Site Selection Magazine Identifies Leading U.S. Markets for Relocation and Expansion Projects
The Chicago metropolitan area and the state of Texas once again secured their long-held positions as the nation’s leading destinations for corporate real estate investment.
According to newly released data from Site Selection, the Chicago region recorded 606 qualifying relocation and expansion projects in 2025 — the highest total among U.S. metropolitan areas. The achievement marks Chicago’s 13th straight year at the top, improving on the 582 projects counted the previous year.
At the state level, Texas earned the Governor’s Cup for the 14th consecutive year, posting 1,406 qualifying projects in 2025, up from 1,368 in 2024.
The annual rankings, compiled by Site Selection — published by Georgia-based Conway Data — track private-sector projects meeting specific benchmarks: at least $1 million in capital investment, the creation of 20 or more jobs, or facility expansions of 20,000 square feet or greater. While largely symbolic, the recognition provides a competitive advantage for cities and states vying for corporate growth and job creation.
Chicago Leads Among Metros
The Chicago area outpaced Houston, which reported 590 projects, and Dallas, which recorded 410.
Chicago’s continued dominance comes despite several high-profile corporate departures in recent years, including headquarters relocations by Caterpillar, Boeing and Citadel. The Chicago Bears have also explored the possibility of building a new stadium in northwest Indiana.
Still, the region benefits from its central U.S. location, extensive manufacturing and logistics networks, the downtown Loop business district, and the rapidly expanding Fulton Market area. Construction also recently began on a $1.3 billion concourse expansion at O’Hare International Airport.
Among the top job-creating projects in 2025:
- Amazon added 1,200 jobs at distribution centers in Will County.
- Hollywood Casino opened a Joliet location generating 600 jobs.
- Fortune Brands Innovations consolidated Midwest operations in Deerfield, creating approximately 400 positions.
One of the city’s largest announced projects came from Universal Destinations & Experiences, which plans to launch its Universal Horror Unleashed attraction in Chicago’s River West neighborhood, a development expected to bring 400 permanent jobs.
Additional entertainment-related investments included a theatrical production from David Byrne and a $50 million redevelopment of the historic McCormick Mansion led by entrepreneur Glen Tullman.
Texas Extends Statewide Dominance
On a statewide level, Texas significantly outperformed its competitors. Illinois ranked second with 680 projects, followed by Ohio with 467.
Gov. Greg Abbott highlighted that the 2025 projects represent more than $75 billion in capital investment and are expected to generate over 42,000 jobs statewide. With a $2.7 trillion economy, Texas would rank among the world’s largest economies if it were an independent nation.
Major corporate investments across the state included:
- Eli Lilly and Company selecting Houston for a $6.5 billion manufacturing facility.
- Google committing $40 billion toward three new data center campuses across Texas.
- Samsung Electronics, Tesla and Texas Instruments expanding semiconductor and advanced manufacturing operations.
- Southwest Airlines opening a new crew base at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
- Wells Fargo launching a $570 million office campus in Irving, near Dallas, expected to employ more than 4,500 workers.
Houston also stood out after being selected from more than 300 competing cities for Eli Lilly’s major pharmaceutical investment.
Per Capita Recognition
In the per-capita category, North Dakota overtook South Dakota for the top ranking.
Source: Original reporting by Ryan Ori, Candace Carlisle, CoStar News.
