Southern Illinois is quietly surpassing many of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas in economic strength and workforce performance, according to a new national report. The 2025 Leading Metro Locations report from Area Development evaluated 949 metropolitan and micropolitan regions across the United States. Several Southern Illinois communities ranked significantly above expectations—and ahead of much larger cities—in key categories such as workforce strength, economic momentum, and cost competitiveness. Micropolitan hubs including Carbondale, Marion–Herrin, and Mt. Vernon were highlighted as examples of smaller markets delivering strong economic results.
Carbondale ranked 67th in economic strength and 74th overall, placing it in the top 10 percent of markets nationwide. The city’s economy is anchored by major employers like Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Southern Illinois Healthcare. The report also notes the contributions of Carbondale’s manufacturing base and retail sector to the regional economy.
The Marion–Herrin micropolitan area ranked 180th in economic strength and 219th overall, putting it in the top 25 percent nationally. Advanced manufacturing continues to play a major role, alongside ongoing logistics expansion. The area’s retail and entertainment growth was noted as well, including Illinois’ first STAR Bond-supported development, which is projected to draw 1.5 million visitors annually and generate over $1 billion in yearly retail sales.
Mt. Vernon ranked 257th nationally for prime workforce strength and 404th overall, placing it in the top third nationwide for workforce performance. Manufacturing companies such as Continental Tire have grown to employ more than 3,500 people in the region. Mt. Vernon’s strategic location at the intersection of Interstates 57 and 64, Class I rail access, industrial parks, and the presence of Mt. Vernon Outland Airport were cited as key advantages.
Both Carbondale and Mt. Vernon’s workforce rankings exceeded those of several major metropolitan areas, including Nashville, Denver, and St. Louis. Although the federal government reclassified the former Carbondale–Marion metropolitan area into two micropolitan areas after the 2020 Census, the report points out that this change does not accurately reflect how the region operates.
The 2025 report highlights a broader national trend: smaller and mid-sized markets are increasingly outperforming large cities in affordability, development speed, and workforce flexibility.