Michigan Awards and Rankings

From lively cities to remarkable natural resources, Michigan offers opportunities unlike any other state. Whether you have a growing business, a start-up company, or you are looking for a low cost of living, Michigan ranks at the top.

How Michigan Compares...

The state of Michigan continues to be a prime state for entrepreneurs, growing businesses, and families young and old. See how the great lakes state competes with neighboring states and beyond.

#1 for Inflation Reduction Act projects

receiving nearly $1.5 billion of investments in semiconductor & electronics manufacturing

Top 10 State

in the 2024 Prosperity Cup by Site Selection Magazine

Top 3 State

to dominate EV battery manufacturing in 2030 - CNBC

Top 10 State

for business - CNBC America's Top States for Business 2024

From our strengths in technology and innovation to a business-friendly environment and the Pure Michigan quality of life, Michigan has what it takes to build a championship economy.

Quentin Messer, Jr.

Quentin Messer, Jr.

CEO of the MEDC

MEDC Secures Prestigious Industry Recognition for Michigan’s Economy

The MEDC has officially been designated as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) – a prestigious honor that recognizes professional excellence among economic development organizations worldwide.

State Acclaimed Recognitions

In addition, Michigan won 2021’s Golden Shovel Award for manufacturing, and the state had received Area Development’s Silver Shovel Award (8-12 million population) for five years prior.

Additional Rankings:

Manufacturing

Business

Workforce Development

Sustainability 

Michigan Climbs to Highest-Ever Ranking in Area Development’s Top States for Doing Business

Michigan's economic momentum has reached new heights with the state achieving its highest-ever ranking in Area Development’s annual Top States for Doing Business rankings: No. 10 spot overall, up from No. 13 last year. Read how these results reflect the state's focused economic development plan and the impact of its Make It in Michigan strategy.

Regional/Metro Acclaimed Recognitions

Detroit - TIME's World's Greatest Places of 2022

Detroit - TIME's World's Greatest Places of 2022

Ann Arbor  - #1 Best Place to Live in America

Ann Arbor - #1 Best Place to Live in America

Kalamazoo - #1 Most Affordable Cities (Population less than 175,000)

Kalamazoo - #1 Most Affordable Cities (Population less than 175,000)

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport - #1 most customer satisfying mega-airport in North America

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport - #1 most customer satisfying mega-airport in North America

Detroit - #2 for Best Business Climate (large metro area)

Detroit - #2 for Best Business Climate (large metro area)

Grand Rapids - #2  for Manufacturing Hub (Mid Size MSA)

Grand Rapids - #2 for Manufacturing Hub (Mid Size MSA)

Grand Rapids - #3 for Business Climate (mid-sized)

Grand Rapids - #3 for Business Climate (mid-sized)

Lansing - #5 best city in the U.S. for remote work

Lansing - #5 best city in the U.S. for remote work

 Detroit  - #1 Emerging Startup Ecosystem

Detroit - #1 Emerging Startup Ecosystem

Grand Rapids - #7 for Tech Talent Growth

Grand Rapids - #7 for Tech Talent Growth

Kalamazoo - #1 in the US with highest concentration of Medical Devices and Equipment, and Pharmaceuticals employment with a medium MSA (75,000 – 250,000 total private employment)

Kalamazoo - #1 in the US with highest concentration of Medical Devices and Equipment, and Pharmaceuticals employment with a medium MSA (75,000 – 250,000 total private employment)

Niles - #5th in the US in concentration of employment in Medical Devices and Equipment with a small MSA (fewer than 75,000 total private employment)

Niles - #5th in the US in concentration of employment in Medical Devices and Equipment with a small MSA (fewer than 75,000 total private employment)

Michigan Top in the Nation for Clean Energy Investments, Automotive Prowess

Business Facilities’ 20th Annual Rankings Report has once again named Michigan as best-in-nation for the automotive industry, while also giving the state top spots in life sciences, semiconductors, EV investments, customized workforce training, and more.

Michigan Means Success

From startup to scale up, Michigan's talent and culture of innovation have created an environment where companies can grow and thrive.

Quality of Life

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Ann Arbor #1 U.S. City with Best Quality of Life

As the fastest growing city for Gen Z, CNBC has announced Ann Arbor is the best U.S. city for quality of life for 2024. More than 90% of the city’s residents live less than a 10-minute from a public park, according to the U.S. News and World report.

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Detroit Ranks Top in The Best Places to Go in North America & the Caribbean in 2024

Detroit's new hotels, green spaces and cultural attractions have earned it's ranking as one of Condé Nast Traveler's Best Places to Go in North America & the Caribbean in 2024. From a transformed waterfront to a stylish downtown, read how the city's recent developments are making this a top destination.

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Michigan Ranks as Top State for Business and Travel

Michigan recieves national accolades for both Detroit and Mackinac Island. Whether it’s a strong business climate or having some of the best places to experience across the globe, Michigan is the total package.

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Three Michigan Cities Recognized in Top 100 Best Places to Live

Troy, Rochester Hills and Ann Arbor have been featured in Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live 2023. From affordability to amenities and opportunities, learn why Michigan has become a top place to live.

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Petoskey ranked as one of “Best Small Towns in the Midwest”

Ranked as one of “Best Small Towns in the Midwest” by Travel + Leisure, this cute waterfront town sits near the "tip of the Mitt'' in the northern reaches of the Lower Peninsula.

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Traverse City Ranked in Top Places to Visit in 2022

From blissful beaches, summer sunbathing and water sports to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat-tire biking - no matter the season, Matador Network names Traverse City a top place to visit in 2022.

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Grand Rapids #1 Best Place to Raise a Family

Rocket Homes teamed up with BestPlaces.net to find some of the best locations to raise a family. With its abundance of opportunities for kids to engage in culture, history, art and nature, Grand Rapids ranked in the #1 spot. 

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Kalamazoo #1 Coolest City in the U.S. with the Lowest Cost of Living

Purewow.com ranked the Top 10 Coolest Most Affordable Cities in the U.S. for 2022. When comparing entertainment, food and drinks, arts and culture, as well as affordability, Kalamazoo came in at the #1 spot with having it all.

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