Since 2000
Income
a 45-Min Commute
Degree or Higher
A Location With a Clear Advantage for your Business
Delaware’s success is built on a powerful combination of strategic assets. Our community offers four distinct advantages that create a uniquely supportive environment for businesses to launch, expand, and thrive.
Deep & Skilled Talent Pool
Draw from a massive regional labor force and a unique local “commuter dividend”—a highly educated, locally-based population of professionals eager for quality employment opportunities closer to home.
Pro-Business Environment
Benefit from a true partnership with the city. Our Economic Development team provides a concierge-style service, guiding you through site selection, zoning, and permitting for a smooth and successful launch.
Unmatched Quality of Life
Attract and retain top talent with a community offering top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and a vibrant historic downtown. Delaware is a place where your team can put down roots and build a life.
Strategic Location & Logistics
Leverage a powerful logistics network with prime access to major highways, the Delaware Municipal Airport for executive travel, and the Rickenbacker global air cargo hub for worldwide connectivity, and a cost effective rail network.
A Partnership for Growth: Resources & Incentives
We are committed to your success. The City of Delaware, in partnership with county, state, and federal organizations, offers a powerful and multi-layered portfolio of resources and financial incentives designed to reduce the cost of investment and accelerate your growth. From workforce training grants to expert business consulting, we have the tools to help you build tomorrow.
You're in Good Company
Delaware is proud to be home to a diverse base of industry leaders who have made significant investments in our community, benefiting from our strategic location, skilled workforce, and supportive government.
A Hub of Connectivity: Your Gateway to National & Global Markets
Delaware, Ohio, is a strategic logistics hub, offering businesses a multi-modal transportation network that seamlessly connects you to regional, national, and international markets. Our prime location and robust infrastructure ensure your goods and people move with speed and efficiency.
Uncongested Highway Access
Move goods efficiently via a network of high-capacity commercial arteries, including direct access to US-23, US-36, and US-42, which connect to the national freight corridor I-71 and the I-270 Columbus outerbelt.
A Premier Air Advantage
Leverage a comprehensive aviation ecosystem featuring the Delaware Municipal Airport and John Glenn Columbus International for passenger service, and Rickenbacker International, a global cargo airport with FTZ status.
Robust Rail Freight Network
Leverage cost-effective rail transport with connections to major Class I railroads and crucial “first and last mile” service from shortline operators like the Indiana & Ohio Railway (IORY) and Ohio Central Railroad (OHCR)
Labor Force
Within 45 Minutes:
879,934
Labor Force
Within 30 Minutes:
279,538
Labor Force
Within 15 Minutes:
43,379
High-Performance Workforce
Our remarkable, sustained population growth is defined by its educated, and skilled residents. This forms the bedrock of a powerful workforce, providing a massive, talent pool for businesses ready to thrive.
Unmatched Growth: The city’s population has surged by over 80% since 2000 and is projected to approach 50,000 by 2029, reflecting a powerful and consistent expansion.
The Commuter Dividend: A remarkable 76.6% of our highly skilled, locally-based residents currently commute to jobs outside the county. This represents a ready-made talent pool eager for quality local employment.
Educated & Professional: With 46.3% of adults holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher, and 69.1% working in white-collar professions, our workforce is perfectly aligned with the needs of modern, knowledge-based industries.
Unmatched Quality of Life: Your Competitive Advantage
In today’s economy, quality of life is a strategic asset. Delaware offers an exceptional community fabric that helps our employers attract and retain top-tier talent. We provide an environment where people don’t just want to work—they want to build a life.
Vibrant Downtown:
Our historic downtown is the heart of the community, featuring unique local shops, diverse dining, and beloved events like the monthly “First Friday” celebration.
Excellence in Education
Families are drawn to our top-performing public school districts, including Delaware City Schools (4.5-star state rating) and the highly-ranked Olentangy Local Schools.
A Place to Call Home
With a high owner-occupancy rate of 67.5%, our safe and well-maintained neighborhoods demonstrate long-term resident commitment and community rootedness.
Partners in Your Success
Beyond the numbers and statistics, our greatest asset is our collaborative spirit. The City of Delaware’s Economic Development team is dedicated to being your partner, not just a point of contact. We provide personalized, confidential support to help you navigate site selection, access incentives, and connect with the resources you need to thrive. We are here to clear hurdles and champion your success from day one.
Nicolas Langford
Economic
Development
Director
Logan Brunney
Economic
Development
Project Manager
Sarah Young
Economic
Development
Coordinator
“Delaware’s legacy of smart, sustainable growth is rooted in thoughtful planning, strong public-private partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to quality of life. As City Manager, I am proud to work alongside an exceptional team of public servants, civic leaders, and community members who are dedicated to making a welcoming, well-connected, and business-friendly environment.
Whether you’re a startup exploring your first location or an established company seeking to expand, we invite you to consider Delaware as your next home”
Paul J. Brake, ICMA-CM, CEcD
City Manager, City of Delaware
