Why COLUMBUS
Within 500 miles of 43% of US population
The median age in Columbus is 37
Columbus is the 2nd largest city in the Midwest and 14th largest city in the U.S.
Columbus, Ohio Columbus sees
51.2 million
annual visitors Home to 18 Fortune 1000 headquarters and 5 Fortune 500 headquarters
Current population is 2.24 M and is expected to grow to 3.15 M by 2050
Located in the heart of Ohio, Columbus is the second largest city in the Midwest and the fourteenth largest in the United States. The region, which has never seen a population decline, is undergoing remarkable growth and offers some of the strongest business resources available. Columbus leads the Midwest in population growth with a 1.0% increase and added more residents than any other midwestern market in 2025, according to Census data. With 52 colleges and universities in the area, the region possesses a young, educated workforce that is expanding at a rate substantially higher than the national average. Columbus is located within a 10-hour drive of 43 percent of the country’s population, more than any other major city, making it a point of access for businesses and consumers. With access to top transportation networks like John Glenn International Airport, Rickenbacker International Airport, numerous rail terminals and national interstates, Columbus is a certified logistics hub. No industry accounts for more than 19 percent of employment, meaning Columbus’ economy is more diversified than ever. The area is home to numerous Fortune 1000 and Fortune 500 companies, reinforcing its reputation as a first-class business environment.
Employment & Economy
Vibrant and progressive, Columbus’ dynamic yet stable economy is the envy of many other U.S. and international cities. Its collaborative business environment helps entrepreneurs, small businesses and major corporations thrive, earning Columbus recognition as the top metro for private-sector investment and job creation. Columbus’ thriving economy stems from the foundation of a strategic location, skilled workforce and globally renowned businesses. Job growth remains strong, with the unemployment rate resting at 3.6% this year– lower than the national average of 4.3%. Columbus has the fastest job growth of any metropolitan area in the Midwest and ranks fourth nationally among large cities, according to a new analysis of federal data from the Columbus Partnership. With no industry accounting for more than 20 percent of employment, the Columbus economy is diversified and at the forefront of future enterprise.
4%
9%
17%
Employment By Sector
15% 5% 7%
Leisure & Hospitality
2%
Other Services
16% 19%
Government
7%
Construction & Mining Manufacturing
Financial Activities
Information
Professional & Business Services
Trade, Transportation & Utilities
Education & Health
Midwest Metrics: How We Stack Up COLUMBUS
PITTSBURGH
INDIANAPOLIS
LOUISVILLE
CINCINNATI
2026 POPULATION EST.
2,257,176
2,466,959
2,219,170
1,403,282
2,314,380
ANNUAL POPULATION GROWTH (2020-2026)
0.86%
0.06%
0.97%
0.48%
0.45%
BACHELOR’S DEGREE OR HIGHER
41.5%
40.2%
40.8%
34.0%
38.6%
10-YEAR EMPLOYMENT GROWTH
12.7%
1.0%
14.2%
7.1%
9.0%
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$87,878
$81,671
$84,826
$78,251
$86,757
MEDIAN HOME VALUE
$331,597
$267,375
$297,360
$283,242
$294,562
Source: Esri, U.S. Census, ACS, Esri-Data Axle, Esri-U.S. BLS
Columbus vs the Sunbelt Markets Columbus shares many of the characteristics that have supported growth across leading Sunbelt markets. A major research university, young and educated workforce, diverse economy and expanding base of technology and advanced manufacturing companies provide a strong foundation for continued investment. Columbus benefits from its position as both a state capital and university market, creating a steady talent pipeline and collaborative environment for business growth. Major investments in advanced manufacturing, technology, logistics and life sciences are creating new jobs and broadening an already diverse economic base. These growing industries, combined with Columbus’ strategic location and strong business resources, provide companies with the workforce and infrastructure needed to thrive. What sets Columbus apart is its ability to support continued growth while maintaining a comparatively affordable cost of living. Median home values remain below most of the Sunbelt markets evaluated, allowing residents and businesses to benefit from a growing economy without many of the cost pressures facing more rapidly expanding metros.
