Beyond the Zoo: The Industries Powering Asheboro's Economy

ASHEBORO, N.C. —For many North Carolinians, Asheboro is synonymous with the North Carolina Zoo. Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to "Zoo City" to see one of the world's largest natural habitat zoos. But beyond the gates of the state's top tourist attraction, another story is unfolding—one driven by manufacturing, health care, education and a steadily diversifying workforce.

While the North Carolina Zoo remains one of Asheboro's most recognizable institutions, it is no longer the city's largest employer. According to the City of Asheboro's 2024–25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Technimark remains Asheboro's largest employer with approximately 1,500 employees. Randolph Health, Asheboro City Schools, the North Carolina Zoo, Energizer Battery and the City of Asheboro also rank among the area's largest employers.

Manufacturing remains a driving force in Randolph County’s economy. According to the county’s 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the sector accounts for approximately 27% of local employment and remains a major contributor to the county’s tax base. At the same time, growth in service-sector jobs has helped create a more diversified economic landscape. The county is home to companies producing plastics, batteries, furniture, consumer products, textiles and automotive components.

The area's economy has also benefited from recent large-scale investments throughout Randolph County, including Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina at the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite. While the facility is located outside Asheboro city limits, local officials expect it to generate supplier growth, workforce opportunities and additional demand for housing and services across the region.

Health care has emerged as another cornerstone of Asheboro's economy. Randolph Health remains one of the city's largest employers, providing medical care for residents across Randolph County while supporting hundreds of jobs ranging from physicians and nurses to laboratory technicians and administrative staff.

Education also plays a significant role. Asheboro City Schools and Randolph County Schools collectively employ thousands of educators, administrators and support personnel, making public education one of the county's largest employment sectors.

Although the North Carolina Zoo employs roughly 440 people, its economic influence extends well beyond payroll. Visitors support hotels, restaurants, retailers and service businesses throughout Asheboro, helping create indirect jobs and generating tourism spending that ripples through the local economy. Downtown merchants often cite zoo visitors as an important source of foot traffic, particularly during weekends and peak travel seasons.

As Asheboro continues to grow, city leaders face the challenge of balancing tourism with industrial expansion, workforce development and quality-of-life investments. New housing, infrastructure improvements and business recruitment efforts are shaping a community whose identity is becoming broader than its best-known attraction.

The zoo may remain Asheboro's signature landmark, but the city's economic story is increasingly one of diversification. Behind the familiar "Zoo City" nickname is a community supported by factories, hospitals, classrooms and small businesses that together form the foundation of its economy.