Wayne County

Wayne County is one of the most dynamic small communities in the country. Located approximately 60 miles southwest of Cleveland and 35 miles west of both Akron and Canton, it offers a unique balance of small-town living with access to nearby urban amenities.

Wayne County prides itself on its heritage as one of the leading agricultural producing counties in Ohio. Home to the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) and the BioHio Research Park, it is one of the elite areas of the U.S. for technology and R&D associated with the agbiosciences.

Wayne County also has a vibrant, international manufacturing community that includes companies such as JM Smucker Co., Daisy Brand, LuK, GOJO Industries, Purina, Scotts and Frito Lay. These and other manufacturing operations continue to grow due to lower costs, cooperative governments and ready access to markets.

Wayne County is nationally and internationally known for its dramatic and quality growth, which has resulted in a number of accolades:

  • Ranked the Number 1 Micropolitan area in the U.S. for new business growth 2013. Wayne County has finished among the top six micropolitans for new business growth for nine consecutive years. No other community in Ohio or the Midwest can match this record of accomplishment.
  • Named a Top Ten Micropolitan City in three categories in the fDi Magazine (a publication of the Financial Times of London) 2015/16 “American Cities of the Future” ranking. The categories were, Cost Effectiveness (the ONLY North American micro to be named), Runner-Up for Foreign Direct Investment Strategy and Human Capital and Lifestyle. Wayne County was previously recognized as Top Ten Overall Micro City and Runner-Up for Foreign Direct Investment Strategy by fDi Magazine in their 2013/14 “American Cities of the Future” rankings.
  • Recognized in the top twenty percent in the county in Policom’s Economic Strength Index

Wayne County offers the global business community a unique combination of quality for business and life.

For more information about Wayne County, please click the link below for a detailed profile.

Wayne County Profile

For information on relocating or expanding your business, contact:

Tom Pukys
President
Wayne Economic Development Council
330.264.2411 | Email Tom