A composite of recent studies shows Pensacola’s average rank out of 382 metros is 68. The composite gleans information from CHMURA Economics and Analytics’ “2023’s Leading Metros Locations: Hotspots for Economic Growth,” Heartland Forward’s “Most Dynamic Metros 2023,” and Milken Institute’s “Best Performing Cities 2024.”
“This composite of rankings shows Pensacola is well poised for significant diversified growth led by technology, manufacturing, defense and logistics business sectors,“ said FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance CEO Brian Hilson. “The community has seen substantial growth in early-stage technology companies that are attracted to Pensacola in part because the area offers an exceptional quality of life for employees and their families.
Recognizing these and other growth opportunities, FloridaWest focuses on existing business retention and expansion, targeted business recruitment, entrepreneurial development, and asset development to better prepare the community for new opportunities.”
Leading Metros Composite
CHMURA ECONOMICS & ANALYTICS
“2023’s LEADING METROS LOCATIONS: HOTSPOTS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH”
- 5 YR DATA REPORT
- INDICATORS: GDP, UNEMPLOYMENT, TYPES OF JOBS & WF, TECH/R&D ACTIVITY, STEM
- PENSACOLA METRO #42 (SALT LAKE CITY #1)
HEARTLAND FORWARD
“MOST DYNAMIC METROS 2023”
- 5 YR DATA REPORT
- INDICATORS: 1/5 YR EMPLOYMENT TRENDS, WAGES, GDP, YOUNG FIRM METRICS, PCPI
- PENSACOLA METRO #84 (THE VILLAGES, FL #1)
MILKEN INSTITUTE
“BEST PERFORMING CITIES (METROS) 2024”
- 5 YR DATA REPORT
- INDICATORS: EMPLOYMENT, WAGES, TECH GROWTH & CONCENTRATION, ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
- PENSACOLA METRO #77 (AUSTIN #1)
PENSACOLA AVERAGE RANK = 68/382 METROS
PENSACOLA AVERAGE RANK = 11/20 PEER METROS
PEER METROS (20): ATLANTA, AUSTIN, BILOXI/GULFPORT, BIRMINGHAM, CHARLESTON, CRESTVIEW/FORT WALTON, HOUSTON, HUNTSVILLE, JACKSONVILLE, MOBILE, MONTGOMERY, NASHVILLE, NEW ORLEANS, NORFOLK, ORLANDO, PENSACOLA, RALEIGH, SAVANNAH, TALLAHASSEE, TAMPA
NOTE: ESCAMBIA COUNTY EMPLOYMENT GROWTH 2022-2023 = 3,240 (2.2%); SANTA ROSA ADDED 1,765 JOBS (4.3%). AVG ESCAMBIA COUNTY WAGE $13,482, AVG SANTA ROSA WAGE $11,642