Columbus's diversified economy primarily consists of government, trade, banking, insurance, research, data processing, manufacturing telecommunications, education and healthcare. The city is home to more than 70 insurance companies. The city is among the major insurance centers in the nation. Large financial intuitions also significantly contribute to the economy.
Columbus is the corporate headquarters for nationwide companies including Banc One Corporation, Nationwide Insurance, American Electric Power, The Limited, Inc., Consolidated Stores Corporation, Wendy's International, Borden Inc and Ashland Chemicals.
Although manufacturing has declined in Columbus it still contributes to the economy. The primary manufacturing industries are fabricated metal, machinery, food processing, auto parts, telephone components, appliances, coated fabrics and glass.
Due to Columbus being the capital of Ohio, the state of Ohio is the largest employer in the city. The Ohio State University is the second largest employer. The U.S. Government is the city's third largest job provider. The U.S. Government operates the Defense Supply Center that ships a vast number of items on a daily basis to military facilities located all over the world.
The largest job providers in Columbus:
- State of Ohio
- The Ohio State University
- The U.S. Government
- Limited Brands
- Banc One Corporation
- Ohio Health
- Nationwide Insurance
- Safelite Solutions, Inc
- Chase Manhattan Mortgage Company
- Defense Finance & Accounting Service
- Abbot Laboratories
- MWH Americas, Inc
- Mount Carmel Health System Foundation
- Ohio Power Company
- Sterling Commerce
- Expesite
- American Electric Power
- National City Bank
- Citigroup
- Columbus Steel Castings
- Hexion Specialty Chemicals
- Ashland Inc
Noteworthy details regarding Columbus, Ohio: In 2007 the estimated median household income in the city was $42,000. Regarding the adult population, 29% have a bachelor's degree or higher. In 2008 the cost of living index in Columbus was at 82.1 (national average: 100).
Columbus's significant nonagricultural job providing sectors:
- Trade, transportation and utilities
- Government
- Professional and business services
- Education
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Finance
Helpful associations providing assistance to local companies include:
- Columbus Chamber of Commerce
- City of Columbus: Division of Economic Development
- Ohio Economic Development Association
- The Ohio Small Business Association
People interested in what is taking place in the Columbus business community may want to read the daily newspaper the Columbus Dispatch.