BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Citing the University of Alabama in Huntsville as an “economic catalyst,” Huntsville is ranked among the Most Dynamic Metropolitans in Heartland Forward‘s most recent index.
The report, now in its sixth year, provides a benchmark for identifying growth areas across the country by measuring where American communities are thriving and showcasing the strategies these communities are using effectively.
“These leading metros demonstrate how strategic investments in AI, advanced manufacturing, tourism and energy can create dynamic economic growth and resilient communities,” said Ross DeVol, CEO and chairman of Heartland Forward. “We celebrate the mayors and economic development teams whose hard work is reflected in the rankings.
“We hope government leaders will continue to use the lessons of this report to make smart, long-term decisions around economic growth.”
Founded in 2019, Heartland Forward is the nation’s only think-and-do tank dedicated to advancing economic success in the middle of the country – the heartland.
The organization defines the heartland as 20 states in the middle of the country – making it the third largest GDP in the world: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.
Ranking Huntsville seventh among the heartland metros, the report said the city “shines as an economic driver” through its respective strengths in higher education, research, and industry collaboration.
“The Huntsville metro … has earned its reputation as ‘Rocket City’ due to its leadership in space research and technology thanks to the presence of NASA,” the report said. “The University of Alabama in Huntsville is a STEM engine producing a steady pipeline of talent for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the Army’s Redstone Arsenal.”
The Huntsville metro’s 5-year employment growth signals strong demand for labor in the metro area, rising by 14.8% between 2018 and 2023 (ranked 11th). This economic strength is also complemented by its 2018-2023 and 2022-2023 real GDP growth (26.2%, ranked 19th; and 6.0%, ranked 30th, respectively), according to the report.
“The strong economic indicators in employment and real GDP growth are partially fueled by UAH’s strategic partnerships with NASA and the Department of Defense,” the report said.
The MDM ranks 380 metropolitan areas using key indicators of economic vitality, including employment growth, average annual pay, real GDP, entrepreneurial activity and educational attainment.
“Metros are adapting to economic shifts and leveraging their strengths to build stronger, more resilient communities through innovation, entrepreneurship and workforce development,” said Dave Shideler, chief research officer at Heartland Forward. “By identifying key trends and opportunities, the report provides policymakers with valuable insights to drive sustainable growth and improve quality of life across the country.”
For the full 2024 Most Dynamic Metropolitans report, click here for detailed rankings and city profiles.
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