Crawford County ranks in top 3% for economic development

The Crawford Partnership announced today that for the second year in a row, Crawford County has achieved its best ranking ever in a national economic development ranking.  In Site Selection magazine’s recently released rankings for large, private economic development projects in 2023, it tied for a rank of #16 out of 542 micropolitan counties in the US. Site Selection has been annually ranking states and cities since 1978 and top non-metro counties with an urban center between 10,000 and 50,000 (also known as micropolitans) since 2004. This places the community in the top three percent of communities nationwide.

Galion Mayor Tom O’Leary was also pleased with the news: “Once again, Crawford County businesses demonstrate what a great place this is to live and work. This recognition will only help sustain Galion’s future growth and prosperity.”

Bucyrus Mayor Bruce Truka was excited with the announcement: “Attaining this high ranking for a second year in a row is a testament to our community’s resilience and hard work. It’s an exciting time for Bucyrus and Crawford County, and we are just getting started on this path to greater achievements.”

This is the fifth time since 2010 that Crawford County (Bucyrus-Galion micropolitan statistical area) has been nationally ranked, which includes the top 100 or 20% nationally. The highest previous ranking was a tie for 22^nd last year. Qualifying projects include expansions by Eagle Crusher, Hord Family Farms, Wurm’s Woodworking, Tramec Sloan and the JBS Development speculative industrial building in Galion.

Crawford County Commissioner Tim Ley was also enthusiastic about the news: “Our collective efforts have led to this remarkable national recognition for Crawford County. It’s a clear indicator of our potential and a motivator for us to continue working together towards an even brighter future.”

Crawford County also placed in the top ten of Ohio’s 29 micropolitans in a year northwest Ohio excelled. Hancock County (Findlay), Defiance County, Seneca County (Tiffin), Sandusky County (Fremont), and Van Wert also made the top 50 list for growing micropolitan counties in the United States. Lima made the Top 10 list for metros under 200,000, placing third. Ohio placed third among the states with 462 deals.

Dean Monske, President & CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership, said, “This achievement for Crawford County highlights the dynamic economic landscape of Northwest Ohio. It’s a reflection of our strategic collaboration and innovative approach to fostering economic growth.”

For more information and additional details, please go to siteselection.com.

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About the Crawford Partnership

Started in 2006, the Crawford Partnership for Education and Economic Development is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to driving collaborative economic, community and workforce development in Bucyrus, Galion, Crestline, New Washington, and all of Crawford County, Ohio. This year, the county ranked in the top three percent nationally for economic development and is pursuing an aggressive, strategic, and comprehensive agenda to become a community of choice for business and residents. To learn more about the Crawford Partnership, please visit us at crawfordpartnership.org

Disclaimer: While the Crawford Partnership issues press releases on economic, community, and workforce development projects, resources, assets, advantages, and activities in Crawford

County, Ohio, to strengthen the community’s image and to promote additional development,

publication of such announcements does not imply direct assistance from The Partnership unless specified.