A Tale of Demographics
Growth has been concentrated in the Southern and Western regions of the U.S., although rising costs are becoming a concern.
Q4 2019
The West in particular has benefitted from positive demographic trends, but what sets it most apart from the rest of the country is its core dynamic industry mix and exceptional workforce. Seven of the top 10 large metros and five of the top 10 mid-size metros are located in the West. Dynamic industry growth coupled with the high-quality of life west of the Rocky Mountains continues to outmatch rising costs.
However, within the region, rising costs are becoming more of a concern. This is evident when looking at the overall ranking of leading metros, with Reno, Nev., taking the top spot. Metro areas like Reno, Ogden, Boulder, and Colorado Springs are becoming increasingly attractive, lower-cost alternatives to the usual Western powerhouse metros like San Jose and San Francisco. Five years from now, this list is likely to be peppered further with Mountain-West metro areas benefitting from lower costs, while maintaining strong workforces and a relatively high quality of life.
Recent Project Announcements
Janicki Industries Plans Great Falls, Montana, Manufacturing Operations
06/13/2026
Urban Outfitters Plans Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Operations
06/13/2026
Raytheon Expands Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Missile Defense Operations
06/13/2026
Luxembourg-Based ArcelorMittal Building Solutions Plans Macon-Bibb County, Operations
06/13/2026
South Korean-Based Kamtec Auto USA Plans Auburn, Alabama, Manufacturing Operations
06/12/2026
NovaSpark Energy Expands West Monroe-Establishes Houma, Louisiana, Operations
06/11/2026
Austria-Based Mosdorfer Plans Oconee, South Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
06/11/2026
Red Metals Plans North Charleston, South Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
06/11/2026
LiCAP Technologies Expands Sacramento, California, Manufacturing Operations
06/11/2026
South Korea-Based Soulbrain RASA TX Plans Taylor, Texas, Production-Headquarters Operations
06/11/2026
MSolar Manufacturing Plans Shenandoah County, Virginia, Operations
06/09/2026
Green Fuels Operating Plans Stephens County, Oklahoma, Refinery Operations
06/09/2026
Integer Technologies Expands Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Research Operations
06/09/2026
USA Rare Earth Plans Blacksburg, South Carolina, Production Operations
06/08/2026
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