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Central Region Industrial Labor Report 

The Central Region remains a cornerstone of the U.S. industrial economy, supported by a diverse manufacturing base, strategic transportation infrastructure, and a workforce that continues to serve both traditional production and emerging advanced manufacturing industries. As reshoring, supply chain diversification and domestic investment accelerate, the region is attracting capital across the automotive, aerospace, defense, energy and logistics sectors. While labor availability remains a key consideration, favorable demographics, competitive operating costs and ongoing workforce development initiatives position the Central Region for sustained industrial growth and long-term real estate demand.

Population growth continues to support that demand. The Central Region's 17 metropolitan areas are now home to 57.1 million residents, projected to grow 2.8% over the next five years, 70 basis points (bps) above the 2.1% national rate. Material moving and production employment are projected to increase by 2.8% and 2.1%, respectively, over the same period. The four Texas markets, Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, lead employment growth at an average rate of 6.5%, while Minneapolis, Madison and Kansas City lead the Midwest at an average rate of 3.0%.

The Central Region Industrial Labor Report External Link examines the interplay between the supply and demand for industrial labor in the warehouse and manufacturing sectors, as well as the supply and demand for industrial space.

Key industrial markets covered include:

  • Chicago
  • Cleveland
  • Indianapolis
  • Columbus
  • Louisville
  • Milwaukee
  • Detroit
  • Madison
  • Grand Rapids
  • Austin
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul
  • Dallas 
  • Kansas City
  • Houston
  • St. Louis
  • San Antonio
  • Cincinnati
Looking for a Broader View?
Explore all Industrial Labor Reports across the Americas for regional comparisons and strategic insights.
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Location & Labor Analytics Team

Ben Harris (image)
Benjamin Harris

Head of Industrial Consulting, Americas
Atlanta, United States


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Matthew Niehoff
Matt Niehoff

Director, Consulting
Indianapolis, United States


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Regional Labor Reports

Central_Industrial Labor GWS_C&W_Q3 2026 Webcard
Research

Central Region Industrial Labor Report

Explore the interplay between the supply and demand for industrial labor in the warehouse and manufacturing sectors, as well as the supply and demand for industrial space.
Gregory Rogalla • 9/22/2026
se industrial labor web card.jpg
Article

Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Region Industrial Labor Report

The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Region Industrial Labor Report examines the relationship between industrial labor supply and demand in the warehousing and manufacturing sectors, alongside broader industrial real estate fundamentals across the region.
Christa DiLalo • 5/1/2026
West Industrial Labor GWS_WebCard.jpg
Research

West Region Industrial Labor Report

​​Access the latest West Region Industrial Labor Report to explore demographic trends, wage pressures, and labor dynamics shaping industrial real estate across 16 key Western U.S. markets.​
Jolanta Campion • 12/17/2025

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