New data shows Cincinnati’s immigrant household income increased by nearly $350 million in just one year

New York – Today New American Economy (NAE), a bipartisan research and advocacy organization focused on immigration, released new data highlighting the significant contributions immigrants make to Cincinnati’s community and economy. The data shows that immigrants are major consumers who help power Cincinnati’s businesses — the area’s immigrants held nearly $2.6 billion in spending power in 2017, a more than $350 million increase from the previous year. Cincinnati’s immigrants are also crucial job creators. Cincinnati has 5,240 immigrant entrepreneurs, and immigrants are 22.6 percent more likely to be entrepreneurs when compared to U.S.-born residents.

The research is part of NAE’s Map the Impact, an interactive map that quantifies immigrant contributions at the national, state, metro area, and congressional district levels, and across industries. 

Key findings for the Cincinnati metro area include: 

• Immigrants are driving Cincinnati’s economy. In 2017, there were 5,240 immigrant entrepreneurs in Cincinnati and immigrants were 22.6 percent more likely to be entrepreneurs when compared to U.S.-born residents.
• Nearly half of Cincinnati’s immigrants has a bachelor’s degree. In 2017, 23.5 percent of Cincinnati immigrants had earned a bachelor’s degree, and an additional 22.4 percent had earned a graduate degree, providing them with increased earning potential and potential for upward mobility.
• Immigrants help fill workforce gaps. In 2017, nearly 82 percent of immigrants in Cincinnati were of working age, compared to 63.9 percent of U.S.-born residents. Immigrants were subsequently poised to fill employment gaps across industries.
• Major industries in Cincinnati depend on immigrant workers. Despite making up just 4.6% of Cincinnati’s population, immigrants made up 9.8 percent of agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting workers, 8.4 percent of manufacturing workers, and 8.1 percent of professional, scientific, and technical services workers in 2017.

“Immigrants are driving growth in Cincinnati’s most important industries, from manufacturing to STEM,” said Kate Brick, Director of State and Local Initiatives at New American Economy. “As the area continues to grow, it is crucial that Cincinnati continue to be a leader in welcoming newcomers who will create new jobs and fill employment gaps.”

Map the Impact shows NAE analysis of the latest data from the 2017 American Communities Survey. You can find the new version of the Map at maptheimpact.org.