Economic Impact of Johnson & Johnson’s New Wilson, NC Facility

Economic Impact of Johnson & Johnson’s New Wilson, NC Facility

In our September blog post, we noted the announcement of Johnson and Johnson’s planned pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in Wilson, NC. This article digs deeper into the economic impact and the effects on population, housing, and retail.

1. Facility Location and Regional Access

Johnson & Johnson is building a new pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in the City of Wilson, North Carolina. Located in Wilson Corporate Park on the city’s southwest side, the site is strategically positioned near Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 264, about 40 miles east of Raleigh and 36 miles west of Greenville. This puts the facility within reach of major population centers, including the Research Triangle and East Carolina University in Greenville.

Wilson’s location between the Triangle and the coastal plain is drawing increased attention from the life sciences sector. The area is part of a growing biopharmaceutical corridor often referred to as the “BioPharma Crescent.”

2. Areas Poised for Growth

The facility will bring more than 420 high-paying jobs to Wilson County, creating demand for housing, services, and retail across the region. Communities likely to feel the greatest impact include:

• Wilson County & City of Wilson: Direct economic effects will be concentrated here. Expect rising demand for both homes and rentals, especially near Wilson Corporate Park. Small towns like Elm City, Lucama, and Black Creek may also see increased residential interest.
• Nash & Edgecombe Counties (Rocky Mount): About 20–25 miles north, Rocky Mount offers lower home prices and a reasonable commute. This area may attract cost-conscious workers and see renewed interest after years of population decline.
• Pitt County (Greenville): Roughly 40 minutes east of Wilson, Greenville may benefit indirectly through professional relocations and service industries. Towns like Farmville, located between the two cities, could gain appeal for commuters.
• Johnston County: Southwest of Wilson, Johnston County is one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing counties. Towns like Kenly, Selma, and Smithfield, located along I-95, may see housing demand spill over.
• Other Nearby Areas: Rural communities in Greene and Wayne counties, within 30–45 minutes of Wilson, may attract buyers seeking affordable land or quieter lifestyles.

3. Demographic and Housing Trends

Population Trends: Wilson County’s population declined slightly over the past decade, but this project could reverse that trend. Surrounding counties have shown varied performance: Johnston County has seen explosive growth, while Rocky Mount and other parts of Edgecombe and Nash Counties have experienced population loss. Pitt County has grown modestly, buoyed by Greenville’s university and medical presence.

Housing Markets:

• Wilson County: Median home values are around $172,000. Home prices have appreciated quickly, with recent double-digit percentage increases. Rents have also risen sharply, now averaging around $1,500 per month. Inventory remains tight, especially for quality rentals.
• Rocky Mount: With median home values near $148,000 and average rents around $1,150, the area remains affordable. However, stagnant population growth has kept housing demand in check until recently.
• Greenville (Pitt County): Higher home values (around $194,000) and steady rent growth reflect its stable demand and student population. Rental units are more abundant, but homebuyers may face competition.
• Johnston County: This suburban county has seen prices climb to about $268,000. Rental demand is strong, with average rents near $1,750.

Housing construction has lagged in much of eastern North Carolina, so added demand from J&J and related businesses could strain supply in the short term.

4. Local Business and Infrastructure Impacts

The influx of high-wage jobs will support a broad expansion in local business activity:

• Retail and Dining: Higher incomes and a growing population will bring more spending to local retailers, restaurants, and service providers. Commercial corridors in Wilson and smaller towns could see new development.
• Services: Health care, child care, schools, and training centers will see more demand. Educational institutions are expected to expand biotech and manufacturing programs to meet workforce needs.
• Construction and Logistics: The multi-year buildout of the facility is expected to generate thousands of construction jobs. Ancillary suppliers, logistics firms, and warehousing businesses may follow J&J’s lead and locate nearby.
• Hospitality: Increased travel to Wilson for business and training will support hotel occupancy, restaurants, and related hospitality services. Over time, the region may develop as a hub for industry events.

5. Outlook

J&J’s campus will reshape Wilson and its surrounding counties. After years of population stagnation, Wilson is likely to experience sustained growth. Nearby areas will benefit as housing markets tighten and workers look beyond city limits for homes and amenities. The project’s long-term economic impact is estimated in the billions, making it a transformative force for eastern North Carolina.

Sources

• Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC)
• City of Wilson announcements
• Johnson & Johnson media releases
• U.S. Census Bureau (2020 Census, ACS 2019–2023)
• Zillow, Realtor.com, RentCafe housing data
• NC Housing Finance Agency
• Local news outlets (WRAL, ABC11)
• NC State Demographer and County QuickFacts