A recent independent study conducted by Oxford Economics reveals that the establishment of Amazon fulfillment centers significantly enhances economic conditions in local areas. The research focused on 55 U.S. counties where Amazon created at least 1,000 jobs within a single year, tracking economic changes over a five-year period compared to regions without such facilities. Findings show a 5% increase in new business formation, equating to roughly 6,000 additional establishments per county. Unemployment declined by an average of 0.37 percentage points, translating to nearly 12,000 fewer unemployed individuals. Weekly wages rose by 2.6%, and labor force participation improved by 0.45 percentage points as more residents entered employment. Medicaid enrollment also decreased by 0.48 percentage points, indicating reduced reliance on public assistance.
The analysis suggests these outcomes may be conservative estimates, as excluding neighboring counties from the data actually amplified the observed benefits, highlighting concentrated local impact. Amazon’s broader infrastructure investments further contribute to regional growth. In Georgia alone, the company has invested $23.8 billion since 2010 across more than 50 locations, adding $25.5 billion to the state’s GDP. In Fulton County, these activities helped lower unemployment by 1.3 percentage points.
Beyond direct economic metrics, Amazon supports workforce advancement through initiatives like Career Choice, which offers prepaid tuition after 90 days of employment, enabling workers to pursue education in high-demand sectors. Employees such as Serenity Thomas in Fulton County have benefited from flexible scheduling that accommodates academic responsibilities. Joaquin Gomez-Boteyo, a technician in California, advanced his career through the Mechatronics and Robotics Apprenticeship program, emphasizing that internal growth opportunities are accessible to those willing to learn.
Community support extends to education and emergency response. In San Bernardino County, Amazon funded curriculum licenses and multiyear teacher development for middle and high schools, impacting over 12,000 students. Nationally, the company commits $25 million annually to expand computer science education. Additionally, strategically placed Disaster Relief hubs in locations like San Bernardino and Fulton Counties allow rapid deployment during crises. During the 2025 California wildfires, Amazon contributed $10 million and delivered over 500,000 essential items to 29 relief organizations.
Overall, the findings underscore how large-scale logistics investments can foster long-term economic resilience, create pathways for professional development, and strengthen community well-being beyond immediate job creation.
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How Amazon fulfillment centers transform local economies
Key takeaways n nOxford Economics finds that the presence of Amazon fulfillment centers increases economic vitality and reduces economic hardship. n nThese community investments include educational funding and disaster relief services. n nOver time, Amazon’s presence creates sustained positive impacts in local regions. n nAmazon is committed to strengthening the communities in which we invest and build. New research from Oxford Economics finds that the opening of Amazon fulfillment centers lifts up local communities by increasing economic vitality while reducing economic hardship. n nThe independent analysis of 55 U.S. counties where Amazon added at least 1,000 jobs in a single year found that, five years later, those counties experienced the following gains compared to counties without such investments: n nNew business formation increased 5%, representing approximately 6,000 new establishments per county. n nUnemployment rates dropped by an average of 0.37 percentage points (nearly 12,000 fewer unemployed). n nAverage weekly wages rose 2.6%. n nLabor force participation grew by 0.45 percentage points as more people entered the workforce. n nFewer residents required Medicaid assistance, with enrollment dropping 0.48 percentage points. n nNotably, when researchers excluded neighboring counties from their analysis to account for regional spillover effects, these positive impacts were even stronger, suggesting the study’s findings may be conservative estimates. n nMassive infrastructure boosts state GDP and reduces unemployment n nAmazon’s investments have gone far beyond just building operations facilities. For example, since 2010, the company has invested $23.8 billion in Georgia, supporting activities across more than 50 sites, and contributing $25.5 billion to the state’s GDP. n n“Amazon provided residents with honest employment, where people can secure a job, be able to take care of families, and have a good quality of life.” n nMayor Vince R. Williams of Union City, Georgia n nOxford dove deep into how our impact has shaped specific communities, finding that Amazon’s investments in Fulton County, Georgia, reduced the local unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. n nWorkforce development at Amazon helps employees grow careers n nThe study also highlighted how Amazon’s investment in workforce development creates opportunities for career advancement. One example is the Career Choice program, which offers prepaid college tuition after 90 days of employment. Through this program, employees can pursue education in high-demand fields while maintaining their jobs. n n“One of the biggest things I love about Amazon is flexibility,” said Serenity Thomas, a learning trainer in Fulton County who started as an entry-level employee. “When I needed an extra day to do homework, I could put in PTO or take unpaid leave, and I’m grateful that I have a manager who was understanding.” n n“The four walls don’t define where a career at Amazon can go,” said Joaquin Gomez-Boteyo, a technician who completed Amazon’s Mechatronics and Robotics Apprenticeship program in San Bernardino County, California. “If you are willing to take the opportunity to learn, Amazon will give you the resources.” n nCommunity investment includes education and disaster relief n nAmazon’s community investments include both immediate support and long-term development: n nIn San Bernardino County, Amazon committed to covering curriculum licenses and multiyear professional development for every middle and high school in two school districts, reaching over 12,000 students. n nThe company has pledged $25 million annually to expand computer science access in schools nationwide. n nStrategic placement of Disaster Relief hubs, including facilities in San Bernardino County and Fulton County, enables rapid response to natural disasters. n nDuring the 2025 California wildfires, Amazon provided $10 million in relief efforts and donated over 500,000 essential items to 29 relief organizations. n nResearch points to positive and long-term impact in communities n nThe research indicates that Amazon’s presence creates sustained positive impacts that grow over time, going beyond direct employment to boost local economic vitality and reduce economic hardship. n n“Amazon provided residents with honest employment, where people can secure a job, be able to take care of families, and have a good quality of life,” said Mayor Vince R. Williams of Union City, Georgia, of Amazon’s impact in Fulton County. n nAs communities worldwide seek sustainable economic development, this research provides valuable insights into how large-scale logistics investments can drive positive social and economic outcomes, create opportunities for workforce development, and contribute to long-term community resilience. n nDiscover how Amazon is creating jobs and driving economic growth in your state.