Missouri’s industries include advanced manufacturing, biosciences, energy solutions, financial and professional services, health science, and information technology. Transportation/logistics is one of the state’s strongest sectors, and it has a marked impact on the rest of the state’s business.
Located at the confluence of the two largest river systems in North America (the Missouri and Mississippi rivers), Missouri is able to offer international companies low-cost shipping year-round via the Gulf of Mexico. The state’s rail assets are likewise economical, with two of the largest U.S. terminals offering access to both the East and West coasts. Missouri’s seventh-ranked highway system and two international airports — Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and Kansas City International — round out the transportation picture and make the state an optimal location for manufacturing and distribution.
More than six million people call Missouri home, making it one of the most populous states in the American Midwest, and its workforce is one of the most valuable. Missouri graduates more high school students than 42 other states, and the state’s average wage is 10 percent below the national average.
Several foreign-owned companies with significant footprints in Missouri are already taking advantage of the state’s business assets. Like their American counterparts, these companies find Missouri to be a safe investment based on its economic diversity and long-held AAA bond ratings. Companies working in the pharmaceutical, animal health, information technology, and automotive sectors have been among those to recently announce expansions in the state. They join companies like Kawasaki, GKN, and BioMerieux, already in Missouri.
Business leaders are often surprised by Missouri’s beauty and cultural offerings. The state has over 50 state parks and 2,000 miles of lakeshore, providing a wide range of options for outdoor adventure. Cultural entertainment also abounds with live theatre companies and world-class symphonies. Major league sports are a huge draw for Missouri residents and visitors alike.
A true midwestern state, Missouri shares the climactic attributes of all four corners of the country, but does not experience the extremes of any. Missouri’s cost of living is also comfortable, ranking 11th-lowest in the U.S. by CNBC.
