More military veterans are choosing to make North Carolina their home. North Carolina now has the 8th largest veteran population in the country according to statistics in a new report released by the new Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
“Veterans come to North Carolina with a desirable skill set,” Governor McCrory said. “They’re leaders, they know how to get a job done and they are disciplined. Veterans are a major asset to our economy and many will go on to be respected leaders in our communities and state.”
The increase in veterans is also a boom to the state’s economy. Federal expenditures on North Carolina veterans grew 12 percent in 2014 to $8.2 billion, an increase of $1 billion compared to 2013. These expenditures include direct compensation and pension payments, medical care and education, training and employment.
Now at approximately 775,000, North Carolina’s veteran population is growing again, reversing a decline from 2000-2011. During that same time period, neighboring states of South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia experienced healthy increases in their veteran population.
The 2015 Veteran Annual Report shows North Carolina ranked 2nd in the nation for the most improved rate of servicing veterans, 4th nationally in successful claims awards for N.C. Veterans, and for the first time ever has achieved the 8th highest veteran population in the country.