With the highest job growth of the 25 largest metropolitan areas last year, Philadelphia’s economy ranks among the strongest in the nation for the first time in generations, writes Mark Zandi for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The city’s economy outpaced thriving Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix. This economic momentum is reflected in several major development projects that ae currently underway across the region, including the redevelopment of the old Southwest Philadelphia oil refinery, stadium-area transformations, as well as multiple projects at Penn’s Landing, Center City, and the Science Center, respectively.
Another factor highlighting Philadelphia’s economic strength is the nationwide difficulty in creating jobs, partly caused by the current administration’s tariffs, which have made many businesses cautious and slowed hiring, leaving job growth at a standstill.
Meanwhile, strong education and healthcare sectors fueled Philadelphia’s economy, as they remain the only areas still expanding their employment.
These factors place Philadelphia at the top of metro areas for job growth, with a 1.2 percent increase in 2025. It is also the only metro area with more than three million residents to report job growth above one percent, while second- and third-ranked Tampa and Phoenix each recorded a 0.9 percent increase.
Read more about the factors that making Philadelphia’s economy so strong in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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