COLUMBUS
AUSTIN
CHARLOTTE
NASHVILLE
PHOENIX
2026 POPULATION EST.
2,257,176
2,673,714
2,948,767
2,231,001
5,327,987
ANNUAL POPULATION GROWTH (2020-2026)
0.86%
2.56%
1.66%
1.65%
1.53%
BACHELOR’S DEGREE OR HIGHER
41.5%
53.9%
42.1%
43.3%
38.1%
10-YEAR EMPLOYMENT GROWTH
12.7%
42.4%
21.9%
28.0%
26.9%
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$87,878
$107,481
$91,818
$94,906
$97,024
MEDIAN HOME VALUE
$331,597
$519,604
$400,429
$456,113
$475,550
Source: Esri, U.S. Census, ACS, Esri-Data Axle, Esri-U.S. BLS
Columbus’ ability to compete with leading Sunbelt markets extends beyond affordability and steady economic growth. Like Austin and Raleigh, the Region benefits from a strong higher education network that continually introduces new talent into the market. Combined with a broad and diverse employment base, this ecosystem allows Columbus to not only educate a skilled workforce but also provide the career opportunities needed to retain it. The Columbus Region is a leading talent generator, with approximately 150,000 students enrolled across 52 university and technical-school campuses and 22,000 graduates entering the workforce each year. The Ohio State University anchors this network with more than 61,000 students at its Columbus campus, including approximately 14,700 graduate and professional students. Drawing students from all 50 states and more than 120 countries, Ohio State brings new talent into the Region. The Region is home to 18 Fortune 1000 headquarters, and no single industry accounts for more than 17% of employment, giving graduates access to opportunities across a diverse range of industries. Together, this combination of talent production and employment diversity creates a steady workforce pipeline that supports continued business investment and long-term economic growth.
Economic Snapshots Job Market
#1
Metro for Private Sector Investment & Job Creation
Life Sciences
#1
Midwest State for Life Sciences Graduates
Manufacturing
#3
Largest Manufacturing Workforce in U.S.
Business
#6
Best Business Climate
Source: Site Selection Magazine, The Columbus Region, Ohio Life Sciences, The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association
Columbus Economic Development Tools & Resources JobsOhio JobsOhio is Ohio’s private, nonprofit economic development corporation and a key partner in supporting business attraction, expansion and job creation throughout the state. Working locally through One Columbus, the organization connects qualifying companies with grants, loans, workforce assistance, sitedevelopment resources and other customized incentives. Programs supporting corporate investment, workforce training, brownfield redevelopment, developmentready sites, research and development, and high-growth companies strengthen Columbus’ ability to attract and retain employers. In 2025, JobsOhio-supported projects statewide generated 14,616 new jobs and $12.37 billion in capital investment. This combination of financial capacity and coordinated support provides prospective occupiers and investors with a well-established platform for growth.
One Columbus One Columbus serves as the economic development organization for the 11-county Columbus Region. Working alongside local and state partners, the organization provides business-location support to domestic and international companies seeking to grow, innovate, and compete in the global economy. Since 2010, One Columbus has assisted more than 670 companies with locating or expanding in the Region. These projects have generated more than $47 billion in capital investment and created over 75,000 jobs. One Columbus is supported by more than 300 private, public and academic institutions, reflecting broad regional alignment around business attraction and economic growth. In 2025, the organization announced 39 projects representing approximately 7,000 jobs and $5 billion in capital investment, with foreign-owned companies accounting for 42% of the investment. Columbus’ No. 1 ranking in Site Selection’s 2025 Global Groundwork Index further demonstrates the Region’s ability to pair privatesector growth with infrastructure investment. Together, these resources and results provide prospective occupiers and investors with an established support system and evidence of sustained demand across the Columbus Region.
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) supports long-term economic growth by coordinating transportation, infrastructure and development planning across Central Ohio. Its work helps align public and private investment around regional priorities, including mobility, utilities, housing, workforce and site redevelopment. The Columbus Region’s designation as a federal Economic Development District, administered by MORPC, also expands access to grants, technical assistance and other resources. For investors and occupiers, this coordinated approach strengthens the infrastructure and regional planning needed to accommodate continued business and population growth.
Thriving Business Environment The region is home to eighteen Fortune 1000 companies and five Fortune 500 companies. Referred to as the “test market capital,” there are also 60 companies that employ over 1,000 people. Columbus is also a national hub for retail and restaurant innovation with the headquarters of firms like Victoria’s Secret, Express, Abercrombie & Fitch, Wendy’s, White Castle and Donato’s Pizza, among many others. Other national chains including McDonald’s, Chipotle and Taco Bell have flocked to the region regularly to test new menu items and technology. National retailers continue to choose Columbus in their expansion plans, while local restaurants and retailers have received national recognition for their innovative concepts.
