From 1910 to 1920, its population swelled from 69,000 to 210,000. The decline of the rubber industry gave room for the rise of polymer research and today Akron is a leader in that field with 400 polymer-related companies staffed by 35,000 people. The city has one of the largest concentrations of polymer activity in the world. First long distance electric railway in world Inventure Place is world's first transactive science museum Akron continues to offer the resources, accessibility and incentives that keeps its economic base thriving. The community enjoys wide diversity of industrial, commercial, retail and service businesses, with more than 100 Fortune 500 companies located within the Greater Akron area.
Downtown continues to revitalize itself and boasts much renovation and activity.
It just recently became home to the Akron Aeros, an AA minor league team, and has rejuvenated several blocks in the heart of downtown by locating the team's modern showcase stadium there. Many cultural offerings abound downtown, including the 3,000-seat E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall which serves as centerpiece for the Akron Symphony Orchestra and The Ohio Ballet. The Civic Theatre, an ornate theatre built in 1929 and restored to its former elegance. Live theater is abundant with residents able to choose not only between E.J. Thomas and the Civic, but from the Weathervane Community Playhouse, Coach House Theatre, Akron Children's Theatre, and Carousel Dinner Theatre. Akron has always been supportive of education and was the first graded school system in the United States.