Columbus ranks well in growth, income and wages, and employment
Columbus, OH (November 30, 2016)—A report released today showcases how Columbus measures up with other cities around the country in categories including economic strength, personal prosperity, and community wellbeing.
The Benchmarking Central Ohio 2016 Report provides important information that is relevant to the many people and organizations that are working to strengthen and improve central Ohio.
Since 2007, The Columbus Foundation and other community partners have commissioned Community Research Partners (CRP), a local nonprofit research center, to conduct benchmarking studies for central Ohio. Benchmarking is a process by which a community uses standardization and measurable indicators to track and assess how the community is doing.
This type of research is valuable, as it provides our community the facts and trends on our key strengths and weaknesses, and competitiveness. This can help inform where our community’s attention and investments are best deployed.
— Douglas F. Kridler, President and CEO, The Columbus Foundation.
The Columbus Foundation has commissioned five central Ohio benchmarking studies—in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2013. These studies compared central Ohio with 15 other metropolitan regions using dozens of indicators. The previous studies have been widely used to understand how our region compares and has changed, relative to other metropolitan areas.
For the 2016 report, the total number of comparison metros rose from 15 to 22 and now includes Pittsburgh, Sacramento, and San Antonio. Columbus ranked higher than the benchmark city average in areas such as growth, income and wages, employment, and minority business, but scored below the benchmark city average in small business firms, pre-K enrollment, public transit, and poverty.
To view this and other research reports, visit columbusfoundation.org/news-reports/reports.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor® to 2,500 individuals, families, and businesses who have created charitable funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Serving the region for more than 70 years, The Columbus Foundation is the seventh largest community foundation in the United States. The Foundation’s online marketplace, PowerPhilanthropy,® makes giving mobile, easy, and smart. For more information, visit columbusfoundation.org or call 614/251-4000.