Findlay Places #2 In U.S. In 2026 Top Micropolitan Rankings

(From Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development)

Out of 543 qualifying communities, Findlay continues its dominance, ranking No. 2 this year in Site Selection Magazine’s ratings of Top Micropolitan Cities in the U.S.

“Findlay continues to thrive at the top of this list, which is a reflection of strategy, planning and relationships,” said Chris Keller, executive director of Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development. “We may not have gotten first, but we have a great momentum. Last year was a rebuilding year for us, and we’re very proud of this continued success. We thank our local businesses that continue to invest in our community.”

Prior to this year, Findlay was ranked No. 1 for an unprecedented 11 years in a row.

Site Selection is an official publication of the Global Foreign Direct Investment Association and the Industrial Asset Management Council. To determine the Top Micro for 2026, Site Selection ranked 543 micropolitan statistical areas with a population of 10,000 to 50,000. Rankings are measured on projects meeting one or more of three criteria: $1 million or more invested, 20 or more jobs created, or 20,000 or more square feet constructed.

FHCED submitted 16 projects from 2025, and all qualifying projects came from companies already doing business here. Over 12 years, there has been more than $2.5 billion invested in the Findlay community. Williston, North Dakota, came in at No. 1 with 21 projects. Ohio – especially northwest Ohio – was strongly represented in the rankings, with Wooster placing third, Fremont fourth and Tiffin fifth. Ohio is the top-ranking state for Micropolitans in the country with 20 in the top 100, accounting for 114 qualifying projects.

“We have a great collaboration within our state, between the governor, Ohio Department of Development, and organizations such as JobsOhio and Regional Growth Partnership,” Keller said. “Ohio is investor-friendly and this ranking reflects the long-term strategy, public-private collaboration and sustained capital investment happening across our region.”