Employers in Washington County benefit from access to a labor shed of more than 163,000 workers within a 50-mile radius, approaching the national average level. Locally, K-12 and postsecondary educators are committed to building a strong local workforce which is how we have achieved and maintain certification as a Work Ready Community.

Washington County is home to both community banks and national financial institutions. Business owners can depend on exceptional customer service and partnerships to access working capital through small business loans, federal seed funding and personal access to regional banks. Washington County also enjoys financial health in local government and is making forward progress year over year. See our Industrial Park Incentives page to learn more about funding opportunities and cost-saving incentives for your business.

Washington County boasts a diverse overall business environment, spanning industry in many sectors. We are home to world-class manufacturers like Purcell Tire and Rubber Company, Red Wing Shoe Company, Buckman Laboratories, Midwest Textiles & Supplies, LaRue Water and more. Our healthcare sector is expanding through Great Mines Health Center and the Washington County Memorial Hospital and our health coalition. Fortune 500 companies like Walmart, Dollar General, Brightspeed, American Family Insurance, AutoZone, Casey’s General Stores and Ameren Corporation, just to name a few, have all invested here. We have logging and timber companies, quarries, lumberyards, machine shops, automotive repair, contracting companies, wineries, agriculture, antique stores, restaurants, retail boutiques and more. Learn more about the Washington County Target Sectors here.

Our  Missouri-certified industrial park boasts plenty of room to grow with shovel ready sites. Located within both an Opportunity Zone and an Enhanced Enterprise Zone, we currently have over 80 certified acres with all utilities in place, including fiber for fast broadband service. The south park has an additional 140 acres easily accessible with quick zoning and permitting. Our centrality places us within a day’s drive of 127 million consumers, with easy access to Interstates 55 and 44 and US Highway 67 without the traffic congestion of urban locations. Washington County Airport (8WC) is located within 1 mile from the industrial park and is utilized by local business owners, elected officials, and the Missouri Highway Patrol.

Various private and public entities work closely with us to support and multiply our economic development efforts. We are continually growing our network to ensure best practices, improve the quality of life in our area, advance workforce training and seize opportunities for grant funding. Mineral Area College and the MO One Start Program is only 15 miles away to serve our businesses and upskill workers.

According to the United State Census Bureau, Washington County is home to over 23,000 residents.