JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The total economic impact of Joint Base Langley-Eustis surged to $4.51 billion in fiscal year 2024, marking an increase of nearly $1 billion over the $3.58 billion reported in FY22. The latest figures underscore JBLE’s growing role as an essential economic engine for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the surrounding region.
According to the FY24 Economic Impact Analysis, JBLE generated 38,166 total jobs, up from 37,123 jobs in FY22, reflecting its continued expansion across mission support, military operations, and civilian employment.
The EIA serves as a decision-support tool for senior leaders and government officials, highlighting the installation’s positive influence on the surrounding community. The analysis is compiled from unit and mission partner data and considers both direct stimuli, based on military and civilian payroll, and indirect stimulus, calculated using pre-determined economic multipliers and regional income data.
This year’s analysis also reflects a key change in methodology that significantly increased the reported economic impact. In past assessments, only base pay was factored into the calculation for military personnel. However, the FY24 analysis corrected this by including Basic Allowance for Housing and Basic Allowance for Subsistence—two substantial components of military compensation that directly benefit the local economy. These allowances support off-base housing, contribute to the rental and real estate market, and are used at local grocery stores and restaurants. This more accurate accounting provided a clearer picture of how much military spending fuels economic activity across the Hampton Roads region.
“JBLE is more than just a military installation; it’s an economic engine that supports jobs, strengthens families, and fuels growth in Hampton Roads,” said Col. Matthew Altman, JBLE installation commander. “This data shows how vital our service members, civilians, and mission partners are not only to national defense but also to the prosperity of our local communities.”
The installation is home to more than 20,000 military and civilian personnel supporting over 60 tenant units, including Air Combat Command, Training and Doctrine Command, and the 633d Air Base Wing. These missions, alongside units like the 1st Fighter Wing and U.S. Army Transportation Corps, drive both defense readiness and local economic vitality.
Military payroll alone contributed $1.24 billion and 14,250 jobs, while civilian payroll accounted for another $531 million and 6,634 jobs. Combined, JBLE supported 20,884 direct personnel, more than 2,746 additional personnel compared to FY22, and delivered $1.76 billion in payroll, exceeding the FY22 figure of $1.12 billion.
Local job creation associated with base operations climbed to 17,282 jobs and $677 million in output, reflecting sustained regional economic integration and service contract expansion. Expenditures also rose, with total construction, utilities, educational services, and other contracts amounting to more than $569 million in direct spending.
The EIA confirms that JBLE’s mission readiness translates to sustained economic vitality across the region. From airmen and soldiers to contractors and service providers, the installation’s reach extends well beyond the gates of Langley and Fort Eustis.
“The strength of our base lies in its people; and that includes our connections with the Hampton Roads community,” said Altman. “This report shows that when JBLE thrives, the region thrives with us.”
For more information on the FY24 EIA, click here