Central Ohio’s Exponential Growth
Looking at the predicted growth of the region in the next 25 years.
I have lived in Central Ohio for 26 years. Watching this town turn into a big city has been a wild ride. When I moved here in 1999, Columbus was not quite a city. It was a substantial small town. When I was growing up in southwestern Ohio, Columbus was the third city on the major cities of Ohio 3 C's list of Cleveland and Cincinnati and then always last, Columbus. Cincinnati and Cleveland constantly vied for the top spot.
After moving to Columbus, I was captivated by the innovation and collaboration of the city, business, and county leaders. There is something magical here. It is as if anything is possible, and the people are here to support you on your journey. I have lived in Central Ohio for 26 years, and watching this town evolve into a big city has been quite an experience. When I moved here in 1999, Columbus felt more like a substantial small town than a city. Growing up in southwestern Ohio, I always viewed Columbus as the third city in the state's "3 C's" list, which includes Cleveland and Cincinnati. Cincinnati and Cleveland were always competing for the top spot, leaving Columbus in the rear.
What captivated me about moving to Columbus was the sense of innovation and collaboration among the city, business, and county leaders. There’s something magical here; it feels like anything is possible, and the people are genuinely supportive of one another's journeys.
I have witnessed the success of public-private partnerships, where government officials and local business leaders work together to attract commerce and transform the city's landscape. It has been incredible to observe how collaboration, cooperation, and camaraderie have built this city. It’s noteworthy that the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) projects that the 15-county Central Ohio region is on track to reach 3.15 million residents by 2050. While not surprising, this projection is also concerning, especially since One Columbus currently reports that the Columbus metropolitan area has about 2.23 million residents.
Take a look at the photo on the left. This slide states that in order to restore housing affordability to the levels seen before 2020, the median price of a home must be reduced by 41%, salaries need to increase by 69%, or interest rates must decrease by 4.3%. These are significant shifts that won't happen overnight. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) has written an insightful article about assessing housing needs in Ohio, emphasizing the necessity for more affordable housing. This issue is prevalent throughout Ohio, particularly in Central Ohio. According to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), Franklin County is expected to absorb half of the regional growth discussed.
I take pride in my adopted hometown and see great potential for the future; however, I also recognize the growing pains we will face. My optimism for the Columbus area remains strong.
I look forward to continued collaboration and innovation to enhance our region.