- Location of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, a national public research university with over 14,000 students. SIU is the largest employer in the county with over 6,000 employees.
- Carbondale recognized as a top city to start a business in 2019 according to WalletHub.
- Proximity to Interstate Highway 57 and Veterans Airport in Marion.
- Other incentives: Enterprise Zone, New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC), TIF District (in Carbondale).
Jackson County
Important Assets
Top Industries (Private Sector)
2018
- Health Care and Social Assistance: 3,807 Employees
- Retail Trade: 3,419 Employees
- Accommodation and Food Services: 2,447
Total Private Sector Employment (All Industries): 16,563
By the Numbers
Population
59,115
Median Age
28.4
Residents with a Bachelor’s or Graduate degree
36.2%
Carbondale Opportunity Zone
Jackson County: Carbondale Business Park East
The Assets
- 83-acre business park with easy access to interstate highway, airports, and railways.
- 11 miles from Interstate Highway 57.
- 9.5 miles from Southern Illinois Airport. Commercial air service available at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (8.5 miles from park).
- 3 miles from Canadian National Railway and Amtrak.
- On-site access to natural gas, electric, and high-speed fiber internet.
- Located within Enterprise Zone.
The Opportunity
- Invest in existing businesses looking to relocate to the park.
Jackson County: Carbondale Grand Avenue and East Retail Districts
The Assets
- University Mall, a regional destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment located in Carbondale East retail district.
- Grand Avenue retail district located between Southern Illinois University (SIU) campus and off-campus student housing.
- Convenient location for students to access shopping, dining, and entertainment options within walking distance of their homes or classes.
The Opportunity
- Invest in existing businesses looking to relocate to the retail districts.
- Invest in businesses currently located in retail districts.
Jackson County: Southern Illinois University Research Park
The Assets
- University related organization, public private partnership, and foundation of University’s outreach commitment in the region.
- 25+ companies operating in technology and knowledge based industries including food innovation, software development, and healthcare support/infrastructure transformation.
- Home to vital regional business support services such as a Small Business Development Center (SBDC), incubator, and technology entrepreneurship programs.
- 80,000 square feet of office, conference room, and co working spaces located in three buildings 43 acre plot.
The Opportunity
- Invest in emerging and expanding small businesses housed in Research Park.
- Invest in general building improvements, park infrastructure, and innovation facilities and programs.