Local economists have forecasted that Toledo's population will grow at a rate of more than 2 percent between 2000 and 2015. They're also drawn to Toledo's extremely affordable housing and a cost of living that ranks below the national average. And despite the city's continued growth, Toledo's average commute time stands at under 19 minutes. The affordability of local housing, in addition to the wealth of local businesses, gives graduates plenty of reason to stay in Toledo. Automotive parts and production rank closely behind.
Local businesses rely quite heavily on graduates from a wealth of local educational institutions.
In addition, these business tap into the resources of local universities to provide their employees with ongoing training. Toledo has led the state in per capita income growth for several consecutive years. Thirty-three colleges and universities are located within an hour's drive of Toledo, giving local business a resource of nearly 200,000 graduates. These same educational institutions have also brought a diversity of cultural offerings to Toledo. In addition the annual lineup of theater productions, dance and symphony performances and lectures offered by local universities, Toledo has demonstrated a strong commitment to the arts far beyond the academic arena.