Located at the heart of the nation, Southwestern Illinois offers unmatched transportation access, workforce strength, and economic potential. Just minutes from downtown St. Louis, this region delivers small-town affordability and passion with big-city infrastructure and a world of opportunity.
Ranked #1 Metro Along the Mississippi River Corridor by Site Selection Magazine
$19 Billion in Prominent Industry Clusters
50% of U.S. Buying Power Reachable in One Day’s Drive
Workforce of 273,000+
Home to 30 Major Colleges and Training Centers
Multimodal Transportation: Rail, Road, River, Runways, Pipelines, and Air
Regional GDP of $29 Billion in 2023
2nd Largest Population in Illinois
Southwestern Illinois offers the ideal environment for businesses to grow and thrive with direct access to key markets and industries, a skilled workforce, and collaborative economic leadership.
Southwestern Illinois offers a workforce built for business, fueled by a steady pipeline of talent from more than 30 colleges and training centers in the region. From engineers and healthcare professionals to skilled tradespeople and logistics specialists, graduates and apprentices enter the workforce with hands-on experience and industry-relevant certifications.
The region also benefits from a strong veteran talent pool through Scott Air Force Base and robust apprenticeship and technical training programs. Local workforce organizations and education partners collaborate closely with employers to ensure job readiness and support long-term workforce growth.
Southwestern Illinois offers a strong, resilient economy built on a foundation of innovation, industry, and long-term investment. Widely known for its strengths in manufacturing, logistics, and defense, the region is also home to growing clusters in healthcare, tech, and energy. Additionally, Scott Air Force Base, located in St. Clair County, contributes a $12.9 billion economic impact to Southwestern Illinois, creating nearly 40,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.
Major employers, ranging from Fortune 500 companies, rapidly growing mid-size employers, and innovative startups, benefit from the region’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and business-friendly climate, and Southwestern Illinois is a region on the rise. Explore our economy, industry strengths, key employers, and the latest developments shaping the region’s future.
Whether you're a site selector evaluating your next investment or a family searching for a place to call home, Southwestern Illinois offers the space, support, and momentum to help you grow. Explore the people and partnerships driving our region forward, or get in touch to start your journey.
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