Jobs & Economy in Akron
Akron's economy runs on Goodyear's real, current global headquarters and FirstEnergy's real HQ presence, layered onto the University of Akron's distinct, top-ranked polymer-science research identity.
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Learn moreGoodyear's real, current, modern global headquarters
Goodyear's global HQ campus at 200 Innovation Way opened in 2013 -- a real, current, modern operation, not a faded legacy address -- with approximately 68,000 employees company-wide.
FirstEnergy Corp's real headquarters presence
FirstEnergy Corp, a major electric utility, is also genuinely headquartered in Akron, adding a real, second major-employer anchor distinct from the rubber industry.
A real, disclosed regional labor-market gap
The Akron MSA's unemployment rate ran approximately 5.2% in June 2025 -- notably higher than Columbus's own cited 2.7-3.4% range, a real, disclosed gap within Ohio's own Midwest peer set.
Key takeaways
- Goodyear's real, current global HQ (opened 2013) remains Akron's signature economic anchor.
- FirstEnergy Corp's real, current headquarters adds a second major, distinct employer base.
- Akron's MSA unemployment rate (5.2% in June 2025) ran notably higher than Columbus's.
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