Business expansions and corporate investment projects have earned Galesburg a new title – a Top Micropolitan community.
Galesburg logged four qualifying corporate facility projects to earn the titled, including expansions from Thrushwood Farms Quality Meats, Western Smokehouse, The Delong Co., and Burcon Nutrascience.
So it tied for 25th place nationally in Site Selection magazine’s Top Micropolitan list, released this week.
More than 500 micropolitan areas nationwide are eligible for consideration in the rankings.
To qualify, a project must meet at least one of Site Selection’s minimum thresholds: a $1 million capital investment, the creation of 20 new jobs, or 20,000 square feet of new or expanded facility space.
“Galesburg’s ascent from an unranked micropolitan in 2024 to a top-25 national tie in 2025 illustrates the impact of modernized, constructive collaboration with business partners and strategic investment in the infrastructure and workforce required to attract and retain industry,” Schwartzman said. “We are proud to have not only ranked 25th nationally, but also tied for 1st in Illinois.”
Ken Springer, president of the Knox County Partnership for Economic Development, said it’s “gratifying” to see Galesburg recognized as a top micropolitan area after several years of strong development activity.
“This ranking will help us further make the case to businesses and housing developers outside of the region that our community is on a pathway of growth and has good momentum,” Springer said.
The Galesburg micropolitan area is one of 542 micropolitan areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Illinois ranked second nationally for total corporate expansion and relocation projects and Chicago placed first among U.S. metros in Site Selection’s 2025 business facilities rankings, which count qualifying projects recorded in 2024.
Tri States Public Radio produced this story. TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.
