New Report Shows Immigrants in the Akron-Canton Region Contributed $5.0 billion to Region’s GDP 

Ohio, June 18, 2026 – New research from the American Immigration Council underscores the crucial role immigrants play in Ohio’s labor force, housing market, population growth, and economy. The new report was prepared in partnership with Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions, a statewide 100+ member business coalition powered by the American Immigration Council, and the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance. The report focuses on the Akron-Canton region of Ohio. 

In response to persistent workforce gaps and the need for sustainable talent pipelines, ACAA convened regional and national leaders to examine how immigration is impacting the Akron-Canton economy and its future growth. The report was released as part of that 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. The conversation reinforced that immigration is not an abstract national issue, but a local economic reality—grounded in facts and focused on helping the region move forward. 

“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 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.” 

“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,” said Madison Lisotto Whalen, Esq., Ohio Business for Immigration Solution Coalition. “From our manufacturing floors to our hospitals, immigrants are helping communities across the state stay vibrant, competitive, and positioned for long-term growth.” 

“The ACAA brings leaders together around the issues that matter most to our business community, and workforce is at the top of that list. Employers consistently tell us their biggest challenge is finding, attracting, and retaining the talent needed to grow,” said John Rizzo, Vice President of the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance. “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. The ACAA will continue to bring forward data, convene leaders, and advocate for policies that reflect the real needs of our business community and support long-term economic success. 

Key Findings

• Immigrants in the Akron-Canton region contributed billions in taxes and consumer spending. In 2023, immigrant households earned $2.5 billion in income, with $446.0 million going to federal taxes and $227.5 billion going to state and local taxes, leaving them with $1.8 billion in spending power that can be reinvested back into local communities. Robust consumer spending by immigrant households supports small businesses and keeps local economic corridors vibrant. 
• Immigrant residents are helping Akron-Canton meet its labor force demands and will help meet future needs. In 2023, immigrants were 21.6 percent more likely to be of working age than their U.S.-born counterparts, and made-up 8.7 percent of workers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. This means that immigrants in the Akron-Canton region played an outsized role in the area’s labor force and technological growth. 
• Immigrants in Akron-Canton are supporting the preservation of American manufacturing. Immigrant workers accounted for 6.0 percent of the manufacturing industry and 5.9 percent of the transportation and warehousing industries in 2023. Immigrants living in the region helped to create or preserve around 2,700 manufacturing jobs that would have been eliminated or moved by 2023.  
• Immigrant entrepreneurs have contributed to growing local economies. Immigrants were 35.9 percent more likely to be an entrepreneur than their U.S.-born counterparts in the Akron-Canton region. In 2023, 3,800 immigrant entrepreneurs generated $166.9 million in business income. Signifying the ability of immigrants in building and supporting new, revenue generating businesses.   
• Immigrants are helping stabilize population trends and will play a critical role in the Akron-Canton region’s future growth. Between 2018 and 2023, while the region’s overall population remained flat, the immigrant population grew by 11.4%, increasing from 52,500 to 58,400 residents. Without this growth, the region would have experienced population decline. As demographic challenges persist across many Midwest communities, this trend underscores the importance of immigrants in sustaining population levels, supporting community vitality, and positioning the region for long-term economic stability and growth. 

Read the full factsheet to learn more.