Missouri Business Increase
Beats U.S. Average
The number of businesses in
Missouri increased by 3,570, or 2.4 percent, from 2003-2004,
according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This increase was higher than
the national average and exceeded the percentage change of all of
Missouri’s bordering states, including Illinois.
St. Clair and Butler counties experienced the largest percentage
increase of any Missouri counties with a 16.7 and 12.1 percent
increase, respectively.
The largest numerical increase
in business establishments occurred in metropolitan areas, with St.
Charles County adding 382 businesses, Jackson County 341 and St.
Louis County 318 business establishments.
Washington and Reynolds counties had the largest decrease in
business establishments from 2003-04. Washington County had a
decrease of 108 businesses, Reynolds County 62.
Among bordering states, Missouri trailed only Illinois in the
numerical increase of business establishments from 2003-04. Illinois
had an increase of 4,140 business establishments. Kansas, Nebraska
and Iowa all had increases of under 1,000 businesses -- Iowa
experienced an increase of only 487 businesses, or 0.6 percent.
