Ohio, June 18, 2026 – A new study from the American Immigration Council highlights the important role immigrants play in Ohio’s workforce, housing market, population growth and economy. The new report was produced in partnership with Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions, a statewide coalition of more than 100 member businesses supported by the American Immigration Council and the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance. This report focuses on the Akron-Canton region of Ohio.
In response to persistent labor shortages and the need for a sustainable talent pipeline, ACAA convened regional and national leaders to examine how immigration is impacting Akron-Canton’s economy and future growth. This report was released as part of that discussion and features insights from U.S. Representative Michael Lurie (OH-6), Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Patrick Shen of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from the American Immigration Council and Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions. This conversation emphasized that immigration is not an abstract national issue, but a local economic reality, fact-based, and focused on helping the region move forward.
“The findings of this report demonstrate the value and importance of immigrants’ economic contributions to the Akron and Canton regions of Ohio,” said Juan Avilés, policy associate with the American Immigration Council’s State and Local Initiatives Team. “In particular, it shows that immigrants greatly support the region. They contribute $5 billion to the region’s GDP and have $1.8 billion in purchasing power, demonstrating why it is important that their contributions are recognized.”
“The findings from Akron-Canton confirm what we are seeing across Ohio: Immigrants are essential to the strength of our communities and economy, and Akron-Canton is one story among many,” said Madison Lizotte-Whalen, Ohio business director for the Immigration Solutions Coalition. “From manufacturing sites to hospitals, immigrants are helping communities across the state stay vibrant, competitive, and poised for long-term growth.”
“ACAA brings together leaders on the issues most important to our business community, and workforce is at the top of that list. Employers consistently tell us that their biggest challenge is finding, attracting and retaining the talent they need to grow,” said John Rizzo, vice president of the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance. “This research highlights the role immigrants play in our economy and informs a more data-driven approach to strengthening our talent pipeline. ACAA will continue to provide data, convene leaders, and advocate for policies that reflect the true needs of the business community and support long-term economic success.”
Main findings
Immigration to the Akron-Canton area contributed billions of dollars in taxes and consumer spending. In 2023, immigrant households earned $2.5 billion in income, $446 million in federal taxes and $227.5 billion in state and local taxes, leaving them with $1.8 billion in purchasing power that could be reinvested in their local communities. Strong consumer spending by immigrant households supports small businesses and keeps local economic corridors vibrant. Immigrant residents have helped meet Akron-Canton’s workforce needs and will continue to meet future needs. In 2023, immigrants were 21.6 percent more likely to be of working age than U.S.-born immigrants and accounted for 8.7 percent of workers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This means that immigrants in the Akron-Canton area played a significant role in the development of the region’s workforce and technology. Akron-Canton immigrants are helping preserve American manufacturing. Migrant workers accounted for 6.0 percent of manufacturing jobs and 5.9 percent of transportation and warehousing jobs in 2023. Immigrants living in the region helped create or retain approximately 2,700 manufacturing jobs that would have been eliminated or relocated by 2023. Immigrant entrepreneurs have contributed to the growth of local economies. In the Akron-Canton area, immigrants were 35.9 percent more likely to become entrepreneurs than U.S.-born immigrants. In 2023, 3,800 immigrant entrepreneurs generated $166.9 million in business income. Demonstrate an immigrant’s ability to build and support new revenue-generating businesses. Immigration has contributed to stabilizing population trends and will play an important role in the future growth of the Akron-Canton region. From 2018 to 2023, the region’s total population remained flat, but its immigrant population grew by 11.4%, from 52,500 to 58,400. Without this growth, the region would have experienced population decline. As demographic challenges continue in many Midwestern communities, this trend highlights the importance of immigration in maintaining population levels, supporting community vitality, and positioning the region for long-term economic stability and growth.
Read the entire fact sheet for more information.
