Metro Mix — Columbus, Ohio
Snapshots of economic conditions and prospects for MSAs in the Fourth District
Columbus Metro Mix (November 2018) | PDF
The Columbus metro area’s economy is stable and continues to strengthen. Every major industry sector in the metro area added jobs in the 12 months that ended with March 2018, generating broad-based employment growth. Home prices in the metro area are increasing, and the rate of building-permit issuance continues to be high. Nevertheless, housing in the metro area remains relatively affordable. Though consumer debt and credit card delinquency rates are rising in the Columbus metro area, they remain at a low, healthy level. Finally, inflation-adjusted GDP per capita, a measure of prosperity and standard of living, is significantly higher in the metro area relative to the state and nation, but from 2016 to 2017, this measure stopped growing locally. Read more...
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Columbus—Stable, Broad-Based Employment Growth
New jobs, increasing home prices, and a healthy GDP spell a stable economy for the Columbus metro area. Read More
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Columbus—Unemployment Rate Approaches Historical Low
The Columbus metro area’s diversified economy is among the most successful in Ohio. In the first quarter of 2018, the local unemployment rate fell to nearly its lowest point on record, employment growth continued and most industry sectors added jobs, home prices and residential building permit issuance continued to rise, and consumer debt and the credit card delinquency rate remained stable. Read More
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Columbus—A Still Low, but Rising, Unemployment Rate
The Columbus metro area’s unemployment rate has risen more than half a percentage point (to 4.3 percent) since April. Nevertheless, the metro area’s employment expanded by 2.0 percent, outpacing both the state and the nation. All major industries shared in this employment growth, with many sectors experiencing stronger gains in the metro area than in the nation. Home price gains remained robust, exceeding 5 percent on a year-over-year basis as of August, and the average number of permits issued per month for new housing units in the metro area has been substantially higher this year than in prior years. Per capita consumer debt levels remain stable, and credit card delinquency rates remain below both state and national averages. Finally, the Columbus metro area’s real per capita GDP grew 2.1 percent in 2016, a deceleration from the growth rate registered by the metro area in 2015. Read More
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Columbus—Local Labor Market Remains Robust
The labor market in the Columbus metro area continues to be strong. In March, the area’s unemployment rate fell to its second-lowest level (3.9 percent) since the early 2000s. As of third quarter 2016, year-over-year employment in the metro area expanded by 2.2 percent—twice as strong as Ohio’s rate of employment growth during the same period. The issuance of residential building permits improved in 2016 and has been strong through the first three months of 2017, while home prices rose roughly 5 percent in the area in March on a year-over-year basis. Finally, the metro area’s income and GDP growth accelerated in 2015. Read More
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Columbus—Strong Employment Gains and a Low Unemployment Rate
Employment growth in the Columbus MSA was stronger in percentage terms than the gains experienced statewide or nationally. Home prices have risen at an annual rate of 5 percent since 2013. Household financial conditions are stable. Read More
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Columbus – Growth Continues, but at a Moderate Pace
Most segments of the Columbus metropolitan area’s economy continue to expand. Read More
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Columbus – Expansion Continues on Pace
Most segments of the Columbus metropolitan area’s economy continue to expand. On net, the Columbus economy is the strongest metro area in the Buckeye State and one of the strongest in the Midwest. Read More
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Columbus — Continuing to Expand at a Solid Rate
Most areas of the Columbus metropolitan area’s economy continue to expand. The outlook for the region remains solid throughout 2015. Read More
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Columbus — Expanding in Most Areas of Its Economy
Most areas of the Columbus metropolitan area’s economy continue to expand. The outlook for continued strong growth is favorable as the metro area capitalizes on its highly educated workforce, diversified economy, and moderate population growth. Read More
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Columbus — Continuing Along the Path of Growth
Most areas of the Columbus metropolitan area’s economy continue to expand. The outlook for continued strong growth is favorable as the metro area capitalizes on its highly educated workforce, diversified economy, and moderate population growth. Read More
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Columbus — Leading the State to Recovery
The Columbus metro area continues to outperform all other Ohio MSAs and most others in the Midwest. Read More