New research highlights the significant economic contributions of immigrants in the Akron-Canton region, revealing they added $5.0 billion to the local GDP.
Ohio, June 18, 2026 – A recent report from the American Immigration Council emphasizes the vital role immigrants play in Ohio’s economy, labor force, and housing market. This study, conducted in collaboration with Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions—a coalition of over 100 businesses—and the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance, specifically examines the impact of immigrants in the Akron-Canton area.
In light of ongoing workforce shortages and the necessity for sustainable talent pipelines, the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance (ACAA) brought together regional and national leaders to discuss immigration’s effects 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 conversation 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 future.
“The findings of this report demonstrate the value and importance of immigrants’ economic contributions to the Akron and Canton regions of Ohio,” said Juan Avilez, Policy Associate of the State and Local Initiatives team at the American Immigration Council. “In particular, it shows that immigrants are supporting the region in significant ways—they contributed $5.0 billion to the region’s GDP and held $1.8 billion in spending power—underscoring why their contributions must be recognized.”
Madison Lisotto Whalen, Esq., from the Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions Coalition, echoed these sentiments, stating, “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 emphasized that immigrants are integral to various sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare, helping communities across the state remain vibrant and competitive.
John Rizzo, Vice President of the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance, highlighted the pressing workforce challenges faced by employers. “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 said. “The ACAA will continue to provide data, convene leaders, and advocate for policies that reflect the real needs of our business community and support long-term economic success.”
The report outlines several key findings regarding the contributions of immigrants in the Akron-Canton region:
Immigrants have made substantial contributions to local taxes and consumer spending. In 2023, immigrant households earned $2.5 billion, contributing $446 million in federal taxes and $227.5 million in state and local taxes. This left them with $1.8 billion in spending power, which is reinvested into local communities, supporting small businesses and maintaining vibrant economic corridors.
Immigrant residents are crucial in meeting labor force demands and will continue to address future needs. In 2023, immigrants were 21.6 percent more likely to be of working age compared to their U.S.-born counterparts, comprising 8.7 percent of workers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. This indicates that immigrants play a significant role in the local labor force and technological advancement.
Furthermore, immigrants are instrumental in 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 preserve approximately 2,700 manufacturing jobs that would have otherwise been lost or relocated.
Immigrant entrepreneurs are also making a notable impact on local economies. In the Akron-Canton region, immigrants were 35.9 percent more likely to be entrepreneurs than their U.S.-born peers. In 2023, 3,800 immigrant entrepreneurs generated $166.9 million in business income, showcasing their ability to establish and support new revenue-generating businesses.
Lastly, immigrants are helping to stabilize population trends and will be critical to the region’s future growth. Between 2018 and 2023, while the overall population in Akron-Canton remained stable, the immigrant population grew by 11.4 percent, from 52,500 to 58,400 residents. This growth is vital, as it prevents population decline and underscores the importance of immigrants in sustaining community vitality and positioning the region for long-term economic stability and growth.
For more detailed information, the full factsheet is available for review.
The report highlights the essential contributions of immigrants to the Akron-Canton economy, reinforcing the need for policies that support their continued presence and integration, according to American Immigration Council.