Search
 

Southeast Industrial Boom Driven by Population Growth and Strategic Infrastructure

Nearly 545.1 million square feet of industrial space has been absorbed in the region since 2019.

By Kristen Smithberg | March 25, 2025 at 04:40 AM

The Southeast United States has successfully attracted industrial occupiers and investors, driven by ongoing population growth, low costs, strategic infrastructure access, and a favorable business operation environment. Industrial vacancy rates remain below pre-pandemic averages, and rental rates continue to rise in key markets, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s Southeast regional industrial labor report for the first quarter.

The population of the Southeast’s 17 major metropolitan areas has grown to 44.9 million residents, which is expected to increase by 4% over the next five years, nearly double the national growth rate. This population growth has helped fuel an industrial boom, including a surge in e-commerce, third-party logistics, and manufacturing companies moving into the region.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2025 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.