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CINCINNATI, OH — The Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s Center for Research & Data (CRD) has released its 2026 State of the Region Report. The data-driven assessment finds continued regional growth alongside opportunities to accelerate economic momentum, address talent attraction, and strengthen quality of life.
“The State of the Region gives us an important opportunity to take stock of where we are, celebrate our progress, and be clear-eyed about where we need to do better,” said Brendon Cull, President and CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. “Our region has a lot going for it, from a strong and diverse economy to a quality of life that makes Cincinnati a great place to live and work. But growth doesn’t happen by accident, and we can’t afford to stand still. This report helps us focus on the work ahead and make smart, informed decisions that will keep our region growing and thriving.”
The report finds that the Cincinnati region continues to add residents and jobs, with nearly 61,000 residents added since 2020 and more than 90,000 jobs added over the past decade. The region’s $162 billion economy remains the largest among metropolitan areas that include Ohio or Kentucky, while Cincinnati ranks first among its peers in export value per capita.
The State of the Region identifies other noteworthy trends:
- Growth is steady, but measured. Percent growth in population, gross domestic production (GDP), and jobs – while positive – rank in the bottom half of Cincinnati’s nineteen peer metros.
- International migration is driving population growth. More than 47,000 residents came to the region through international migration from 2020 to 2025, accounting for 75% of the region’s total population growth. At the same time, the Cincinnati region experienced negative domestic migration.
- Housing affordability and supply remain significant challenges. Nearly one-quarter of the region’s renters are severely cost-burdened, spending at least half of their income on housing.
- Regional averages can mask significant disparities. The region’s median household income is $81,489, but there is a $36,339 gap between the median Non-Hispanic White and Black households. Differences also persist across geography, with substantial variation in income, food insecurity, infant mortality and life expectancy across the region.
“This report offers a common understanding of what’s actually happening and how these conditions compare with other regions across the country,” said Emily Canan, Director of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s Center for Research & Data. “Cincinnati continues to grow, at a steady, but moderate pace. High-growth Sunbelt peers such as Nashville, Charlotte, and Tampa place pressure on our need to attract domestic residents, expand our housing supply, and leverage what makes our region special.”
The report’s 2026 industry spotlight examines Transportation and Warehousing, an industry that has become an increasingly important part of the region’s economy and global connections. The industry employs more than 67,000 people in the region and has an employment concentration 28% higher than the national average.
The State of the Region is designed to provide community leaders, businesses, policymakers and residents with a shared set of facts to inform decisions about the region’s future. The report builds on four previous editions, allowing leaders to track changes over time while placing Cincinnati’s performance in a national peer context.
The State of the Region Report is an annual publication from the Chamber’s Center for Research and Data, offering a data-driven look at economic trends and performance indicators across the Cincinnati region. The report equips business leaders, policymakers, and community partners with insights to support informed decision-making and regional growth.
Click here view the 2026 State of the Region Report
About the Cincinnati Regional Chamber
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber is the premier business and civic organization dedicated to growing the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the Cincinnati region. To achieve its vision that Cincinnati is a growing, thriving region where everyone belongs, the Chamber seeks to grow our economy, grow our population, and grow our cultural vibrancy — with the foundation of a strong business community — to foster a welcoming environment for all. The Chamber’s membership offerings, signature leadership programs, government and regional advocacy efforts, community events such as BLINK and Oktoberfest as well as key partnerships with organizations like Cincinnati Experience, Cincinnati Minority Business Accelerator, and the Workforce Innovation Center lead the way in making that vision a reality. For more information, visit cincinnatichamber.com.
About the Center for Research & Data
The Cincinnati Chamber’s Center for Research & Data is an initiative to deliver data-driven analysis regarding vital regional indicators and outcomes. The Center helps regional leaders, community partners, and policymakers make informed decisions around priorities like talent attraction, inclusive economic growth, and community-wide goals. We provide actionable insights to support the mission and vision of the Cincinnati Chamber.
Media Contact:
Amy Fitzgibbons, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Cincinnati Regional Chamber afitzgibbons@cincinnatichamber.com | 646.369.5406