Welcome to the Ozarks

Welcome to the Ozarks region in southwest Missouri. Our strong commitment to regional cooperation adds exceptional value to our business climate. Our cooperative relationship among community and business leaders makes it easy to see why the future of your business is here.

The Ozarks is second to none when it comes to the cost of doing business. The southwest Missouri labor force, known for its outstanding work ethic and productivity, is growing at an incredible rate. The Ozarks labor force has grown 2.6% annually since 1990.

Not only is the labor force rapidly growing, it is a skilled and trained workforce. This success is a direct result of the region's emphasis on quality education and training. The percentage of the workforce with at least a high school education ranks well above the national average, and more than 46,500 students are enrolled in higher education institutions. The 18 area colleges and technical schools provide the quality resources that allow your employees to make the difference in your bottom line.

In the Ozarks region, you are near the U.S. geographic and population centers, putting your business within 500 miles of 43% of the U.S. population, 41% of the total U.S. effective buying income, 39% of the total U.S. retail sales, 44% of the total U.S. wholesale trade, 44% of the total U.S. manufacturing, and 41% of the total U.S. service industry. Our central location is supported by a high-quality multi-modal transportation system to access these markets.

The cost of living in the Ozarks is among the lowest in the nation - about 8 to 10 percent below the national average. Low costs for utilities and taxes are consistently cited as one of the top reasons why businesses have located here.

Labor, location, and low costs — three reasons why you should reduce your cost of doing business. But what sets us apart is a quality of life like no other. The great outdoors can be enjoyed year-round in this mild climate, which offers the delights of four seasons without the extreme heat or cold. With a balance of natural beauty, lakes, rivers, history, culture, small towns and the amenities of a metropolitan area, the Ozarks is a perfect place to grow your business and raise your family. No matter what you like to do, you'll encounter friendly people who will help you feel right at home.

Yes, we've got it all. The future of your business is here. Contact us to discuss your next business location decision.

Quick Facts

  • The region forms the core of Springfield's area of economic influence that reaches 27 counties and 936,502 people.
  • The Ozarks regional workforce has grown more than 2.6% annually since 1990.
  • The area unemployment rate has been below 5% for over ten years.
  • The region's average annual growth rate is 2.6%.
  • Annual retail sales in the region have been over $8.5 billion and well over $6 billion for the Springfield metro area.
  • Approximately 92% of all area employers have fewer than 25 employees.
  • The health care industry employs 22,500 people in the region and the manufacturing sector employs nearly 27,000 people.
  • There are nearly 46,500 students enrolled in the 18 higher education institutions in the region. 
  • 2.2 million visitors stay over night in Springfield each year and over 7.3 million annual visitors tour the Branson area.
  • Well-known companies operating in the region include:  Bass Pro Shops (headquarters), Jack Henry, Kraft Foods, MCI Worldcom, O'Reilly Auto Parts (headquarters), Silver Dollar City, 3M, Tracker Marine, Tyson Foods, JP Morgan Chase, Pennington Seed, EFCO Corporation, Northrop Grumman St. Louis Cardinals (Double-A Springfield Cardinals), and many other quality employers.