The Dayton Region at a glance.
14 counties, 800,000+ people, and a metropolitan area that punches well above its weight in innovation, affordability, and quality of life.
A region built on innovation.
The Dayton Region is where the Wright Brothers invented flight, where NCR built the modern cash register, and where Wright-Patterson Air Force Base continues to drive defense innovation for the entire nation.
Today, the region is home to a diversified economy spanning defense, healthcare, technology, advanced manufacturing, and education. With a cost of living 18% below the national average and a talent pipeline fed by 31 colleges and universities, the Dayton Region offers businesses and individuals an unmatched combination of value and opportunity.
Downtown Dayton alone saw $436 million in new investment in 2024. The region is experiencing a renaissance — and the people discovering it now are getting in on the ground floor.
Strategic Location
60% of the US population is within a day's drive. Direct flights from Dayton International Airport.
Talent Pipeline
31 colleges and universities producing 100,000+ graduates. Top programs in engineering, healthcare, and business.
Business Climate
Ohio's competitive tax environment, workforce development incentives, and strong infrastructure.
Quality of Life
16,000+ acres of parks, world-class arts, top-rated schools, and neighborhoods for every lifestyle.
Diversified and growing.
Defense & Aerospace
REGIONAL GDP
YOY GROWTH
Wright-Patterson AFB anchors a defense ecosystem of contractors, research labs, and technology firms.
Healthcare
REGIONAL GDP
YOY GROWTH
Premier Health, Kettering Health, and CareSource lead a sector that is the region's largest employer.
Advanced Manufacturing
REGIONAL GDP
YOY GROWTH
From auto parts to aerospace components, the region's manufacturing base is high-tech and growing.
Technology
REGIONAL GDP
YOY GROWTH
LexisNexis, CoverMyMeds, and a growing startup scene make Dayton a #3 CBRE tech talent market.
Education & Research
REGIONAL GDP
YOY GROWTH
31 institutions of higher learning and UDRI defense research drive innovation and talent development.
Logistics
REGIONAL GDP
YOY GROWTH
Central location, highway access, and DHL's Americas hub at CVG make the region a logistics powerhouse.