Defense Sector Program
To keep pace with the skilled workforce requirements for the Defense Sector throughout the Indiana Uplands (an 11-county region in southern Indiana including all 8 Choose Southern Indiana counties with 3 additional nearby counties), we're offering out-of-state defense industry workers $5,000 to relocate to one of our 11 communities.
Choose Southern Indiana is home to Naval Weapons Station Crane, the third-largest naval installation in the world, with a current civilian and support contractor workforce totaling 6,000 jobs.
This number is expected to increase in the near future with the current construction and infrastructure expansion projects on base, as well as the recently announced $84 million development for a microelectronics campus, WestGate One, that will create a hub for semiconductor excellence to support the surrounding DoD needs.
WestGate Job Board
Purdue@WestGate's mission is to support the ever-growing tech park and to be your number one resource. Upon that, it works to promote the plethora of job opportunities not only in the tech park but also within the surrounding counties.
Search by job titles, location, or companies to find your next role!
Program Requirements*
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Talent must fill a job in the defense sector
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The position must be physically located in the region; remote jobs are not eligible
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The position must pay at least $60,000 annually
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May live in any Uplands community regardless of the location of the position
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Must reside in the region for a minimum of two years
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Must complete a residency affidavit on an annual basis for the two-year period
*A hiring manager, human resources manager, or similar title is who should be submitting this application. Please visit the job board above on this page if you would like assistance in finding a job that would qualify you for this program.
With 11 participating communities, we know it can be overwhelming to decide where to live. Below you'll find information and resources on each county to help you start making your decision.
Once you have explored and made your decision, our team is here as a resource to help you find housing. Submit this form and someone on our team will help you start the process!
Inquiry Form
Eligible Communities
Southern Indiana Hoosiers have a way of coming together to make new residents feel right at home. Our close-knit rural communities provide peace of mind with low crime rates, locally-sized schools, attention to safety, and neighbors that become your family. Even more, you’ll experience four seasons with a mild winter, rolling hills, mature forests, and beautiful streams and lakes. Come discover what makes life so special in southern Indiana.
Brown County
Known as the "Art Colony of the Midwest," Brown County and the town of Nashville have attracted visitors for generations with spectacular views of rolling hills and forested land. Today, this popular destination is known for award-winning schools, eclectic art studios, distinctive restaurants and shops, and endless outdoor activities. Experience natural beauty, warm hospitality, and adventure in Brown County.
Crawford County
The unspoiled beauty of Crawford County is one-of-a-kind. One of Indiana’s southernmost counties, you’ll be hard-pressed to find more beautiful views. Our communities are ready to grow into their fullest potential, and we want you to be part of that journey. And with easy highway access, you are able to explore the beauty and visit urban areas any time you’d like.
Daviess County
The word community has a different meaning in Daviess County. Its residents have a way of coming together to make new residents feel right at home. With its rich Amish heritage providing locally-made goods and its abundance of natural resources, there is a bit of everything here. Come explore what makes Daviess County a great place to call home.
Dubois County
One thing to know about Dubois County? It’s hard to feel alone here. Its tight-knit communities create great environments for raising a family. The ‘A’ school systems offer great class sizes and opportunities to get involved, while the towns and cities are never in short supply of things to do. From great dining options to shopping, to town events or recreational activities, it’s all here.
Greene County
From breath-taking outdoor recreation, to the longest running 4th of July parade in Indiana, Greene County is a beautiful place to call home. As one of the largest counties in the state, there is no shortage of adventures for you to find. Its close-knit rural communities provide a peace of mind with its safety and neighbors become your family. Located right off
I-69, you’ll never be too far from wherever life might take you.
Lawrence County
Lawrence County - home of limestone, astronauts, and persimmons. Its communities provide great settings to raise a family - from top schools to amenities and quality of life, there’s never a shortage of activities to partake in. Located a little more than an hour south of Indianapolis, its centralized location gives you the opportunity to explore the beauty of southern Indiana.
Martin County
Martin County may be Indiana’s fifth smallest county by population, but that is no reflection on the amount of heart you’ll find here. Our county is built of close-knit communities that offer a low cost of living and a feeling of safety. Outdoor recreation is only a few steps away. Come take a scenic drive through the hills and hollows and see why it’s a great place to live, work, and play.
Monroe County
Monroe County offers a rich quality of life for young families, entrepreneurs, college students, and retirees. Visitors and residents enjoy numerous festivals and art fairs, 35 miles of walking and cycling trails, and sophisticated cultural amenities from Indiana University, which produces famous speakers and writers, theater and ballet productions, and world-renowned music.
Orange County
You’ll find the best of both worlds in Orange County. Its rural setting serves as a reminder of the beautiful scenery in southern Indiana, but you won’t have to look too far to experience world-class opportunities. Tourism is the top industry here, providing so much for you to explore. From natural resources like the Hoosier National Forest to the famous French Lick Resort, we think you’ll be happy in Orange County.
Owen County
Owen County offers peaceful small-town, country living with easy access to nearby cities that provide educational, cultural, and entertainment options. But don’t be mistaken—Owen County boasts amenities of its own, including a bustling historic downtown Main Street in Gosport and an up-and-coming courthouse square in Spencer with coffee and gift shops, and the county’s first microbrewery.
Washington County
From the walkability in downtown Salem to the unmatched beauty of its scenery, Washington County is a top place to call home. This tight-knit community is investing in itself to make sure it lives up to the potential it knows it has. With historic roots and modern amenities, its residents get the best of both worlds in this rural environment.