Profile of Savannah-Chatham County
The Savannah area has a diverse economy that relies heavily on manufacturing, military, tourism, and port-related distribution. Its diverse manufacturing environment boasts over 200 firms, making everything from yachts to corporate jets and cookies to paper products.

Hunter Army Airfield, a vital part of the Fort Stewart Complex (the largest military instillation east of the Mississippi River), contributes a large military-civilian payroll to the local economy.

More than 20,000 soldiers are stationed at Fort Stewart and at Hunter. Although most of them live and work in Hinesville (40 miles away), many soldiers and their dependents visit Savannah frequently to shop and take advantage of the city's many amenities. Savannah is also home to the 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard, whose 950 uniformed personnel fly and maintain C-130H cargo planes, units of the Coast Guard, and the Air Guards Combat Readiness Training Center.

Tourism is one of the brightest spots in the local economy. A mild climate, abundant resources, rich history, and cultural opportunities contribute to a rich quality of life for area residents, and draw large numbers of tourists to the area. Tourism continues to grow, as evidenced by increased hotel/motel tax collections in the City of Savannah, unincorporated areas of Chatham County, and in the City of Tybee Island.

The Port of Savannah remains a significant strength in the local economy, with a 15.9% increase in total tonnage for the twelve months ending June 30, 2006, and surpassing 2 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit Containers (TEUs) for the first time. As the fifth largest container port in the United States, the Port of Savannah has long been recognized worldwide as a major regional cargo hub. A significant capital improvement program promises that the Port of Savannah will continue to drive the local economy well into the future.

Savannah unemployment rate of 4.9% for June, 2006, was lower than the Georgia statewide rate of 5.2% and just above the national rate of 4.8%. Continued growth is projected for each of the major sectors of the local economy, pointing to a very optimistic local economic outlook.