Norwalk, Huron County, OH Named #7 Top Micropolitan in the United States by Site Selection Magazine’s Annual Governors Cup
Norwalk, Ohio Micropolitan Area puts Huron County on the Map year after year and makes huge leap into top 10
Norwalk, OH – In a county just shy of 60,000 residents, Huron County is punching above its weight in business investment. Huron County is seeing new business attraction and continued business expansion due to its proximity to population metros of Cleveland, Toledo, and Columbus, Ohio, proximity to major transportation networks including 2 interstates, 2 international airports, and freshwater ports, and an aggressive approach to economic development. A population of 600,000 within commutable drive doesn’t hurt either.
“Companies across industries are not hesitating to invest in Huron County”, says Huron County Growth Partnership Executive Director, Sarah Ross. “While proximity to markets is clearly a primary driver, our proactive approach to economic development is moving the needle. During an election year, and a year with historic inflation, our local, regional, and state officials have made it easy for corporate leadership to look past the unknown and invest in our community. What we’re especially proud of across our project wins in 2024 is the diversity of industry and ownership. From locally grown entrepreneurs to 4th generation family-owned, to national, and multi-national, companies of all structures have a strong business case here.”
In 2024 Huron County won 8 expansion and attraction projects, jumping its rank as a Top Micropolitan in the US from # 84 to #7.
Here are a few of those projects:
- Book printers stand the test of time, as consumer behavior changes, production technology advances at rapid pace.
- 100 new jobs created and more than 400 jobs retained
- Investment in new technology
- $535,899 leveraged for City of Willard roadwork improvements
- Social media trends meets neighborhood manufacturing in legacy city.
- Founded in 1915, Norwalk, Ohio based ballon manufacturer acquires competitor, Pioneer Balloon Canada Limited, to become the only latex balloon manufacturer in the USA and Canada.
- Norwalk, Ohio has a 1.6 location quotient in the construction industry, outpacing the nation in jobs, jobs available, and pay in the construction industry. Pay scales in the construction industry rival healthcare and business management and companies continue to find success here in this niche.
- Oglesby Construction Inc enters a new era with a brand new headquarters to house its ~175 employees and equipment.
- $7 Million investment
- Norwalk on pace with global growth in semiconductor and solar industries.
- Israel & California based company selects Norwalk, supported by innovative local incentives.
- $2 Million Investment
- 25 new jobs
- Contributing to leading regional cluster in machinery and equipment manufacturing, 80-year-old company expands footprint by 20%.
These attraction and expansion projects and their corresponding local, regional, and state incentives were facilitated by Huron County Growth Partnership – a Public Private Partnership focused on business and community growth and support. In 2024, the community aligned around a vision to take a pro-active and comprehensive approach to economic development. Public and private leaders brought together two local economic development agencies and the regional chamber of commerce to deliver best in class services to growing companies and execute a planful approach to growth for the communities within the county. As demonstrated by project outcomes in 2024, when the public and private sector are on the same page, it is easy to do business.
Ten miles from the shores of Lake Erie and equidistant from Cleveland and Toledo, Norwalk-Huron County, Ohio has the desired assets – for individuals and businesses. Whether siting a company, attracting all levels of the workforce, or simply relocating, Huron County is a location of choice due to:
Developable Sites –
- North Central Ohio Industrial Park: Boasting 84 contiguous acres, it has been deemed SiteOhio Certified and among Ohio’s top developable sites. With all utilities reaching the park boundaries, all due diligence studies completed with clear findings. (0 Furniture Parkway)
Community amenities–
- Recreation: 28+ miles of multi-use trails span the community, 5 golf courses, 5 reservoirs and inland lakes with recreational opportunities.
- Attractions: Home to NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park, regional festivals, shoppable historic main streets, and 5 wineries.
- Housing Market: The median home price in Huron County is roughly 54% of the national median home price, combined with suburban-rural property features, homeowners are happy in Huron County.
None of these projects would have come to fruition without the dedication of local leadership. From municipal staff, to corporate leaders, to elected officials, leaders are rowing in the same direction to bring the right tools to the right projects for Huron County. Here’s what one public official has to say about Huron County’s investment atmosphere:
“Huron County’s economic growth is indicative of the County and its residents’ can-do attitude. From our frontline workforce to our private executive leadership and public officials at all levels, we’re a solution-oriented and forward-thinking group. We’re so proud to be nationally recognized for what we’ve known for a long time – that opportunity is abundant here.” - Harry Brady, Huron County Commissioner
About Huron County Growth Partnership
The Huron County Growth Partnership is a non-profit, public-private partnership that facilitates business and community growth through economic development and chamber of commerce activities and services. The Growth Partnership aims to grow the community and economy, support businesses, secure resources for and make a name for Huron County. If you are interested in expanding your existing business into or starting a new business venture in Huron County, please visit the website at www.huroncountyohio.com.