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The FACTS on Fort Wayne's Economy
November 04, 2011
Some FACTS for you to consider about the Fort Wayne area economy as you consider your vote for mayor this year:
Fort Wayne added 2,700 jobs in September 2011. The Fort Wayne metropolitan area (Allen, Wells and Whitley counties) Real GDP grew by 5.2% – more than double the rate experienced by the aggregate of all U.S. metropolitan areas. Total Real GDP in the Fort Wayne area is now almost exactly back to where it was in 2007 prior to the recession.
There are 363 metropolitan areas in the country. Of these, 179 have manufacturing as a significant component of their economy. Only 42 of these 179 metro areas experienced positive GDP growth between 2007 and 2010 (from just prior to the recession to the most recent available data) – with the Fort Wayne metro area being one of the 42.
Given the importance of manufacturing to the regional economy, the strength of the rebound in this sector, as reflected in the GDP data, is particularly noteworthy. It was one of the highest percentage increases in the country over the past year.