The Antelope Valley continues to be known for its aerospace and flight test history. Until the late 1980's large projects like production of the B-2 and Stealth bombers created a strong economic base for the region. Many Lancaster residents were career engineers and technicians employed in the aerospace industry. With the rapid housing and population growth over the past 20 years, employment opportunities are much more diverse. Aerospace continues to be a strong local industry, but retail expansion, service and health industries and emerging new industries such as solar and other renewable energy innovation are providing more options to live and work in Lancaster.
Major employers in the Antelope Valley are made up of such entities as Edwards Air Force Base, China Lake Naval Weapons, Lockheed Martin, Los Angeles County, Northrop-Grumman, Antelope Valley Hospital, AV Union High School District, Wal-Mart Stores, Bank of America Funding, Rite Aid Distribution and Kaiser Permanente.
