Where Innovation Meets Opportunity
Anchoring one of America’s most dynamic metro areas, KC is where bold ideas, inclusive growth, and strategic investment meet in the heart of the nation.
Affordable Cultural Powerhouse
A top startup scene, strong workforce, myriad cultural amenities and low cost of living make Kansas City a compelling destination.
Top 20 for startups
Nationally ranked for startup activity (Kauffman Index), and already home to Meta, Google, Hart, and more.
1 Million Strong
A workforce with <4% unemployment and 2,000+ new high-pay jobs added in 2024—a deep, currently competitive talent pool.
2.2 Million & $138B+ GDP
A high-output metro market—Missouri’s largest city with 2.2M+ people and $138B+ in GDP. Room to grow, scale, and sell.
High Value, Low Burn
9% lower cost of living and affordable housing (~$250K–$300K median) help extend runway and keep salaries competitive.
Top 25 in Affordability
KC consistently ranks among the nation’s most affordable cities—for founders, teams, and future hires.
UNESCO
Creative City
A global music designation adds cultural cred, brand gravity, and lifestyle pull for creative talent.
Industrial Strength
Diverse industries increase Kansas City’s economic resilience and provide varied career opportunities.
Logistics & Distribution
Kansas City's central location makes it a focal point for the movement and distribution of goods, with 102k+ employees in this sector. The region is experiencing one of the largest industrial booms in its history.
KC’s central location in the U.S. offers 4 major interstates, extensive rail connectivity, and easy access to a new single-terminal airport.
Kansas City is a Top 15 U.S. industrial hub in terms of warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing space.
Tech & Innovation
The tech sector in Kansas City is growing faster than the national average, now contributing nearly 10% to the regional economy and employing one in every ten local workers.
Known as the pilot city for Google Fiber, KC has built a reputation for innovation, while programs like LaunchKC and the Tech Venture Studio continue to accelerate startups and strengthen the region’s position as a leading hub for entrepreneurship.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
At the center of the Animal Health Corridor and home to world-class research hospitals, Kansas City is a global leader in both human and animal health.
The region is home to major hospitals such as Children’s Mercy, Saint Luke’s, and Truman Medical Centers, as well as renowned research institutions like the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, all of which contribute to KC’s reputation as a hub for groundbreaking medical and animal health innovation.
Advanced Manufacturing
From aerospace to electric vehicles, Kansas City’s manufacturing backbone powers global industries with a strong presence of automakers, aerospace suppliers, and industrial manufacturers operating plants throughout the region.
The sector continues to expand, bolstered by EDCKC’s land development programs that revitalize underutilized industrial spaces and support long-term growth.
Our announcement today is a testament to the resources, talent and welcoming spirit of the Kansas City community. Together, Kansas City and Google will help power America’s digital future and we are excited to contribute to the bright future of the region.
Monique Picou
Global
Vice President of Cloud Supply Chain and Operations, Google
Talent & Workforce
A Workforce That Builds What's Next
A robust, regional talent pool ensures that new and expanding businesses in Kansas City have ample access to skilled employees—fueling innovation, job creation, and upward mobility.
Talent Pipeline at Every Stage
Kansas City’s labor force is more than 1 million strong, drawing from both urban and suburban communities. It includes a dynamic mix of professionals across finance, tech, logistics, healthcare, and creative industries.
To keep that momentum growing, KC supports education and career development at every level. From STEM programs in K–12 to technical training centers and world-class universities, the region invests early and often in preparing its people to power tomorrow’s economy.
Higher Education That Delivers
The Kansas City metro is home to several top-tier institutions, including the University of Missouri–Kansas City, Rockhurst University, Park University, and Metropolitan Community College. Just beyond the city limits, within a two-hour drive, are the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and the University of Missouri–Columbia. Collectively, these schools enroll more than 140,000 students each year and graduate over 31,000 individuals ready to step into the workforce.
Connected for Success
Strong partnerships between schools, employers, and community organizations help translate education into opportunity. Through mentorship, work-based learning, and targeted industry programs—especially in healthcare and STEM—KC is actively building the talent pipelines businesses need most.
Ready to explore all that Kansas City has to offer?
Unlock your business's potential in Kansas City, where innovation meets opportunity. Join us and thrive in a community designed for growth.
Location & Infrastructure
A centrally located, logistically unmatched powerhouse.
With a central U.S. location, award-winning new airport terminal, and convenient transit options, KC is ideal for business.
Kansas City has long been a hub for domestic and international transportation, logistics and warehouse distribution companies because of abundant real estate availability and land, low operating costs and an affordable and efficient utility infrastructure.
Kansas City’s growing economy, geographic location, business-friendly environment, low tax rate and developed and evolving infrastructure make KC an attractive location for companies looking to expand or relocate.
Centrally Located
Within a two-day drive of 85% of the U.S. population; strategically positioned at the intersection of I-35, I-70, I-29, and I-49.
SubTropolis & Industrial Strength
Home to 5 Class 1 Railroads and the largest rail center in the U.S. by tonnage—stretching coast to coast and into Canada and Mexico.
Rail Superhub
Home to 5 Class 1 Railroads and the largest rail center in the U.S. by tonnage—stretching coast to coast and into Canada and Mexico.
Highway Infrastructure Leader
More freeway lane miles per capita than any U.S. city, enabling efficient regional and national distribution.
Air Cargo Powerhouse
Home to 5 Class 1 Railroads and the largest rail center in the U.S. by tonnage—stretching coast to coast and into Canada and Mexico.
Smart Growth & Urban Mobility
KC Streetcar recognized nationally for spurring $4B+ in development since 2016; symbol of forward-thinking transit and revitalization.
The new terminal and our experience proved that Kansas City is a metropolitan area investing in its future, and we are proud to be a part of the new airport community
Stephen Buscher
Eastern Airlines Chief Financial Officer
Affordability & Quality of Life
Big City Culture. Small Town Costs.
From world-class arts and sports to unique neighborhoods and green spaces, KC’s quality of life is a significant draw for talent and visitors, fostering an environment where businesses can thrive.
Affordability
~9% below U.S. average, abundant cultural amenities, and top-ranked sports teams deliver big-city perks at a lower cost. U.S. News & World Report named Kansas City in the Top 25 Best Affordable Places to Live.
Vibrant Arts & Culinary Scene
Kansas City has more than 65 performing arts groups, the Crossroads Arts District and is home to both the extraordinary Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The Paris of the Plains serves up handcrafted cocktails, craft beer and music all over the city.
Professional Sports
Take it from the loudest fans in the country, KC is a sports town. We’re home to the Championship-winning Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Royals (MLB), KC Current (NWSL), Sporting KC (NSL), and soon hosting matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Let's Connect in the City of Fountains
EDCKC ensures that Kansas City, Missouri’s economic growth is strategic, inclusive, and aligned with the city’s long-term vision, resulting in more jobs, a stronger tax base, and prosperous neighborhoods.