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As with most of Missouri, Jackson County benefits from a low cost of living and an overall healthy average income. Although not extreme in either case, the combination provides an excellent climate for both residents and businesses. In the fourth quarter of 2005, Missouri had the sixth lowest cost of living in the United States, as surveyed by ACCRA. Missouri’s composite cost of living for the fourth quarter 2005 was 89.9, down from 90.2 in the third quarter, while the U.S. average is 100. Even in this very affordable state, Jackson County stands out, especially in housing. Jackson County’s largest city, Kansas City, tallied a 94.2 composite cost-of-living index in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to 94.3 for St. Louis. Compared to cities such as Denver, Minneapolis or Chicago, communities in Jackson County offer a significantly lower cost of living. Household and per capita income figures are equally positive. Jackson County’s average per capita income of $32,413 ranks it among the 10th highest in Missouri, although relatively modest growth from the previous year of 4.1 percent was average. The median income for a household in the county is $42,066.
 In terms of payroll, Jackson County’s average hourly wage was $19.27 per hour or $40,088 per year. Those figures compare favorably to statewide averages of $16.61 and $34,548 respectively. Jackson County’s population of more than 663,000 has seen steady growth of about 1.2 percent over the past five years. That figure is somewhat misleading, however, because the six largest communities in eastern Jackson County combine for nearly 350,000 people, more than half of the county as a whole. Census statistics show eastern Jackson County’s household growth is well above Jackson County overall. The area’s census figures also portray a family emphasis. Of the approximately 270,000 households in Jackson County, nearly one-third have children under the age of 18 living with them. The median age is 35 years.
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