Manufacturing is the largest employment sector in the county, providing 31% of the jobs and 29% of employment earnings. Retail Industry trade is the next largest contributor to employment in the county, providing 18% of the jobs and 12% of employment earnings. Farming is also important to the county's economy, providing 16% of the jobs and 31% of employment earnings. Statewide, service employment is the largest employment sector, contributing 23% of the state's jobs and earnings.

Historically, the county has had an agribusiness economy based on poultry and cattle production. The efforts of the county leaders will be to protect this agriculture-based economy while at the same time supporting quality, controlled growth to provide Banks County citizens with jobs and secure a bright future for generations to come.

The largest companies in the county are Mountain Industrial Printing, Inc., and Olsen Plaques. Together, these two companies provide approximately 1,400 jobs to residents of the area.