If you’re weary of all the bad news coming from the national and global front lately, take a moment to pause and think of all the encouraging and exciting reasons we have to be thankful we live in St. Charles County. We are once again the fastest growing county in Missouri with a population of more than 406,000 according to the 2020 census, and we’re growing by an average of 6,000 people per year. Our cities make national lists of the Best Places to Live on a regular basis. We are seeing new companies choosing to call St. Charles County home, while current companies are making large investments in their expansion.
As a county, St. Charles is setting the bar for others to follow throughout our state. As examples, for the 13th year in a row we were ranked among the top healthiest counties in Missouri. The median household income in St. Charles County again tops the state at nearly $90,000 a year. We make up more than 6.2 percent of Missouri’s total economy and continue to grow. Yet with all this success and growth, our crime rate remains one of the lowest in the region—even lower than smaller counties surrounding us. For these reasons and many others, it is clear to see St. Charles County is on the right track and showing Missouri the path to success.
Another sign of St. Charles County’s success is the community pride shown across our county. The best example I have seen lately is the emergence of Local 636, a group inspired by their love for St. Charles County to showcase the many amazing stories, people, and things in the 636 area code. And thanks to a partnership with our homegrown small business success brewery, Good News Brewing Company, we even have our very own beer: Hazy IPA!
However, even with all the success we have experienced, we cannot rest. As a region, the St. Louis area is trending in a negative direction, so we must continue to work hard to swim against the current. That means continuing to foster our small business community. Luckily, we have the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County, which for the second year in a row, and third in the past five years, was the largest Small Business Administration (SBA) lender in the St. Louis region. If you have a small business or want to start one, you are blessed to have this amazing resource in your county. From business financing, business counseling, and business incubation, you have the expertise needed to help you create a winning business plan. Small businesses are the backbone of our community. They take the risks and create the opportunities a thriving community needs to remain healthy. When you can shop local, please give them the chance to earn your business.
So, check out Local 636, use the resources available to your business, and take pride in knowing you live in the county that is leading the way for Missouri. Have a great summer exploring St. Charles County and reflect on how blessed we are to live here.