Ohio's 'Micropolitans' Ranked Best in Nation for Economic Development Projects

Five of Ohio's major metro areas also ranked in the top 10 for the East North Central Region.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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For the fourth year in a row, Ohio has been ranked the No. 3 state nationally for economic development projects, with its 'micropolitans' - cities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 - attracting the most new businesses and investments according to the annual Governor's Cup rankings by Site Selection magazine. Ohio also had five of its major metropolitan areas - Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton/Kettering/Beavercreek, and Toledo - ranked in the top 10 for the East North Central Region.

Why it matters

Ohio's consistent top rankings in economic development projects, especially among its smaller 'micropolitan' cities, demonstrate the state's strong business environment and ability to attract new investments and jobs across communities of all sizes. This reflects the state's focus on building infrastructure, resources, workforce, and a pro-business climate to support companies looking to expand or relocate.

The details

Ohio was awarded the No. 3 spot nationally for economic development projects for the fourth consecutive year. The state also ranked No. 6 nationally for projects per capita. Five of Ohio's major metropolitan areas with populations over 1 million - Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton/Kettering/Beavercreek, and Toledo - were ranked in the top 10 for the East North Central Region. Additionally, eight of Ohio's 'micropolitan' cities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 were in the national top 20, and 20 Ohio micropolitans were in the top 75 nationally.

  • Ohio has held the No. 3 national ranking for economic development projects for the fourth year in a row.
  • Ohio has ranked in the top 10 nationally for projects per capita for the eighth consecutive year.

The players

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio.

J.P. Nauseef

The President and CEO of JobsOhio, Ohio's private nonprofit economic development corporation.

Site Selection

A leading corporate real estate and economic development magazine that publishes the annual Governor's Cup rankings.

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What they’re saying

“Investments in Ohio's cities and communities of all sizes are creating opportunities for Ohioans in every corner of the state.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio

“The proven success of our smaller communities illustrates what we Ohioans already know – Ohio is a great place to live and work no matter your ZIP code.”

— J.P. Nauseef, President and CEO of JobsOhio

What’s next

The 2025 Governor's Cup rankings demonstrate Ohio's continued success in attracting new corporate facilities, including headquarters, manufacturing plants, R&D operations, and logistics sites across the state.

The takeaway

Ohio's consistent top rankings in economic development projects, especially among its smaller 'micropolitan' cities, highlight the state's strong business environment and ability to support companies looking to expand or relocate to communities of all sizes across the state.