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 State

for fastest FDI jobs growth – Global Business Alliance

#1 Economy

in a state with a population over 2 million - Bloomberg

#3 State

for Sustainable Development - 2021 Site Selection's Sustainability Rankings

Top 3 State

to dominate EV battery manufacturing in 2030 - CNBC

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.

19009

Quentin Messer, Jr.

CEO of the MEDC

Michigan Wins 2021 Manufacturing Gold Shovel Award

Area Development’s Annual Gold & Silver Shovel Awards recognize state economic development agencies that drive significant job creation through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, processes, and promotions that attract new employers and investments in new and expanded facilities.

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State Acclaimed Recognitions

In addition to 2021’s Golden Shovel Award for manufacturing, Michigan has received Area Development’s Silver Shovel Award (8-12 million population) for the last five years running.

Additional Rankings:

Manufacturing

Business

Workforce Development

  • #4 State in East North Central Region for 2022 Workforce Development Rankings (Site Selection)
  • #8 Best state to start a career (BestColleges)
  • #8 State in America's Best Employers for New Grads 2022 (Forbes)
  • #8 State for health care jobs (Business Facilities)

Sustainability 

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.

Regional/Metro Acclaimed Recognitions

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 - #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)

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

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

Traverse City - #9 for Small Business Employment in Small Metro Areas

Traverse City - #9 for Small Business Employment in Small Metro Areas

 Detroit  - #1 Emerging Startup Ecosystem

Detroit - #1 Emerging Startup Ecosystem

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)

Quality of Life