Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia has just ranked #10 among the largest U.S. metros in CoworkingCafe’s
Here’s what’s driving its performance:
- A strong base of women entrepreneurs
Women-owned businesses make up 23.3% of all firms in the metro, a solid share that reflects an active and growing community of women entrepreneurs.
- Steady economic and population growth
Charlotte has experienced 37.5% GDP growth since 2019 (ranking #9 among large metros for this metric), a sign of continued economic expansion. An 8.4% population growth since 2020 further strengthens the business climate by expanding both the customer base and talent pool.
- Income levels and workforce engagement
Median earnings for women reach $43,893, providing a strong income base. Self-employment stands at 9.7%, while labor force participation reaches 62.3%, highlighting strong workforce engagement across the region.
- Business-focused educational strength
Charlotte stands out for its concentration of business-focused education: 22.7% of women hold a bachelor’s degree in business, placing Charlotte #3 among large metros. Overall, 38% of women hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, supporting a skilled and leadership-ready talent pool for women-led firms.
- Competitive cost conditions
The cost of living in Charlotte is slightly below the national benchmark (RPR: 97), reinforcing its position as a relatively cost-competitive large metro. At the same time, median coworking memberships are $232 per month, giving entrepreneurs access to flexible, professional workspaces at slightly lower prices than those in many other major markets.
As women continue to launch and scale businesses across the country, understanding which metros offer the strongest mix of representation, talent depth, and economic momentum is key. Charlotte’s #10 ranking among large markets highlights its growing role as a hub for women-led entrepreneurship.
You can explore the full study and methodology here:
