At the Bryan County Chamber of Commerce's State of the Community event Friday, keynote speaker Dr. Michael Toma shared a compelling look at the economic momentum shaping the region.

Since 2020, Bryan County has experienced 16% population growth, five times faster than the national rate.

And that momentum is expected to continue.

According to the Georgia Tech Housing study, Bryan County's population is projected to reach approximately 62,000 by 2031, nearly 20% higher than today.

Employment is expected to grow even faster, increasing by an estimated 60% during that same period.

Growth also brings tremendous opportunity. Bryan County currently experiences retail leakage to surrounding counties. Reducing that leakage by just 5% could potentially increase local sales by 20-30%, keeping more dollars within our community and supporting local businesses.

Meanwhile, the Savannah region is projected to become home to the largest and most active port on the Eastern seaboard by 2031, further accelerating economic and employment opportunities.

Photo by Meredith Ryncarz/Southeastern Sports Photography).