Study names Columbus as the fastest growing city in the U.S.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – It’s no secret central Ohio is growing. A new study released by the Bank of America Institute confirms this, showing Columbus is the fastest growing city in the U.S.

“For central Ohio, you know, we're excited about growth. That brings a lot of opportunities and some challenges, too,” said David Dixon, the Director of Data Analytics and Strategy for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC).

The study said Columbus’ population grew 1.1% in the second half of last year, which is faster than any other city in the U.S. Dixon called this a manageable growth and said they plan for this.

“We plan every four years on a cycle with all communities in central Ohio around the table to make sure that we are maintaining what we have and expanding what we need to grow and also look for new ways to connect people. So that means roads, but that also means trails. That means transit," Dixon said.

Dixon said right now central Ohio is struggling with housing. He said this is something other cities the same size are doing better with.

The Bank of America study shows Austin, Texas as the next fastest growing city. Dixon said that study shows Austin's growth slowing compared to ours, but they are doing better keeping up with the demand for things like housing.

Dixon said research shows central Ohio will need to double the rate of home construction in order to keep up with demand.

Rick Carfanga, the Senior Vice President for Government affairs with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, said he sees that issue too.

“We need to address some of these workforce challenges that are laid out before us,” Carfanga said. “If you want to have a qualified, reliable and thriving base of employees, any discussion of workforce, it has to include access to affordable housing, childcare options and transportation options.” 

He said the Ohio Chamber of Commerce has been trying to talk to state lawmakers to get them to focus on these types of issues.

“So these are problems that I think every other state in this country are envious to have. And, you know, we should welcome all of this. But we also need to realize that we have a window of opportunity to make sure that we are accommodating all of this growth that, you know, as population increases, people have affordable places to live, they have access to childcare and they have access to transportation, not just public transit,” Carfagna said.

Studies show the growth will be seen all across the region with thousands of jobs on the way and people from the area choosing to stay here and grow families.

“We're very well positioned here in central Ohio, but we have our work cut out for us, too, and it's going to take all hands on deck,” Carfagna said.

MORPC is predicting Columbus’ growth will keep growing by about 1% every year through 2050.