Bridge Michigan
Mar. 25, 2026
Paula Gardner
Metro Detroit’s economy is falling behind peers and ranks near the bottom in factors from income to education, according to a new report from the Detroit Regional Chamber. Released Wednesday, the chamber’s State of the Region analysis should be a call-to-arms for policymakers and office seekers about “hard truths” facing the region, Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer, Sandy K. Baruah said. “We can do a lot better,” he said. “And frankly, we need to do a lot better.”
When comparing metro Detroit to 19 areas with similar population sizes, economies and aspirations across the US, the report found the region:
- 20th on per capita income, $42,100 compared to first-place Austin at $60,900
- 19th on gross domestic product per capita, $6,400 compared to just over twice that for first-place San Francisco
- 18th on educational attainment, with 47% of the population completing a higher education program. The top three regions topped 60%
- 17th on population growth, with 0.2% gain compared to up to 3% elsewhere.
The state also ranked 19th in labor force participation rate, with about 63% of eligible workers holding or seeking jobs. The rate tops 70% in Denver, Austin and Nashville, the report notes. “This is a terrible, terrible number,” Baruah said of the regional rate.