Charlotte MSA Recognized as #1 in Economic Strength
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Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord Metropolitan Statistical Area has the strongest economy among 361 U.S. metropolitan areas, according to Policom Corporation, an independent economic research firm that specializes in analyzing local and state economies. The geographic area included in Policom’s study comprises Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Union and York counties. In its research, Policom first determines if an area is growing or declining, then determines causes and finally offers ideas and solutions to communities to improve the situation. Policom addresses the condition of an economy from the viewpoint of the economy’s impact upon the "standard of living" of the people who live and work in an area. For the past seven years, Policom created economic strength rankings for the previously defined 318 metropolitan areas. The highest ranked Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) have demonstrated rapid, consistent growth in both size and quality for an extended period of time. The lowest ranked areas have been in volatile decline for an extended period of time. MSAs are defined as having at least one urbanized area with a population of at least 50,000, plus adjacent counties that have a high degree of social and economic integration with the core as measured by commuting ties. MSAs must have at minimum one county but most often include several counties. There are now 361 MSAs in the United States plus 8 in Puerto Rico for an overall total of 369. Only those in the United States are ranked. Among the 3,142 counties in the United States, 1,090 are included in the 361 areas. Approximately 82% of the nation’s population reside in the MSAs. The economic strength ranking of #1 was based on the following factors:
The Top Ten MSAs in the U.S. are:
For a complete list of rankings, visit Policom Corporation. General Economic Development Information North Carolina South Carolina Business Development |
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