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The purpose of Western Carolina University’s 2008 Regional Outlook Report is to provide a comprehensive overview of the major economic, social, and political issues and trends in Western North Carolina.
To accomplish this goal, aggregate county and regional data were compiled and analyzed and a public opinion poll was randomly distributed to residents in the 23 Westernmost counties in the state. Although we do not offer specific policy recommendations, we hope the findings presented here are useful to policy makers and interested citizens in the region. To access a downloadable PDF version of the Report, please click here . To obtain a full-color print version of the Report, you may request a hard copy by emailing us at
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The main findings of the Report are in the areas of economic assessment and public opinion in the region. A Sample of Some of the Economic Assessment Highlights: - The economy of Western North Carolina has grown every year, but at a slower rate than North Carolina's economy as a whole.
- According to the Regional Economic Activity Index, the region's economy saw an expansion from '03 until '06 but since that time, economic growth has been relatively stable.
- There has been tremendous growth in commuting activity in Western North Carolina.
A Sample of Some of the Public Opinion Highlights: - 62% of all respondents do not view homes in the region as affordable.
- The majority of the respondents are somewhat or strongly in favor of land-use regulation - however, the language framing the issue is critical, with more people in favor of "land-use planning" as opposed to "zoning".
- While the number of respondents who reported having health insurance (86%) is similar to 2003 levels, the number of those covered through their place of employment has declined since 2003.
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