At a Glance

Businesses large and small have discovered a welcoming climate, featuring a low cost of doing business, a strong work ethic, an abundance of educational and training resources, ease of transportation and a high-quality, low-cost lifestyle. Plus, there’s a team of experts determined to help you find the perfect place to grow your business. Right here at the CORE.

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Facts about the region, at a glance:

Demographics

  • Population of the CORE region is 326,094
  • Median household income in CORE counties range up to $52,468, which is 16% higher than statewide median income.
  • In CORE’s largest county, 45% of adults have at least a bachelor’s degree.
  • Solid Midwestern work ethic.

Economics

  • CORE’s largest county grew by 20 percent in the first decade of the century.
  • Missouri has the 8th lowest cost of living in the U.S. – 91.66
  • Our region is ranked as one of the 15 lowest business cost areas nationwide (Forbes, “Best Small Places” 2008).

Education

  • 12 colleges & universities in the CORE region enroll more than 69,000 students.
  • High school graduation rate and ACT scores exceed U.S. averages.

Geographics

  • Located centrally in the United States
  • Strategically situated halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City.
  • Within 500 miles of 43 percent of the U.S. population.