Columbus, OH local economy

Columbus, OH ranks in the 91st percentile of United States metros as of September 2026, with momentum rising over the past 12 months.

New business applications or registrations was 39,486 in January 2025, up 12.9% from January 2024. Dwelling units authorized by permit was 1,696 in July 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How does Columbus, OH rank among United States metros?

Columbus, OH ranks in the 91st percentile of United States metros as of September 2026, with momentum rising over the past 12 months.

What is the new business applications or registrations in Columbus, OH?

New business applications or registrations in Columbus, OH was 39,486 in January 2025.

What is the dwelling units authorized by permit in Columbus, OH?

Dwelling units authorized by permit in Columbus, OH was 1,696 in July 2026.

What is the payrolled or covered employment in Columbus, OH?

Payrolled or covered employment in Columbus, OH was 1,104,476 in January 2026.

Nearby and related

• United States overview
• Fargo, ND-MN
• Wildwood-The Villages, FL
• Charlottesville, VA
• Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL
• Ann Arbor, MI
• Elkhart-Goshen, IN
• Lexington-Fayette, KY
• Portland-South Portland, ME
• Asheville, NC
• Dubuque, IA

Sources and methodology

• U.S. Census Bureau — Business Formation Statistics (BFS)
• U.S. Census Bureau — Building Permits Survey (BPS), CBSA monthly
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), national all-industry

Method: 2026.09. Updated 2026-09-10. Coverage: 100% of weighted components available.

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