This income metric can provide insight into a region’s economic equality. Shrinking the racial gap in household income would strengthen families and the economy by bolstering consumer spending and driving an increase in GDP.

Home ownership is a widely available and effective way to build household wealth and prosperity. Closing the racial home ownership gap allows more St. Louisans to build equity to pay for education or start a business.

An educated workforce supports local business growth and is key to global competetiveness. Educational attainment is correlated with earning potential, while equity is critical to building a strong workforce.

Businesses make expansion and location decisions based on access to talent. Good employment opportunities can draw and retain people in the region. An inclusive labor force strengthens households, communities, and businesses.

A region’s cost of living has a broad impact on quality of neighborhoods, housing, and economic opportunities. Our competitive cost-of-living is attractive to businesses looking to relocate or expand in St. Louis.

Talent is attracted to great places to live. The quality of community reflects the degree to which a community is thriving based on investment in and abundance of arts, culture, greenspace, and neighborhood amenities.

Reasonable commuting time can bolster employee satisfaction and reduce turnover. Communities benefit when roads are not conjested and public transit is easily accessible and reliable.

Air traffic provides insight into the accessibility and connectivity of the region to national and global hubs, which enables economic growth, tourism, and business attraction and growth.

Transport of goods to, from, and through the MSA indicates the connectivity of the region’s logistics network and volume of trade.

Broadband is essential infrastructure that delivers economic benefits to individuals and communities. Internet access and affordability enables social connectivity, workforce participation, and economic opportunity.

Jobs are the pulse of a thriving community. Job growth is a primary tool for measuring economic health. The following views address jobs growth by county and employees, annual wages, and job growth by industry.

St. Louis’ ability to support new small and medium sized business formation and sustain these businesses is fundamental to a vibrant economy.

Research and innovation are key to metro success in high tech industries. We track U.S. federal government Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards and patents granted.

Thriving commercial markets are a key element of a community’s business environment. Available quality office, industrial, and retail space with competitive rental rates help attract and retain regional employers.

Homicide is our top regional crime problem. Along with a tragic loss of life, violence impacts business and talent relocation decisions. Reducing violent crime is critical to save lives and advance inclusive economic growth.