Akron has a population of 207,934 estimated residents. Twenty‐one percent of Akron residents live in poverty, according to the Census Bureau, but put in perspective, that number is better than all but two measured metros in the state, Columbus (at 20.7%) and Parma (at 7.6%).

To counter population loss and brain drain, the City of Akron continues to work with the Akron Chamber of Commerce on initiatives to attract and retain talent in the region. Akron is working hard to develop a new regional economy focused on medicine, technology, education and innovation. After two years of planning, The City of Akron in partnership with OneCommunity is beginning the build out of a wireless network that will serve between 80,000 and 90,000 Akron residents and over 30,000 downtown workers. Connect Akron focuses on closing digital divide and finding the opportunities and applications to shape Akron's future. Visit the Connect Akron website for updates on the project.

Although Akron is no longer the manufacturing center for the tire industry, it has maintained a prominent position in the plastics and rubber industry. There are now 1,400 polymer‐related companies in the region with total revenues of about $50 billion.Construction, finance, and manufacturing will be the cause of the slow growth. Leading the area out of recession will be education and health services and a rebounded construction industry. The construction industry will rebound in 2011 after the current housing crisis is over and inventories normalize. Retail trade is expected to see no job growth over the next five years.