AUBURN, Ala.- Site Selection Magazine has ranked the Auburn-Opelika area No. 2 on its list of 2024 Top Metros Per Capita - Tier 2. This advancement marks a rise from the No. 3 spot of Tier 3 Metros in 2023, reflecting Auburn's ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth and development.

These Top Metro annual rankings are a benchmark in the economic development community, evaluating metropolitan areas based on their number of qualifying corporate facility projects. The projects must meet Core-Based Statistical Area criteria changes such as substantial capital investment, job creation and new facility construction.

According to Site Selection Magazine, the Auburn-Opelika metro "has added over 20,800 residents and now claims a population of more than 201,500. The region’s 14 projects helped it secure the No. 2 rank behind Sioux Falls." The Auburn-Opelika area was the only Alabama city to make the list in both 2023 and 2024.

In 2024, the City of Auburn announced three new company locations and six company expansions. These projects brought in 350 jobs and nearly $182 million in capital investment.

Auburn's climb in national economic development rankings brings tangible benefits to the community, including job creation, a skilled workforce and enhanced community services.

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