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Where we stand. Where we go next.

The 2026 Buffalo Niagara Prosperity Report benchmarks our region against 12 peer and aspirational metros on workforce, innovation, housing, infrastructure and the industries that drive our economy. It's step one. The plan comes next, and it needs you.

13 regions compared · 10 themes · 10 key industries
BUFFALO VS. 12 PEER METROS
CincinnatiClevelandColumbusIndianapolisLouisvilleMemphisMilwaukeeNashvillePittsburghProvidenceRichmondSalt Lake CityBuffalo Niagararanked on 10 themes
Regions we compete with today and could compete with tomorrow.
The headline numbers

Real strengths. Honest gaps.

#1
in degree completions per capita among 13 regions (11.8 per 1,000 residents)
+141%
semiconductor job growth since 2020, first among peers
−2.4%
change in average wages, 2020–2025, while US wages grew 2.7%
13th
of 13 in business applications per capita (9.2 per 1,000)
Not just another study

An organizing platform for action.

The Prosperity Report is our shared baseline. From here, employers and regional partners will pick a handful of priorities with the most potential to create jobs, spur investment and grow the region, then set goals, name who leads each one and track progress together.

The BNP is the catalyst and the backbone. We can't own every solution, and we shouldn't. This works when business, government, education and community partners pull in the same direction.

1
Done · 2026The Prosperity ReportA data-driven read on where Buffalo Niagara leads, lags and has room to run.
2
Up nextRegional Economic Growth StrategyA handful of priorities, measurable goals and a lead organization for each.
3
OngoingTrack progress, togetherShared measures so the region can see what's moving.
Buffalo vs. 12 peer metros

How we measure up

Talent#1 of 13
11.8
degree completions per 1,000 residents, and first in STEM degrees too
Talent#1 of 13
12.2%
of adults 25–64 hold an associate's degree, well above the US (9.1%)
Transportation#1 of 13
21.5 min
average commute, the shortest in the peer group
Health#1 of 13
8.3%
of adults without a healthcare provider, the lowest among peers
Housing#3 of 13
68.8%
homeownership rate, with rent third-lowest at $1,446 a month
Infrastructure#2 of 13
1.1 hrs
power outage consumer-hours per capita vs. 2.7 nationally
Rank out of 13 (Buffalo plus 12 benchmark metros). Sources as cited in the report: Census Bureau, Lightcast, CDC, Zillow and others.
Who we measured ourselves against
CincinnatiClevelandColumbusIndianapolisLouisvilleMemphisMilwaukeeNashvillePittsburghProvidenceRichmondSalt Lake City

Regions we compete with today and could compete with tomorrow, chosen for similar economic history, industry mix, geography and size.

Industry spotlight

Where Buffalo Niagara is pulling ahead

Semiconductors#1in job growth (+141%) and concentration (LQ 2.25) among all 13 regions.
Clean energy$973KGRP per job, the most productive clean energy workforce in the group. Jobs up 73%.
Food & beverage+25.1%job growth since 2020, second among peers and well above NY and the US.
Advanced manufacturing+11.9%job growth, third of 13 and more than twice the US rate.
The gap to close: information technology ranks 12th of 13 on job growth, productivity and concentration, and advanced business services lost 7.1% of jobs since 2020, last among peers.
A message from our CEO

"By building on our strengths, confronting our challenges honestly, and working together across sectors and ZIP codes, we can create a future marked by greater growth, competitiveness, and prosperity for all who call Buffalo Niagara home."

Grant Loomis, President & CEO, Buffalo Niagara Partnership
Get involved

Help write the region's next chapter.

The Buffalo Niagara Prosperity Initiative is being built by employers and partners across Erie and Niagara counties. Tell us how you want to plug in.

→Bring the findings to your leadership team or board
→Join a working group on a priority area
→Support the initiative as an investor
→Get progress updates as the strategy takes shape
Ready to plug in?

Email the Prosperity Initiative team with your name, your organization and how you want to be involved. We'll follow up personally.

Email us to get involved

Advisory Committee

Committee ChairJessica CoxHighmark
Bill Brandel, Ingram Micro Trina Burruss, United Way of Buffalo and Erie County Betsy Constantine, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Katie Gorman, Delaware North Matthew Hubacher, Invest Buffalo Niagara Jenna Kavanaugh, Invest Buffalo Niagara Kenneth Kujawa, National Grid James Maher, C.M., Niagara University Joyce Markiewicz, Catholic Health Anne McCaffrey, People Inc. Jamarr Myers, Golisano Institute Christina Orsi, Oishei Foundation Peter Petrella, Aleron Group Pat Roche, Moog, Inc. Sarah Tanbakuchi-Ripa, 43N Foundation Tracy Woodrow, M&T
Generous Support Provided by
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
National Grid
Questions about the initiative? Email the Prosperity Initiative team at prosperity@thepartnership.org