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Jackson County is seeing one of the most prosperous periods in its history. Jackson County today can point to a wide range of economic growth, both geographically and in terms of market areas. From dramatic development in the urban core to regionally leading suburbs, Jackson County can boast progress that is drawing attention throughout the Midwest and even nationally. Several factors contribute to this success.  First, Jackson County historically has reflected a healthy economic diversity. Especially in recent years, that relative stability has been overlaid with significant growth resulting from geographic and economic combinations. First is sheer numbers. Communities such as Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit have for decades been among Missouri’s fastest growing communities. With these communities approaching 50,000 and 100,000 population respectively, economic development has begun to follow the rooftops. Jackson County’s biggest hurdles may involve its older areas. “First Ring” suburbs such as Grandview are challenged with older retail areas and other problems, but several steps are under way to overcome these issues. Leading examples include work in Raytown along Highway 350 and potential redevelopment of the former Hoechst Marion Rousell Laboratories campus in south Kansas City. Some of the biggest surprises probably involve the diversity of industries. While hardly seen as a major center for military suppliers, Jackson County has two companies that have recently earned large contracts in that area, the Honeywell Federal Manufacturing and Technologies plant and the Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Co. More typical are thousands of manufacturing jobs that include everything from truck safety lighting to tools, electronic components and aircraft parts. With Jackson County’s centralized location, a number of headquarters and major administrative facilities also are located here. These provide Jackson County residents with opportunities in white-collar jobs that include law, insurance and tax services. While some metro counties may draw more headlines, Jackson County still generates a majority of the region’s employment. Although Jackson County contains 35 percent of the metro area’s population, it provides more than 39 percent of its jobs, and more than half of its top employers. |
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