The Bjelovar-Bilogora County is located in the eastern part of central Croatia and covers the area of Bilogora, the surrounding massifs of Papuk and Ravna Gora, Moslavačka Gora, and the valleys of Česma and Ilova. It borders Koprivnica-Križevci County to the north, Virovitica-Podravina County to the northeast, Sisak-Moslavina County to the south, Požega-Slavonia County to the east, and Zagreb County to the west. The county spans an area of 2,638.86 km², administratively divided into 5 cities (Bjelovar, Daruvar, Čazma, Garešnica, Grubišno Polje) and 18 municipalities (Berek, Dežanovac, Đulovac, Hercegovac, Ivanska, Kapela, Končanica, Nova Rača, Rovišće, Severin, Sirač, Šandrovac, Štefanje, Velika Pisanica, Velika Trnovitica, Veliki Grđevac, Veliko Trojstvo, Zrinski Topolovac), with a population of 101,879.
Bjelovar-Bilogora County is undergoing a period of significant changes related to the diversification of the economy, modernization of industry, and the development of the agricultural-food sector. In recent years, there has been stable economic growth based on strategic investments in infrastructure, industry, education, and rural development. Traditionally, the economy is based on agriculture, and the processing industry plays an important role in the regional economy.
Agriculture has an extremely important role in the economic structure of the region and is one of the key sectors for employment, rural development, the preservation of tradition and cultural heritage, and sustainable economic growth. Its agricultural potential is based on favorable climatic conditions, fertile land, and a long tradition of agricultural production, including developed crop farming, livestock farming, fruit growing, and viticulture. The fertile and preserved agricultural land offers opportunities for the development of ecological production of crops and livestock in the ecological production system. Global trends in food consumption, growing interest in ecological products, and increasing awareness of health and sustainability are significant potentials for the development of organic farming. The processing industry, based on the wealth of agricultural resources that enable the development of various sectors, from food, wood, and metal industries to the textile industry, holds a significant share in the regional economy.
Bjelovar-Bilogora County is one of the richest areas in the country when it comes to forest resources, which, along with developed industrial capacities, form the basis for the development of the wood industry. The wood industry includes various sectors, from the production of sawn timber to wood processing into final high-quality products, employing a significant number of workers (Bjelin, Kronospan CRO d.o.o., DI Čazma, Prima d.o.o.).
The food production industry stands out with its recognizable assortment and quality of dairy products, especially a diverse range of high-quality cheeses, based on experience and tradition. The centuries-old tradition of the confectionery industry offers a wide range of top-quality products, and significant production capacities include meat, fish, and potato processing. The most significant companies in food production in Bjelovar-Bilogora County are Zdenka d.o.o., Intersneck Adria d.o.o., Koestilin d.o.o, Irida d.o.o., and the Dukat plant in Bjelovar.
International trade fairs, spring and autumn international agricultural fairs, organized by the Bjelovar Fair d.o.o., allow entrepreneurs, investors, experts, and consumers from different countries to connect, promote new technologies, foster international cooperation, and expand markets.
The county has significant potential for tourism development, especially eco-tourism, agro-tourism, health, active, ethnographic and gastro, cultural, and cycling tourism. By investing in infrastructure and promoting specific tourist products, the county is becoming a desirable destination for visitors. Daruvarske Toplice, known for their healing thermal water and a rich offer of wellness and spa services, play a key role in strengthening the tourism offer of Bjelovar-Bilogora County.
Entrepreneurial zones and support institutions for entrepreneurs, as part of the entrepreneurial infrastructure, are a significant tool for encouraging the development of entrepreneurship, the transformation of local economies, and the economic growth of the entire region.
Twenty infrastructurally equipped business zones in Bjelovar-Bilogora County provide entrepreneurs with various administrative benefits, incentive measures, and privileges:
City of Bjelovar (Business Zone East, Business Zone South, Business Zone Novi Borik-Lepirac, Business Zone Korenovo), City of Čazma (South Zone, Ninkovica), City of Daruvar (West II, West I, Dalit Business Zone), City of Garešnica (PZ Kapelica), City of Grubišno Polje (MSP Grubišno Polje Zone), Municipality of Đulovac (PZ Maslenjača), Municipality of Kapela (PZ Dr. Franjo Tuđman), Municipality of Severin (Zone P), Municipality of Šandrovac (Industrial Zone Doljani), Municipality of Štefanje (GZ Laminska), Municipality of Velika Pisanica (Economic Zone Velika Pisanica), Municipality of Veliki Grđevac (Business Zone Bregovci), Municipality of Veliko Trojstvo (Production 2).
Entrepreneurial support institutions provide various forms of support and services to entrepreneurs, especially those in the early stages of business and small and medium-sized enterprises, to help them enter the market, increase their competitiveness, and grow.
The County, especially the City of Bjelovar, is implementing initiatives to encourage the development of startups, innovations, and technological solutions in order to attract investors from the IT sector.
