International migration fuels modest population growth in Greater Cleveland

The Cleveland metropolitan area grew by about 2,500 people last year, reaching roughly 2.16 million residents, according to new Census data. But the story behind that growth is more complex: more than 5,000 of those gains came from international migration, offsetting population losses from deaths and domestic migration. Where growth is happening Cuyahoga County accounted for the vast majority of international migration, adding around 4,273 people. Other counties saw smaller increases: Lorain: 322 Lake: 267 Medina: 183 Geauga: 6 Ashtabula: 31 Why it matters Joe Cimperman, president and CEO of Global Cleveland, says this population shift is personal. His own parents immigrated to Cleveland, and he now works to help others find homes and opportunities in the region. "You still have a lot of people coming from all over the world. Cleveland, Northeast Ohio is affordable. Cleveland, Northeast Ohio is welcoming. And we've put important things in place that say to people that you are welcome here. You have a home here," Cimperman said. Cimperman says newcomers work in healthcare, manufacturing and even run small businesses on the side. Over the last 15 years, Global Cleveland has seen arrivals from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Congo and Central and South America. "For places like Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Lorain, Medina, Geauga, the more we can continue to grow, even if it's incrementally, by 5,000, at the end of the decade, that's 50,000 people. Why does that matter? That triggers federal funding. That means more support for your child cares, more support for your libraries," he explained. 3News' Kristen Mirand reports: https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/greater-cleveland-population-census-modest-growth-international-migration-cuyahoga-county-partnership-global/95-6dd9eddb-509d-4934-8f54-f097991aeedd At 3News, we’re here to share the stories that matter most to you. Share your ideas, thoughts, concerns and engage in conversations about the communities in which we all call home. Follow 3News on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wkyc.channel3/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wkyc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wkyc3/ Visit our site: https://www.wkyc.com/ And be sure to download our app here: https://wkyc.com/app