Top Companies Headquartered in Columbus
LARGEST EMPLOYERS IN COLUMBUS Company
Full-Time Employees
Ohio State University
36,433
OhioHealth
28,115
State of Ohio
24,264
JPMorgan Chase
18,242
Nationwide Children's Hospital
16,411
Kroger
14,000
Nationwide
11,000
City of Columbus
9,202
Amazon.com Inc.
7,558
Honda
7,500
Mount Caramel Health System
7,041
Victoria's Secret & Co.
5,091
Huntington Bancshares Inc.
4,872
Cardinal Health Inc.
4,275
Source: The Columbus Region, Columbus Business First Book of Lists
Strategic Location The region’s strategic location sets it apart from other growing metros. The Columbus region, comprised of 11 counties, is located within a 10hour drive of almost half of the U.S. population and is in a prime location for international dealings. The transportation networks provided by John Glenn International Airport, Rickenbacker International Airport and multiple rail terminals fuel these opportunities and grow with the area’s ever-changing demands. The Columbus Region has the greatest reach to the U.S. and Canadian populations among all major logistics hubs.
10-Hour Drive Time U.S. Population Reach
City
Population Percentage
Columbus
42.8%
Indianapolis
33.6%
Detroit
35.9%
Atlanta
26.1%
New York
27.6%
Within a 10-hour drive, 43% of the U.S. population is reached.
Top 10
foreign trade zone.
Source: Esri, U.S. Census, Esri-Data Axle, ACS, Esri-U.S. BLS
Educated Workforce Home to 52 colleges and universities, the Columbus Region boasts one of the highest concentrations of higher education institutions in the nation. This strong academic ecosystem, combined with the Region’s rapid growth, continues to generate the skilled talent businesses need to thrive. Columbus ranks among the Top 10 large U.S. metros for its concentration of young professionals and is home to one of the nation’s largest populations of college students. With world-class research universities and nationally recognized liberal arts colleges, the Region offers a deep and diverse talent pipeline that fuels innovation and long-term business success.
“Population growth, income growth, and housing price growth are all measures of an area’s success and Columbus is performing well according to all three.” - Forbes
Educational Attainment % age 25+ with Associate Degree or higher
47% US
% age 25+ with Bachelors Degree or higher
41%
49% Columbus
Columbus
37% US
Source: Colliers Internal Demographics, ACS, Esri, Esri-Data Axle, Esri-U.S. BLS, U.S. Census
Infrastructure Airports Columbus is home to two airports– John Glenn International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport. John Glenn Columbus recently began a $2 billion construction project for a new terminal meant to replace the existing 66-year-old one. The new terminal will feature more gates, allow for larger aircrafts, and will be able to accommodate up to 13 million passengers. This massive project broke ground in December and is set to be completed by 2029. At Rickenbacker, one of the only cargo-specific airports in the world, Anduril leased 75 acres of land with plans to erect a $900 million complex including a new aircraft hangar. The facility will focus on manufacturing high tech weapons and is expected to employ over 4,000 people by 2035.
COTA The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is the region’s public transit and provides transportation for more than 19 million passenger each year. COTA recently announced plans to introduce a new transit system, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), as part of an $8 billion LinkUs Mobility plan. BRT lines function separately from standard bus routes and feature dedicated lanes with larger buses that communicate with traffic signals to increase speed and reliability. In addition to the existing transit service and an expansion of COTA plus, LinkUs will provide 45% more service to residents upon completion of improvements.
Highway Access Ohio recently placed within the top 10 best state highway systems in the country. Central Ohio specifically, is intersected by eight major interstates, allowing easy access to various parts of the country. I-70 connects both U.S. coasts and moves East to West right through downtown Columbus. Going North to South on the east side of Columbus, I-71 connects the Northeast region down to Florida.
Source: COTA; Business First; One Columbus
Outstanding Place to Live Quality of Life With premier dining, shopping, entertainment and parks, Columbus provides a high quality of life to its residents. The city is consistently making improvements to create a better environment, and its historic neighborhoods, progressive attitude and growing food scene have been gaining national recognition as the 3rd most livable cities in the U.S.
Art Columbus has built a reputation as a haven for art-lovers and creatives alike. The Short North Arts District offers a plethora of art, from galleries to music venues to boutiques. The neighborhood even features a “Gallery Hop” once a month, where visitors celebrate art with gallery exhibitions, street performers and special events. Ohio Magazine ranked the celebration as “The Best Arts Event in the State.”
