The Southwestern Illinois region offers a unique mix of strategic location, workforce strength, and community character, making it one of the Midwest’s most fitting locations for investment and quality of life.
Here, opportunity isn’t a promise. It’s a pattern. Spanning nine counties and home to more than 700,000 residents, the Southwestern Illinois region is directly across the Mississippi River from the St. Louis Gateway Arch, placing it at the heart of a thriving 2.8 million-person bi-state metropolitan area.
With a central U.S. location, multimodal infrastructure, and access to global markets, Southwestern Illinois stands at the intersection of industry and innovation, where logistics, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and defense converge.
Economic momentum meets everyday livability in Southwestern Illinois. With nationally ranked schools, available affordable housing, and ample green space, Southwestern Illinois is the kind of place where families plant roots and businesses build legacies.
Located in St. Clair County, Scott Air Force Base is one of the most critical military installations in the nation and a cornerstone of Southwestern Illinois’ economy and identity. Home to more than 316,000 active-duty personnel, civilians, and contractors, the base supports major national commands, including U.S. Transportation Command, Air Mobility Command, the 618th Air and Space Operations Center, and the Air Force Cyberspace Capabilities Center, making it a hub for logistics, cybersecurity, and global operations.
Beyond its military significance, Scott AFB generates an annual economic impact of over $12.9 billion, supporting a broad network of businesses, schools, and communities across the region. The base is also a steady source of highly skilled veteran talent, with many transitioning into local careers in tech, defense, healthcare, and logistics, further strengthening the region’s workforce and positioning Southwestern Illinois as a leader in defense-sector innovation.