Doing Business
A Region on the Rise
By the Numbers
With a 2.5% rate of GDP growth, St. Louis ranks 16th among the country’s largest metropolitan areas, well ahead of the region’s population ranking of 23.
23
LARGEST
U.S. METRO
2.8
MILLION
METRO POPULATION
$210
BILLION
GDP
1.5
MILLION
WORK FORCE
15 COUNTIES. ONE REGION.
From rolling farmland to vibrant industry, explore the seven counties in Missouri and eight in Illinois that comprise the St. Louis metro’s diverse economy.
OUR WORKFORCE
Skilled up and well-trained, St. Louis’ workforce benefits from our extensive educational market
EDUCATED & READY
Each year, 40 colleges and universities award 24,000 degrees, with 40% of the workforce holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
STEM SAVVY
St. Louis boasts one of the largest STEM workforces in the U.S.; STEM employment here is 6% of total employment.
HIGHLY SKILLED
Forty-thousand students are enrolled annually in our regional two-year, community college, and tech programs.
REASONS TO RELOCATE OR EXPAND
COSTS AND INCENTIVES
Cost-competitive returns on your regional investment.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Make the most of our robust trade, transportation, and warehousing sector
STARTUP ECOSYSTEM
Support, Funding and Space for New Businesses to Thrive
THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE
Whether you’re looking for a sprawling warehouse or a heavy-duty data center, flexible office space or multi-modal harbor access, the Greater St. Louis area offers a wide range of competitively priced real estate options.
HOME BASE FOR BUSINESS
The St. Louis region’s diversified economy helps both corporate headquarters and major business divisions feel at home across a wide range of industries.
15
FORTUNE 1000
HEADQUARTERS
7
FORTUNE 500
HEADQUARTERS
8
FORBES LARGEST
U.S Private companies
OUR REGION’S ENGINES OF GROWTH
Fortune 500 companies and small businesses thrive here.
Food & Beverage
Plant Science
Aerospace
Geospatial
Neuroscience
Pharmaceuticals
Medical Devices
Chemical Manufacturing
Machinery & Equipment
Transportation
Financial & Insurance
Corporate Operations
Photo courtesy of Danforth Plant Science Center
St. Louis Secures New Nonstop Flights to London
British Airways has announced flights between St. Louis Lambert International Airport and London’s Heathrow Airport beginning in April 2026.
Now Open, NGA St. Louis Launches Next Phase of Geospatial Growth
The St. Louis region advances as a national leader, using geospatial technology to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.