Hancock County Gives Companies Access to a Deep and Skilled Workforce

When companies choose a new location, a capable and available workforce matters as much as infrastructure, utilities, and transportation. Even with available land and logistics, long-term success depends on finding workers with the right skills and experience.

This is one reason Hancock County, IN, continues to attract employers in manufacturing, life sciences, logistics, agri-business, and technology. Companies here benefit from more than a growing population. They can reach about 2 million people within an hour’s drive, broadening hiring options for many roles.

Whether you need entry-level workers, skilled tradespeople, engineers, managers, or research specialists, Hancock County offers access to a workforce that can support growth now and in the future.

Reach a Labor Pool Far Beyond County Lines

Hancock County has over 80,000 residents, but the available workforce extends far beyond the county. Within an hour’s drive, businesses can reach about 2 million potential workers. This large area gives employers more hiring options and helps them expand their teams.

Many major employers have already taken advantage of this. Companies such as Amazon, Walmart, Labcorp, Avery Dennison, and Indiana Automotive Fasteners have established large operations in Hancock County.

For growing companies, access to a larger labor market makes hiring easier and helps them find specialized talent that may not be available in smaller communities. Being near Indianapolis is another advantage. Businesses can hire from both city and suburban areas while working in a community known for reliable, productive workers.

Build a Workforce from a Strong Education Pipeline

A strong workforce begins with good education, and Hancock County has one of Indiana’s top K-12 school systems.

The county is home to four consistently top-rated school corporations:

• Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation
• Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation
• New Palestine Community Schools
• Community School Corporation of Eastern Hancock County

These school districts emphasize workforce development, career readiness, and STEAM education. Students learn about local industries such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, logistics, technology, and agribusiness.

For example, Greenfield-Central Schools use Project Lead The Way programs, allowing students to earn certifications, college credits, and technical skills in fields like engineering, biomedical sciences, and computer science.

By focusing on career preparation, these schools help meet employers' and industries' needs. The county is also planning for the future with Amplify Hancock, a new workforce training and career education center that will expand opportunities for students and employers.

As workforce needs change, Hancock County is investing in programs that help students build relevant skills before they enter the job market.

Recruit Talent from Indiana's Leading Colleges and Universities

Businesses in Hancock County have direct access to one of the Midwest's strongest higher education networks.

Nearby institutions include:

• Purdue University 
• Indiana University 
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
• Indiana University Indianapolis
• Purdue University Indianapolis
• Butler University
• Anderson University 
• Ball State University
• University of Indianapolis

In addition, employers can recruit graduates from multiple Ivy Tech Community College campuses that offer employer-focused programs in:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Robotics
• Supply chain management
• Chemical technology
• Nanotechnology

The result is a steady flow of graduates prepared for technical, professional, and leadership roles.

Annual graduate data highlights the strength of the regional talent pipeline:

• 36,409 total graduates each year
• 13,434 bachelor's degrees awarded annually
• 11,500 master's degrees awarded annually
• 1,936 PhDs awarded annually
• 5,200 graduates in business, management, and marketing
• 1,448 graduates in computer and information sciences
• 7,648 graduates in health professions
• 903 graduates in biological and biomedical sciences

This level of educational output gives employers access to talent across a wide range of disciplines and supports workforce recruitment and succession planning.

Find Workers with Skills That Match Industry Needs

Hancock County's workforce reflects the needs of modern industry. Manufacturing remains the county's largest employment sector, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all jobs. This creates a deep base of industrial knowledge and technical expertise.

Workforce data shows strong concentrations in:

• Manufacturing and production occupations
• Maintenance and repair roles
• Transportation and logistics positions
• Construction trades
• Management and administrative careers
• Financial and professional services

The county's workforce includes:

• 5,998 manufacturing employees
• 2,863 production workers
• 1,173 installation, maintenance, and repair professionals
• More than 3,000 executives, managers, and administrators

For employers, this means access to workers who understand production environments, supply chain operations, equipment maintenance, quality standards, and business operations.

Several manufacturing subsectors also provide specialized expertise in areas such as metals fabrication, concrete products, chemicals, automotive production, and advanced automation.

Support Growth with a Diverse Employer Base

A workforce often reflects the industries operating within a community. Hancock County's economy includes major employers in distribution, healthcare, manufacturing, pharmaceutical research, logistics, technology, education, and government services.

Notable employers include Amazon Fulfillment Center, Walmart Fulfillment Center, Hancock Health, Avery Dennison, Bastian Solutions, Yamaha Marine Precision Propellers, Photon Automation, and Indiana Automotive Fasteners.

This industry diversity creates several workforce advantages.

Employees gain experience across multiple sectors, helping businesses recruit candidates with transferable skills. Large employers also help develop management talent, technical expertise, and operational leadership.

At the same time, Hancock County maintains a strong small-business environment. Nearly 70 percent of local establishments employ between one and four workers. This combination of large employers and entrepreneurial businesses supports a workforce that understands both operational efficiency and business growth.

Position Your Company for Long-Term Workforce Success in Hancock County, IN

Companies searching for expansion opportunities need more than workers available today. They need confidence that talent will remain available as business needs change.

Hancock County offers that confidence through workforce scale, educational investment, industry diversity, and regional accessibility.

Businesses gain access to:

• A labor shed of approximately 2 million people
• More than 36,000 annual graduates from nearby institutions
• Strong technical and manufacturing talent
• Growing workforce development initiatives
• Proven success in attracting major employers

For companies evaluating new locations or planning future expansion, Hancock County offers the talent needed to support long-term growth.

Contact Hancock Economic Development Council

Workforce availability remains one of Hancock County's strongest business advantages.

If your company is evaluating expansion opportunities, relocation options, or future workforce needs, contact the Hancock Economic Development Council to learn more about workforce data, talent pipelines, training resources, and the advantages available to employers in Hancock County.