The original item was published from September 23, 2021 10:27 AM to September 23, 2021 10:28 AM
A year ago, I provided an update on St. Charles County’s economy during the pandemic. I had good news then, and I have good news now: Our county remains strong, and growth continues. Here’s where we stand.
Our increased population is even more outstanding considering more than half the nation’s 3,143 counties or equivalents lost population from 2010-2020. According to the report “Population Trends in Missouri and its Regions,” author Dr. Mark C. White of the University of Missouri Extension says St. Charles County is currently Missouri’s third-largest county and it has gained over 44,000 people since 2010 – more net new residents than any other county in the state.
In case you missed it, check out this article in the County’s August e-Connection to learn more about the Census data and results.
Amazon is officially the largest employer in St. Charles County with more than 6,100 full-time workers at their fulfillment center in St. Peters, and they opened a new, 142,670 sq. ft. “Last Mile Delivery” facility in Premier 370 this summer. Other notable business development includes expansions of TSI Global and a new headquarters for JBloom Designs.
- Earlier this year, the Hoffman Family of Companies announced a $100 million investment in Historic Missouri Wine Country in St. Charles County with the goal to put the area on par with Napa Valley. The company’s portfolio in the Augusta area includes more than 950 acres, six vineyards, four wineries, the former Emmaus Homes campus, a charter bus company, and a luxury yacht to cruise the Missouri River. Long-term plans include developing a 12-hole championship golf course, luxury hotel, and more.
- St. Charles County maintains the lowest unemployment rate in the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of July 2021, it was at 3.2 percent.
- For the sixth consecutive time, the City of St. Peters was named to Money Magazine’s 2021 Best Places to Live in the U.S. It is ranked 22nd in the nation and is the only Missouri city in the top 50 this year.
I would also like to recognize these recent accomplishments of St. Charles County Government that strengthen our workforce and community:
- In the spring, St. Charles County Parks’ Youth Activity Park in Dardenne Prairie was renamed Kinetic Park with major improvements expected to be completed in 2022 that will make it an even more sought-after destination in the region. This summer, the park hosted the area’s first Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier, with 77 competitors and close to 1,000 spectators. The Parks Department expects to have 4,000,000 visitors to St. Charles County parks again this year.
- The St. Charles County Highway Department opened new ramps at Heritage Crossing and Route 364 in August—ahead of schedule and much to the delight of residents and businesses in the area. The new ramps make travel easier and Route 364 more accessible.
Finally, I’d like to thank the residents of St. Charles County for shopping local and supporting their neighbors and community. It’s an understatement to say the past two years have been rough, but YOU have made St. Charles County stronger.