farmer Focus, Cargill, Pilgrim's Pride, George's, and Perdue.
Advanced Manufacturing
Within a one-day drive of Boston, Atlanta, Nashville, Indianapolis, and Detroit, with low operating costs, business-friendly regulations, and a skilled workforce.
Technology
A growing hub for health and security IT, powered by JMU talent, a skilled professional workforce, affordable labor rates, and a climate built for innovation.
Transportation & Logistics
A long-established sector on Interstate 81 with rail, air, and port access, and clear room to grow into specialized manufacturing and warehousing.
Industry Cluster Fact Sheets
One-page overviews of Harrisonburg's key clusters. Click any cover to open the full fact sheet.
A Resilient, Diverse Base
Harrisonburg's largest employers span education, healthcare, government, food production, manufacturing, and retail, giving the local economy real stability across cycles.
Source: Virginia Works, Economic Information & Analytics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), Q3 2025.
- James Madison University
- Harrisonburg City Public Schools
- Shenandoah Valley Organic LLC
- City of Harrisonburg
- Sentara Healthcare
- George's Foods
- Federal Mogul Vehicle Components
- Virginia Mennonite Retirement
- Aramark Campus LLC
- Eastern Mennonite University
- Walmart
- Tenneco Packaging
- Food Lion
- Costco
- Rockingham County Community Services Board
- LSC Communications Book LLC
- Brew Team VA, LLC
- Jersey Mike's Subs
- Lowe's Home Centers, Inc.
- McDonald's
- Red Lobster & The Olive Garden
- Martin's Food Market
- Blauch Brothers, Inc.
- Cox Automotive Corporate
- The Home Depot
- Target Corp.
- Owens Brockway Plastic Products
- Ariake U.S.A. Inc.
- Texas Roadhouse
- Napa Transportation Inc.
- Jenzabar Inc.
- DPM Hotels LLC
- Blue Ridge Rehabilitation & Nursing
- Chick-fil-A at Harrisonburg
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
- Harrisonburg Community Health Center
- Christian Light Publications Inc.
- Harrisonburg Honda
- Wood Grill Buffet
- Steven Toyota
- Kawneer Company
- ComSonics Inc.
- Rockingham Eye Physicians PC
- Dean Brothers, Inc.
- UVA Health Services Foundation
- U.S. Postal Service
- Starbucks Coffee
- Rockingham Mutual Ins. Corp.
- Harrisonburg Health & Rehabilitation Center
- Cargill Turkey Production
Major Employers By Sector
Two engines drive the local economy. Switch between them to see who's making things here and who's powering everything else.
Made In The Valley
From poultry processing to packaging, pharmaceuticals, and auto parts, Harrisonburg's manufacturers turn Valley resources and I-81 access into finished goods shipped nationwide.
Powering Everything Else
Anchored by JMU, healthcare, and a growing software sector, our non-manufacturing employers keep the local economy diverse, resilient, and full of career paths.
Dig Into The Numbers
At-a-glance infographics plus the trusted dashboards and reports behind them.
Business Taxes
Competitive state and local rates, at a glance.
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6%
State Corporate Income Tax
Flat state rate on corporate income.
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7%
Food & Beverage Tax
On all prepared food and beverage sales.
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5%
Admissions Tax
On admission or entrance fees for events and amusements such as movies, theater, and concerts.
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7%
Transient Occupancy Tax
On short-term lodging such as hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts.
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$2.12
Business Tangible Personal Property Tax
Per $100 of assessed value on furniture, fixtures, equipment, machinery, and tools.
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$1.01
Real Estate Tax
Per $100 of assessed value.
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Business & Professional License Fee
For estimated gross receipts of $50,000 or less, a tiered fee applies:
$10,000 or under $0
$10,001 to $25,000 $25
$25,001 to $50,000 $50
A license is still required even when no fee applies.
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License Rates Over $50,000
Above $50,000, a rate per $100 of gross receipts applies by business type:
Contractors 16¢ / $100
Retail 20¢ / $100
Repair, Personal & Business Services 20¢ / $100
Financial, Real Estate & Professional Services 58¢ / $100
Wholesale $30 + 17¢ / $100 over $1,000
Wholesale is billed on all gross receipts; the $50,000 threshold does not apply.
Find your site on the live map
Search available commercial, industrial, and land listings across Harrisonburg, filtered by type, size, and zone.