[Source: Public Institution Development Agency of Bjelovar-Bilogora county, April 2025]
Main Indicators
|
GDP
EUR
|
1.343.427.917 |
|
Population
|
98.596 |
|
Men |
48.342 |
|
Women |
50.254 |
|
Age 0-14 |
14.016 |
|
Age 15+ |
84.580 |
|
GDP Per Capita
EUR
|
13.657,41 |
|
Area Size
km²
|
2.640 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics: GDP (2023), Population (2024, Estimate), Area size (2021)
Gross Value Added by ActivitiesEUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2023
Infrastructure
|
Motorways
km
|
0 |
|
Broadband Connections
number and density
|
18.278 / 49% |
|
Number of issued building permits
|
308 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics: Motorways (2024), Building permits (2024), Croatian Regulatory Agency for Network Industries: Broadband Connections (Q2 2024)
Investments
| |
Amount |
|
Foreign Direct Investments
million EUR
|
70 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2025
Foreign Direct Investment by Activitymil. EUR
| Activity |
Amount |
|
Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products
|
45,30 |
|
Manufacture of food products
|
25,97 |
|
Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles
|
16,97 |
|
Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment
|
15,93 |
|
Real estate activities
|
2,21 |
|
Other
|
-36,68 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2025
Foreign Direct Investment by Countrymil. EUR
| Country |
Amount |
|
Austria
|
42,20 |
|
Slovenia
|
24,13 |
|
Sweden
|
15,46 |
|
Bosnia & Herzegovina
|
12,87 |
|
Netherlands
|
12,26 |
|
Other
|
-37,23 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2025
Gross Investment in new Fixed Assets, by Location of Investment Constructions and Types of Assets
| Asset type |
Amount (EUR, 000) |
| Buildings, spaces and structures |
102.080 |
| Machinery and equipment with fittings |
81.545 |
| Transport equipment |
46.497 |
| Cultivated biological resources |
9.262 |
| Intellectual property products |
6.010 |
|
Total
|
251.144
|
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Biggest Investors
Source: Financial Agency, data for 2024
Maximum Investment Incentives' Intensity according to the Investment Promotion Act
| Large enterprises |
Medium enterprises |
Small and micro-enterprises |
| 50% |
60% |
70% |
Source: 2022-2027 Regional Aid Map for Croatia
International Trade
Export by Activity000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Import by Activity000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Export by Country000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Import by Country000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Education
| Eduction level |
Number of pupils |
|
Kindergartens and Other Legal Entities Implementing Preschool Education Programmes
|
3.435 |
|
Basic Schools, Beginning of School Year
|
7.602 |
|
Upper Secondary Schools, Beginning of School Year
|
4.325 |
|
Students Enrolled on Professional and University Study, According to Place of Permanent Residence
|
1.866 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024/2025
Number of High School Studends Who Have Completed Their Education
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2023/2024
Number of Students and Institutions by Educational Sectors
| Educational Sector |
Number of Institutions |
Number of Students |
|
Economics, trade and business administration
|
3 |
675 |
|
Tourism and catering
|
5 |
603 |
|
Mechanical engineering, shipbuilding and metallurgy
|
6 |
568 |
|
Electrical engineering and computing
|
4 |
539 |
|
Health and social work
|
1 |
411 |
|
Transport and logistics
|
2 |
298 |
|
Construction and geodesy
|
2 |
111 |
|
Agriculture, food and veterinary
|
3 |
85 |
|
Personal, security and other services
|
2 |
59 |
|
Graphic technology and audio-visual design
|
1 |
45 |
|
Forestry, wood processing and wood processing
|
2 |
28 |
Source: Ministry of Science and Education, data for 2024/2025
Students Who Graduated From University Study or Completed Professional Studys
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Institutions of Higher Education and Graduated Students
| Name |
Students who graduated from or completed university or professional study |
|
Bjelovar University of Applied Sciences
|
151 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2021
Business Indicators of Enterprises
| Activity |
Number of Business Entities |
Number of Persons Employed |
Average Monthly Gross Earnings per Person in Paid Employment
(EUR) |
|
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
|
138 |
1.271 |
1.592 |
|
Mining and quarrying
|
11 |
64 |
1.593 |
|
Manufacturing
|
436 |
6.173 |
1.348 |
|
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
|
44 |
348 |
1.728 |
|
Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
|
24 |
474 |
1.429 |
|
Construction
|
468 |
1.939 |
1.308 |
|
Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
|
494 |
2.789 |
1.332 |
|
Transportation and storage
|
128 |
1.114 |
1.324 |
|
Accommodation and food service activities
|
228 |
763 |
1.232 |
|
Information and communication
|
107 |
381 |
2.050 |
|
Financial and insurance activities
|
7 |
809 |
2.007 |
|
Real estate activities
|
34 |
79 |
1.222 |
|
Professional, scientific and technical activities
|
312 |
762 |
1.584 |
|
Administrative and support service activities
|
81 |
432 |
1.184 |
|
Public administration and defence, compulsory social security
|
83 |
2.428 |
2.104 |
|
Education
|
87 |
2.976 |
1.925 |
|
Human health and social work activities
|
131 |
2.436 |
2.166 |
|
Arts, entertainment and recreation
|
492 |
295 |
1.415 |
|
Other service activities
|
1.254 |
337 |
1.271 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Unemployed
| |
Rate |
|
Unemployment Rate
|
9,40% |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Unemployed by Activity
| Activity |
Number |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing |
167 |
| Mining and quarrying |
2 |
| Manufacturing |
457 |
| Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply |
6 |
| Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities |
23 |
| Construction |
211 |
| Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
244 |
| Transportation and storage |
60 |
| Accommodation and food service activities |
257 |
| Information and communication |
23 |
| Financial and insurance activities |
16 |
| Real estate activities |
5 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities |
54 |
| Administrative and support service activities |
106 |
| Public administration and defence, compulsory social security |
231 |
| Education |
95 |
| Human health and social work activities |
125 |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation |
25 |
| Other service activities |
90 |
| Not classified |
544 |
| Total |
2.741 |
Source: Croatian Employment Service, data for 2024
Registered unemployed by occupation
Source: Croatian Employment Service, data for 2024
Support Institutions Contacts
