Immigrants are the ‘only reason’ Philly’s population is growing, analysis says

The Philadelphia Inquirer published an article on February 26, 2026, drawing on findings shared in the Economy League’s Leading Indicators analysis, “Immigration as Economic Infrastructure: How Foreign-Born Workers Sustain Philadelphia’s Growth and Key Sectors.” Reporter Jeff Gammage outlines why immigration is central to Philadelphia’s population stability, workforce capacity, and long-run competitiveness.

The analysis shows that foreign-born residents are a primary driver of Philadelphia’s demographic stabilization and a growing share of the workforce—supporting major employers and essential industries, while also contributing substantially to consumer spending and small-business formation. It also underscores the risks Philadelphia faces if legal immigration slows or becomes more uncertain, given the region’s reliance on international talent across healthcare, research, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.

Read the Inquirer coverage and explore the full Leading Indicators report for the data, definitions, and sector-by-sector detail.