The Economic Impact of North Carolina Hospitals
North Carolina’s hospitals are the backbone of both our healthcare delivery system and our state’s economy — serving as economic engines in communities across the state.
To better understand this impact, the North Carolina Healthcare Association commissioned a study of 133 hospitals across North Carolina. The analysis, conducted by RTI International, measured the statewide and regional economic contributions of hospital operations, employment, and investment.
The report, The Economic Impact of North Carolina’s Hospitals, shows that hospitals generate tens of billions in economic activity, support hundreds of thousands of jobs, contribute billions in community benefits, and provide significant state and local tax revenue that supports public services.
A few key findings from the report include that hospitals:
- Spent approximately $44 billion on staff and operating expenses, and generated $52 billion in economic impact.
- Created 224,000 jobs in North Carolina, and they were among the 10 largest employers in 95 of North Carolina’s 100 counties and a top 3 employer in 49 counties (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
- Provided more than $8.24 billion in community benefits, which included charity care, losses from Medicare and Medicaid, graduate medical education, donations, and services (HCRIS 2021–2024).
- Paid $2.8 billion in state and local taxes to sustain crucial public services such as K–12 education, law enforcement, and social services.
Download the report to learn more:
Additional RTI Resources: