As a natural hub for transportation, Kansas City is one of the 50 best cities in the world for global business and ranks among the top ten cities nationally as the best supporter of small business. Boasting one of the nation's most affordable housing markets and an outstanding quality of life, its centralized geographic location makes it ideal for corporate headquarters and distribution operations. Kansas City is the second largest rail hub in the nation with an efficient international airport served by regional and national carriers.
National accolades continue to stream in for Greater Kansas City. In Entrepreneur magazine’s 12th annual "Hottest Cities Report," Kansas City was named the number one place to start and grow a business in the Midwest. Kansas City was named a 5-star Business Opportunity Metro by Expansion Management magazine, and CNN Money magazine ranked Greater Kansas City among the Top 100 Best Places to Live. Overland Park and Olathe in Kansas and Lee's Summit in Missouri ranked in the top 50. Most recently, Kansas City, Missouri, joined the ranks of the top 10 All American Cities.
Population 5,800,310
Total Area 69,709 square miles
Land Area 68,898 square miles
Water Area 811 square miles
Topography Rolling hills, fertile plains and prairie north of Missouri River; hilly with narrow valleys south of the river; southeastern alluvial plain, western low elevations
Highest Point Taum Sauk Mountain at 1,772 feet
Lowest Point St. Francis River at 230 feet
Agriculture Cattle, soybeans, hogs, dairy products, corn, poultry and eggs
Industry Transportation equipment, food processing, chemical products, electric equipment, fabricated metal products
Border States Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee
Capital City Jefferson City
Largest Cities Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Independence, Columbia, Saint Joseph, Lee's Summit, Saint Charles, Saint Peters, Florissant
Area Codes 314, 417, 573, 636, 660, 816
Statehood August 10, 1821
State Bird Western Meadowlark
State Flower Hawthorn
State Song Missouri Waltz
State Tree Flowering Dogwood
State Nickname Show Me State
State Motto The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law