The Vibrant Economy Indicators

Informed decisions.
Exceptional outcomes.

Real data on the challenges and opportunities in Northeast Ohio.

The full picture of the economy in Northeast Ohio, including the Cleveland-Akron-Canton CSA: 600+ indicators benchmarked against 12 peer markets, plus the goals the region has committed to by 2030 and the progress toward bending the curve. Real information to support better investments and a stronger region.

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Ohio is the #1 state for business, set over the Cleveland skyline

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Ohio is the #1 state for business

CNBC ranked Ohio first among all 50 states in 2025. See how the state has placed each year, charted alongside the rest of the competitiveness indicators.

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The six pillars

The forces shaping the future of Northeast Ohio.

Each pillar tells a story of progress and potential for the Cleveland-Akron-Canton area.

Talent

A growing, diverse, educated population with access to in-demand careers.

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Innovation

R&D, start-ups, access to capital, and new technology.

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Resilience

Factors that encourage investment, like infrastructure, stability, and safety.

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Equity

Equal opportunities for education, income, employment, and connectivity.

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Prosperity

More businesses, better business climate, financial security, and affordability.

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Competitiveness

Strong regional output, income, and spending, with more people working and seeking work.

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The region at a glance

Numbers you can stand behind.

The 15th largest market in the US. More Fortune 1000 headquarters than any region in Ohio. A full 40% of Ohio's economy.

  • ~800 Global headquarters 2nd heaviest HQ concentration among the 20 largest U.S. metros, 68 percent above the national average.
  • 3.0% Industrial vacancy 45% less than the national average of 7.1 percent. Companies are choosing to build here.
  • 6% Lower cost of business Energy, labor, leasing, taxes. No state corporate income tax. Only one business tax: Commercial Activity Tax at 0.26 percent.
  • $299B Regional GDP Nearly 40% of Ohio's economy. Fully recovered from the pandemic drop. Manufacturing drives half of output.

The benchmark set

600+ indicators, measured against twelve peer markets.

Every Vibrant Economy Indicator can be measured against 12 peer markets, representing aspirational, competitive, and nearby metropolitan areas. Select a market to see how we stack up on individual metrics, or across the full picture.

Nearby

Competitive

Aspirational

About the platform

Built by Team NEO to start the conversation.

The Vibrant Economy Indicators track Northeast Ohio's economic vitality across six pillars, benchmarked against 12 peer markets. The indicators reveal what's working, what's needed, and the initiatives closing the gap across the Cleveland-Akron-Canton area.

The Vibrant Economy Indicators support business leaders making decisions, site selectors comparing markets, economic development partners building strategy, and community leaders shaping the region's story. They convey the full picture of Northeast Ohio’s economy, available to everyone.

About the platform

Powered by JPMorgan Chase.

With a generous investment from JPMorgan Chase, the Vibrant Economy Indicators help align talent with opportunities in Northeast Ohio—strengthening training outcomes, improving job placement, and finding creative pathways to employment.

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Custom market analysis

Plan with confidence.

Team NEO partners with you to deliver tailored, in-depth analysis to support your business decisions—including workforce, costs, site availability, incentives, and more—so you can move forward with certainty.

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