Entertainment There are multiple entertainment districts across the city, from the brand-new Bridge Park neighborhood in Dublin to the bustling Arena District in the heart of downtown. Music also plays a huge part in Columbus, as there are several arenas, music halls, and bars specifically for music lovers.
Cost of Living Sports No matter the season, there will be a sporting event to enjoy, as the region is home to several professional teams such as the Blue Jackets, Crew and Clippers. The Columbus Crew won the 2023 MLS Cup at Lower.com Field in Columbus. With a championship-winning football team and 37 other sports programs to watch, The Ohio State Buckeyes are a huge source of Columbus pride.
Despite growing at a rapid pace, Columbus maintains one of the most reasonable costs of living in the country. The city boasts a cost of living that is 10 percent more affordable than the U.S. average, meaning your money stretches further here than in other growing metros. CNN/Money Magazine recently rated Columbus a “top ten most livable city.”
Parks & Trails Columbus is home to 20 metro parks around the region, totaling 28,500 acres of land specifically dedicated to nature preservation. The Scioto Audubon metro park sits on land that was once used for industrial purposes but now is a flourishing green space for rock climbing or sledding during the winter.
Source: One Columbus; Experience Columbus; City of Columbus; Metro Parks
Notable Developments Office Construction in the office market has seen steady growth in recent years. Whether the development is new construction or renovation of an existing property, mixed-use space is the most popular trend. Due to the “live, work, play” mentality, employers now value amenities that are within walking distance of their space.
Industrial Warehouse and distribution space remains the biggest driver in the industrial market, as the e-commerce industry continues to skyrocket. Columbus’ proximity to major interstates and the Rickenbacker Inland Port have caused high demand for prime warehouse space around the region, and developers can’t seem to build fast enough.
Retail Dubbed the “test market capital” of the country, the retail sector is a prominent part of Columbus’ identity. New construction of retail space has been growing across the city as out-of-market retailers recognize Columbus as a good location to expand their business. Retail is consistently a huge component of mixed-use developments.
Industrial
Rogue Fitness
Rogue Fitness is expanding their footprint 400,000 square feet, bringing their campus close to 1 million square feet.
Mixed-Use
The Galaxy at Polaris
The phased development of The Galaxy at Polaris features over 600 residential units, more than 100,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, two parking garages and over 10 acres of green space.
Multifamily
Trabue Road
Located at 3775 Trabue Road across from the Raymond Memorial Golf Course, Upland Development Co.’s proposal includes a 280-unit apartment complex plus a restaurant space.
Source: Costar; Business First
Industrial
Anduril
Anduril to build new $900+ million, 5+ million square foot manufacturing facility in Pickaway County.
Mixed-Use
Alton Place
Alton Place will feature a walkable village center and 245,000 square feet of commercial space, with retail leasing now underway. The full development is expected to be completed in 2027.
Multifamily
Fieldstone Cottages
Leasing begins for Fieldstone Cottages, a new 40-home community in Southeast Columbus developed by HomePort.
Mixed-Use
Bridge North
Mixed-Use
The Peninsula
A mixed-use project to extend development north of Bridge Park with 75,000 square feet of office space, 60,000 square feet of retail space, housing, structured parking and a 150-room hotel.
The Peninsula is a mixed-use development along the Scioto River, bringing together residential, office, hospitality, retail and dining in a vibrant, walkable district.
Mixed-Use
Mixed-Use
Merchant Building
The 700,000-square-foot mixed-use expansion and tower project of North Market is planned to open in 2026.
Mixed-Use
Gravity
Gravity is a distinctive mixed-use development in Franklinton that blends residential, office and retail spaces with art, wellness and community-focused amenities.
Source: Costar; Business First
Grandview Crossing
Grandview Crossing is a dynamic urban neighborhood featuring modern residences, office space, restaurants, retail and expansive outdoor amenities.
Mixed-Use
Astor Park
Astor Park combines ScottsMiracle-Gro Field with more than 440 residences, riverfront green space, retail, public art and entertainment to create a vibrant downtown destination.
Notable Developments Columbus Map
3
7
4 5
1 10
12 11
9 8
6
1
Rogue Fitness
7
Bridge North
2
Anduril
8
The Peninsula
3
The Galaxy at Polaris
9
Merchant Building
4
Alton Place
10
Grandview Crossing
5
Trabue Road
11
Gravity
6
Fieldstone Cottages
12
Astor Park
2
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Columbus Suburbs Median Household Income Map
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