Columbus leads the Midwest in job growth
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The Columbus area led the Midwest in year-over-year job growth and a neighboring county has the highest growth of any in the country, per new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Why it matters: Job growth is fueling Columbus' rapid population increase —but the added jobs also mean the continued stretch of our workforce.
By the numbers: The Columbus area added 11,977 jobs from March 2025 to March 2026 per BLS data released at the end of August.
- That's a whopping 14% of the entire nation's net 85,572 job growth despite Columbus representing less than 1% of the population.
- Columbus added more than twice as many jobs as Chicago and Indianapolis combined (5,758) in that time period.
Caveat: Figures are preliminary and subject to revision.
The big picture: Our 1.1% growth is 18 times the national average of .06%.
- Columbus is the only Midwest metro on the national top 10 for job growth rate, total jobs added and quarterly wage growth.
Stunning stat: With 3.6% growth, Licking County had the nation's largest year-over-year jobs increase.
- Intel One continues construction there as the company's stock skyrockets.
What they're saying: "Job growth at this scale reflects an economy where one investment creates demand for the next," says One Columbus chair Mark Berven in a release.
- "That broader economic impact is helping the Columbus Region lead the Midwest. We are seeing more demand and need for manufacturers, engineers and skilled trades."