Jonesboro ranked 4th among cities in the U.S. with population under 160,000
by February 7, 2024 8:29 am 1,352 views
The Jonesboro metropolitan statistical area (MSA) was recently touted in Area Development magazine’s Leading Metro Locations report for 2023. The Jonesboro MSA achieved an overall ranking of 4th out of all 384 Metropolitan Areas in the U.S. and fourth among small metropolitan areas (less than 160,000 population).
Founded in 1965, Area Development is an executive magazine covering corporate site selection and relocation. The Jonesboro MSA was the highest rated among all cities in Arkansas.
“Congratulations to Jonesboro and the surrounding communities in Northeast Arkansas on being named one of the leading metro areas in the U.S.,” said Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “With a thriving economy, a major university, strong community leadership and a proven workforce, it’s no surprise that the Jonesboro MSA has received these well-earned accolades.”
“This is a notable ranking and excellent recognition for our community and its long-term growth strategy and effectiveness,” said Chris Barber, chair of Jonesboro Unlimited.
Area Development partnered with Chumura Economics & Analytics in crunching the numbers and compiling the data. The survey uses a long-term perspective (five years) for determining an area’s sustainable upward trend. Many factors are examined as part of the process.
Gross domestic product (GDP) and how it’s trending, unemployment rates, what job sectors are expanding, how well the needs of employers are met by the labor market, and the activity in sectors such as high-tech manufacturing and other occupations linked to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are some of the factors considered.
Mark Young, president of Jonesboro Unlimited and the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of a diverse economy to the MSA’s success.
“Our growth across key sectors is a testament to our collective efforts, and we are optimistic about continued progress,” he said.
Salt Lake City ranked first in the study with other notable communities including Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Austin, Texas, as part of the top 10.