The Facts Ray County is carved out by the Missouri River to the south and Clay County and the Kansas City area to the west. It is a family oriented region with many small and family owned farms. Roughly 80% of the residents own their homes, enjoying the country lifestyle and easy commute to the Kansas City area. Richmond is the county seat and largest city, with the county's main Missouri highways funneling through to provide quick access to its borders.
Opportunity Businesses have been developing here due to its low cost of labor, building materials, land and Ray County's focus on highway expansion. The Ray County Industrial Development Corp. is succeeding in its campaign to entice businesses to the area. Orbseal Inc., Pacific Apoxy,Wal-Mart, Hunt Midwest/Green Quarries and other companies are growing strong in the area and continue to expand.
The county estimates a 15% growth rate over the next 10 years. Richmond's Department of Economic Development assists new and existing businesses through a variety of federal, state and local incentives, including low-interest loans, tax credits and grants.
Infrastructure Though no U.S. highways or interstates run through Ray County, the administration has made a priority of its thoroughfares Missouri 10, 13 and 210. These highways provide quick access to Interstates 29, 35, 70 and 435 in less than 30 minutes. A bridge spanning the Missouri River is being built to provide a stronger connection to Lexington, Mo., and U.S. 24 and Interstate 70. Kansas City International is 44 miles to the west.
Living Suburban and rural lifestyles promise a low cost of living, and the county abounds with a wide range of new and turn-of-the-century homes. Since 1990, total personal income has risen 60.2% and per-capita income is up 48.4%.
New home prices average $91,000 for the county and $108,000 in Richmond, with residential costs at 80 cents per square foot. Richmond has been declared the Mushroom Capital of the World; the Mushroom Festival/Ray County Fair brings that sentiment to life.
Ambitions Ray County has thrown its weigh into such developments as the new 210 and 13 Highway expansion projects and appreciates the need for solid transportation network.
The county government is proud of how far it has gone and the highly educated professionals, parental involvement, community support and first-class facilities that Ray County is becoming known for. Local and county governments have seen where they want to go and are prepared to get businesses expanding in the area and making a profit.
