Licking County No. 1 Nationally for Job Growth as Columbus Region Continues Midwest Leadership 

Newark, Ohio — Licking County recorded the highest year-over-year employment growth among the nation’s 376 largest counties, according to newly released data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, further demonstrating the county’s role in the continued economic momentum of Ohio and the Columbus Region.

Employment in Licking County grew 3.6% from March 2025 to March 2026, adding approximately 2,700 jobs and bringing total employment to approximately 77,000. That is the highest percentage increase among all large counties in the United States during the period. 
 
The growth significantly outpaced both Ohio and the nation. National employment grew just 0.1% over the same period, while employment statewide declined 0.2%. Licking County also posted strong wage growth. Average weekly wages increased 5.7% year over year to $1,289, the second-highest rate of wage growth among Ohio’s 15 largest counties.
 
“Being ranked first in the nation for job growth is a significant milestone for Licking County, but what is equally important is that wages are growing alongside employment,” said Cameron Garczyk, Executive Director of GROW Licking County. “These numbers reflect years of investment by our existing businesses, new companies choosing to locate here, and strong collaboration among our communities, workforce partners and public and private-sector leaders.”
 
Licking County continues to experience significant investment across advanced manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, technology and other industries, while existing employers throughout the county continue to expand their operations and workforce.
 
“Licking County is a great place to work, live and raise a family, and these numbers are further evidence of the opportunities that exist here,” said Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb. “This is an outstanding accomplishment for our county and demonstrates that our continued investment in economic development is paying off. We are proud of the growth Licking County is experiencing, the strength of our public-private partnerships and the benefits they provide for our residents. We remain committed to ensuring Licking County continues to be a strong, vibrant community and a great place to call home.” 
 
Licking County’s performance comes as the broader Columbus Region continues to lead the Midwest in economic growth and Ohio was recently ranked the #1 State for Business by CNBC.
 
According to One Columbus, the Columbus metropolitan area added 11,977 jobs between March 2025 and March 2026, an increase of 1.1%. That represented the fastest job-growth rate among major Midwest metropolitan areas and ranked sixth among the nation’s 56 metropolitan areas with populations of more than one million.
 
The Columbus metro accounted for approximately 14% of all net U.S. job growth during the period despite representing less than 1% of total U.S. employment. Total quarterly wages across the metro also increased 6.9% to more than $22 billion.
 
The latest figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, which covers more than 95% of U.S. jobs. Large counties are defined by BLS as counties with average annual employment of at least 75,000.
 

Licking County By the Numbers (March 2025-March 2026) - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

• #1 in the United States for job growth among 376 large counties

• ​​3.6% year-over-year employment growth accounting for 2,700 new jobs

• 77,000+ total jobs

• 5.7% average weekly wage growth

• #2 in Ohio for wage growth among largest 15 counties

• $1,289 average weekly wage

 
About GROW Licking County
GROW Licking County Community Improvement Corporation is the economic development organization for Licking County, working with businesses and communities throughout the county to support business attraction, retention and expansion, workforce development, and economic growth. Learn more at www.growlickingcounty.org