Ann Arbor area tops list for educated, talented labor Trade publication ranks 362 metropolitan areas

News Business Reporter

As cities in pursuit of economic growth begin to rely more on the people who live in them rather than the natural or transportation features that surround them - like rivers, rich soil or railroads - Ann Arbor is better positioned than almost any other place in the nation to prosper.

That's according to trade publication Expansion Management's fifth annual Knowledge Worker Quotient, which earlier this month ranked Ann Arbor first in the country for its knowledgeable workforce.

The publication considered demographic factors like college education levels as well as the nearness of local colleges and universities and their research and development spending, and the number of scientists, engineers and medical doctors.

It ranked 362 metropolitan statistical areas for their ability to provide talented workers and an "innovative environment."

"These are the communities that will thrive and prosper in the future," Expansion Management wrote, noting that having a major research university contributes tremendously to having a top-notch work force for knowledge-based businesses.

Ann Arbor also ranked No. 10 among the 362 areas for college-educated workers.

"Since this whole Pfizer closure announcement, we've been so engaged in the community with identifying the work force." said Elizabeth Parkinson, spokeswoman for local economic development agency Ann Arbor Spark. "What's become really clear is we have some of the most talented workers, I would say not only in the country but in the world."

Contact Stefanie Murray at smurray@annarbornews.com or 734-994-6932.