Midland has secured the No. 1 spot for the second consecutive year in the "Most Dynamic Metropolitan Regions."
"This research offers insight into how our country's cities, which account for more than 88% of America's GDP, can position themselves for economic success," Ross DeVol, president and CEO of Heartland Forward, said in a release about the report.
The report, published by Heartland Forward, ranked 375 cities by economic performance.
"To help navigate the road to recovery from the pandemic, policymakers in regions across the country can use our report to better understand their communities and adapt their neighbors' strategies to their own needs," DeVol said in the release. "Heartland cities — even those that didn't make the top 30 — are well-positioned to turn the COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity to thrive post-pandemic."
The Top 10 metropolitan areas that made the list are Midland, Texas; San Jose-Sunnyville, California; Provo-Orem, Utah; Boulder, Colorado; San Francisco, Oakland-Hayward, California; Austin-Round Rock, Texas; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Washington; Greeley, Colorado; Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, Florida; and St. George, Utah.
Recognition from the governor
"Congratulations to Midland and Austin-Round Rock for being named two of the most dynamic metropolitans nationwide," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in the release. "It's no surprise that two Lone Star communities have earned this recognition, given Texas' low taxes, robust infrastructure, and welcoming business environment, which helps communities like Midland and Austin-Round Rockthrive."
The report ranked cities using metrics such as job growth, job momentum, average annual salary, GDP gains, new businesses and employee educational attainment. The data comes from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
"... Most important of all, it is the people of Midland and Austin-Round Rock who are the driving force behind the tremendous success of these two communities," Abbott said in the release. "I'm proud that these metropolitan areas have been recognized for their success and for the crucial role they play in keeping Texas the greatest state in America."