New research highlights the significant economic contributions of immigrants in the Akron-Canton region, revealing they added $5 billion to the local GDP and play a vital role in workforce and community growth.
Ohio, June 18, 2026 – A new report from the American Immigration Council emphasizes the essential role that immigrants play in Ohio’s economy, labor force, and housing market. The research, conducted in collaboration with Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions and the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance, specifically focuses on the Akron-Canton region.
In response to ongoing workforce shortages and the necessity for sustainable talent pipelines, the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance (ACAA) gathered regional and national leaders to assess the impact of immigration on the local economy and its future growth. The report was unveiled during this discussion, featuring insights from U.S. Congressman Michael Rulli (OH-6), U.S. 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 dialogue highlighted that immigration is not merely a national issue but a local economic reality that is grounded in facts and focused on advancing the region’s progress.
Juan Avilez, Policy Associate of the State and Local Initiatives team at the American Immigration Council, stated, “The findings of this report demonstrate the value and importance of immigrants’ economic contributions to the Akron and Canton regions of Ohio. In particular, it shows that immigrants are supporting the region in big ways – they contributed $5.0 billion to the region’s GDP and held $1.8 billion in spending power – showing why it’s important their contributions are recognized.”
Madison Lisotto Whalen, Esq., from the Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions Coalition, echoed this sentiment, saying, “The findings out of Akron-Canton confirm what we’re seeing across Ohio: immigrants are essential to the strength of our communities and our economy. Akron-Canton is one story among many.” She noted that immigrants are vital across various sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare, helping communities throughout the state remain vibrant and competitive.
John Rizzo, Vice President of the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance, emphasized the importance of workforce issues, stating, “Employers consistently tell us their biggest challenge is finding, attracting, and retaining the talent needed to grow. This research paints a clear picture of the role immigrant populations play in our economy and informs a more data-driven approach to strengthening our talent pipeline.” He added that the ACAA will continue to advocate for policies that reflect the real needs of the business community and support long-term economic success.
The report outlines several key findings regarding the impact of immigrants in the Akron-Canton region:
Immigrants contributed significantly to the local economy through taxes and consumer spending. In 2023, immigrant households earned $2.5 billion, contributing $446 million to federal taxes and $227.5 million to state and local taxes. This left them with $1.8 billion in spending power, which is reinvested into local communities, supporting small businesses and keeping local economic corridors vibrant.
Immigrants are helping to meet labor force demands and will be crucial for future needs. In 2023, immigrants were 21.6 percent more likely to be of working age compared to their U.S.-born counterparts and constituted 8.7 percent of workers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. This indicates that immigrants play a significant role in the area’s labor force and technological advancement.
Moreover, immigrants are vital to preserving American manufacturing. In 2023, they accounted for 6.0 percent of the manufacturing industry and 5.9 percent of the transportation and warehousing sectors. Their presence helped create or maintain approximately 2,700 manufacturing jobs that would have otherwise been lost or relocated.
Immigrant entrepreneurs are also making notable contributions to the local economy. In 2023, immigrants were 35.9 percent more likely to be entrepreneurs than their U.S.-born peers, with 3,800 immigrant entrepreneurs generating $166.9 million in business income, showcasing their ability to establish and support new revenue-generating businesses.
Finally, immigrants are playing a crucial role in stabilizing population trends in the Akron-Canton region. Between 2018 and 2023, while the overall population remained flat, the immigrant population grew by 11.4 percent, increasing from 52,500 to 58,400 residents. This growth is vital, as it helps prevent population decline and supports community vitality, positioning the region for long-term economic stability and growth.
For more detailed insights, the full factsheet is available for review.
The findings underscore the importance of recognizing and supporting the contributions of immigrants to the Akron-Canton region’s economy, as highlighted by the American Immigration Council.