North Carolina has introduced its first measure of economic activity based on the number of operating elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. The “Elevator Index,” according to the N.C. Department of Labor, showed a 2.36% increase for fiscal year 2025, rising from 31,494 devices to 32,236.
The Elevator Index is designed to reflect North Carolina’s growth through construction activity and related employment. The number of elevator inspections increased 17.3%, rising from 27,439 in fiscal year 2024 to 32,205 in fiscal year 2025. Labor Commissioner Luke Farley, who took office earlier this year, noted that the rise is linked both to economic growth and efforts to improve public safety through regular annual inspections.
Labor Commissioner Luke Farley noted the connection between the Elevator Index and economic growth. “As North Carolina’s economy grows, so does construction — and almost every new building needs elevators,” he said in a press release.
According to Commissioner Farley, new elevator installations reflect both investment and job opportunities. The Elevator Index is intended to provide insights into North Carolina’s overall economic activity. The Department of Labor plans to update the index quarterly and release a full annual report each December, using data collected from all 100 counties by the Department’s Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau.
