(3-4-25) Ohio’s small-and-medium-sized cities have claimed an unprecedented six of the top seven spots in Site Selection’s annual ranking of Top Micropolitans. Ohio led the way among states with most Top Micros, with 20 communities ranking. Ohio’s micropolitan projects totaled 135, with Georgia placing second with 46 projects across 13 micropolitan communities.

The White House Office of Management and Budget defines a Micropolitan Statistical Area of a core urban area with a population of between 10,000 and 49,999, along with adjacent counties that have a high degree of economic and social integration with the core, primarily measured through commuting patterns. For 2024, 125 micros from 29 states found spots in our ranking, the threshold for inclusion being a minimum of two qualifying projects of at least $1 million invested, 20 new jobs created or 20,000 sq. ft. of new or expanded facility space.

The Buckeye State’s small towns dominate as never before

Celina is ranked in a tie for 39th, while Van Wert is tied at 70th.