Performance

The Wayne County economy remains strong, with POLICOM Corp. ranking the community in the top 10 nationwide among micropolitan areas for the third consecutive year. Wooster placed 7th out of 542 micropolitan statistical areas, which comprise 660 of the 3,142 counties in the United States.

POLICOM, an independent economic research firm based in Palm City, FL., publishes the annual ranking of 550 micropolitan areas in the United States. Formulas used to assess economic strength measure how the economy has behaved in the previous year. They take into account the growth and size of the regional economy, changes in business sectors that typically show how much money is flowing into a community, and local trends in welfare and Medicare. The full POLICOM report is available online at https://policom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020-STRENGTH-RANKINGS.pdf

A micropolitan area must have an urbanized area of at least 10,000 people but less than 50,000. It also must be one county. POLICOM examines the growth and size of the regional economy, changes in business sectors that show how much money is flowing into a community, and local trends in welfare and Medicare.

Wayne Economic Development Council President, Tom Pukys, attributed the high ranking to strong leadership within the community and local governments that allow existing businesses to grow, as well as attracting new businesses.

“The POLICOM Strength Ranking demonstrates that all aspects of Wayne County are working together to create a healthy economy in which to live, work and play,” he said. “All of Wayne County should be very proud of this amazing accomplishment. These rankings are indicators of consistent industry growth and strength.”

Pukys believes it is collaboration throughout industry, government and education, as well as, engaged leadership with a ‘can-do attitude’ that have created a strong environment for existing businesses to grow and attract new business.

POLICOM began compiling the rankings in 2004. Wayne County’s strength ranking has ranged between its current 2020 7th place and as low as 200th in 2012. The 2020 ranking places Wayne County as the only Ohio micropolitan in the Top 10 and the strongest performer in the Midwest.

Wayne County enjoys a well- balanced and diverse economy which creates stability for the area. It is the collective efforts of our public and private leaders that have contributed to the continuous improvement in this strength ranking.