KC at work

With surging industries and attractive jobs, KC stands out as a perfect junction of diverse business, top talent and ideal location.

>Paralleling National Trends

Kansas City's range of industries closely reflects the national mix. This diversity keeps KC's market adept, able to flex with the new innovations, as well as challenges like the pandemic.

> Industrial Hotspot

With supply chain efficiency becoming ever-more critical, KC’s strengths as a leading logistics hub — and its accessibility to 85 percent of the U.S. population in two days or less drive time — make it an ideal location for manufacturing and distribution. As the demand for industrial space continues, KC’s central location, low operating costs, logistics infrastructure network and available spec space continue to attract national attention.

> Global Design, Right Here

KC is a global center for the design and build industry, home to more than 1,000 architecture, engineering and construction firms and ranking in the top 10 for concentration of A/E/C jobs nationwide. KC Global Design, a collective of the region’s top design firms and leaders, drives innovation and collaboration within the market.

Kansas City design companies have an international impact, designing 15 percent of the world’s power systems. And if you’re a sports fan, chances are you’ve had a touchpoint with KC — close to half of modern American sports architecture originates in the region.

> The Home of Animal Health

The Animal Health Corridor — stretching from Manhattan, Kansas, to Columbia, Missouri — is the No. 1 area for animal health in the world. Home to more than 300 companies, it comprises 56 percent of total worldwide animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales. In 2022, Scorpion Biological Services chose the Animal Health Corridor for a $650 million biomanufacturing facility, furthering the KC market as a global leader for bioscience and biodefense.

> Advancing Health Care

Known for top-quality care, surgical expertise and cuttingedge research, several regional hospitals rank among the best in the nation. Children’s Mercy’s genomic sequencing system — the most advanced in the world — is transforming the diagnosis of rare diseases. The University of Kansas Health System recently achieved full designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. And Kansas City health tech companies, including Oracle Cerner, WellSky and Netsmart, continue to pioneer advancements in the industry on a global scale.

> A Thriving Hub for Tech

From nimble startups to global enterprises, KC’s technology scene is skyrocketing. Recognized as a “Rising Star” for tech jobs, KC offers both highly-educated talent — 1 in 10 KC workers are employed in tech — and rapid growth of businesses within the industry. Read more about KC’s tech scene on pg. 41. n