NC Economic Analysis

Until the recent recession, North Carolina's economy was growing faster than the national average, and with this growth came a rising standard of living.  Population was booming as the state added nearly 2 percent per year to its population over the course of the 1990s and continued adding during the 2000s at a slightly slower pace.  In both decades, state population growth far exceeded the national average. Yet the sharp and deep recession in 2007-2009 hid the strength that continued for several years into the 21st century as it marred much of the income, employment and housing data.

In this report, Wells Fargo takes a look back at North Carolina's economy over the past few decades, and uses that history to guide a discussion of the future. For a more near-term focus, the interested reader will find tear sheets beginning with page seven with a discussion of short-run economic prospects for three major metropolitan areas in North Carolina—Charlotte, the Triangle and the Triad. The report also addresses issues with which government and educational leaders must grapple.

Wells Fargo Economics' North Carolina Outlook