Midland, Texas has regained the top position in Heartland Forward's 2024 Most Dynamic Metropolitans report, largely due to its oil-driven economy. This report evaluates 380 metropolitan areas across various metrics such as employment growth, average annual pay, real GDP, entrepreneurial activity, and educational attainment.
Heartland Forward's study ranks Midland first for short-term GDP growth and per capita income of $151,400. The report is a tool for policymakers to assess economic strategies and identify effective practices for development and community health.
Key trends noted in the report include investments in AI and policy advancements, innovation in advanced manufacturing, post-pandemic tourism growth, energy sector developments including oil and alternative sources, and university-driven economic activities.
Ross DeVol, CEO and chairman of Heartland Forward said: “These leading metros demonstrate how strategic investments in AI, advanced manufacturing, tourism and energy can create dynamic economic growth and resilient communities. We celebrate the mayors and economic development teams whose hard work is reflected in the rankings.”
Other regions mentioned include Wildwood-The Villages in Florida ranked second; Bozeman, Montana third; Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos fourth; with Naples-Marco Island rounding out the top five. Additional Texas cities featured are Abilene at 89th place, San Angelo at 98th, Odessa at 103rd, Amarillo at 165th and Lubbock at 204th.
The heartland region—defined by Heartland Forward as comprising 20 central states—showcased several high-performing metros like Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos (No. 4), Sherman-Denison (No. 13), College Station-Bryan (No. 21), among others.
More information about Heartland Forward can be found on their website.