The number of residential building permits issued from 1990 to 1999 has increased 122%. This increase can be contributed to many factors, including low interest rates, a healthy economy, the move from coastal states to the Midwest and the quality of life enjoyed in Clay County, Missouri.

The ACCRA Cost of Living Index is a composite index based on six components – grocery items, housing, utilities, transportation, health care and miscellaneous goods and services. Kansas City is consistently among the least expensive medium to larger-sized cities participating in the ACCRA report.

Source: ACCRA – The Association of Applied Community Researchers

Among 57 metropolitan areas with population exceeding one million, Kansas City ranks as the most affordable housing market. Families earning the median family income of $54,200 could afford to purchase 82% of the homes sold in the Kansas City metro area in the third quarter of 1999.

Source: National Association of Home Builders

“Clay County's commitment to ensuring high-quality healthcare to its residents has played a large role in North Kansas City Hospital's success. Business and civic leaders recognize the importance of prevention and early health care intervention through diagnosis and treatment. They also support the life sciences initiative that's evolving in Kansas City today. That initiative helps make our job at North Kansas City Hospital easier. With Clay County communities supporting us, we become a partnership to put the 'health' back in health care. We are proud to call Clay County our home."

Kansas City has consistently ranked below the national average in construction costs. The low cost of materials and competitive wage rates make building in Clay County affordable.

As one of the fastest growing counties in the Midwest, the number of major construction projects in Clay County has increased in almost all areas from 1999 to 2000.