LEE’S SUMMIT
Advantage 2012
The Lee’s Summit Advantage
Part I: Lee’s Summit – A National Comparison
The first part of the document compares Lee’s Summit to 15 metro areas around the country that are notable because of their economic vitality and their high quality of life. The data in this section includes the following measures: • Demographics
• Growth Indicators
• Labor Force Characteristics • Quality of Life
Part II: Lee’s Summit – A Leader in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area
The second part of this document is a comparative statistical profile of the City of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and its surrounding communities.
It provides information on:
• Population Growth and Demographic Characteristics
• Household Characteristics • Household Lifestyle “Clusters” • Labor Force Characteristics • Employment Estimates • Non-residential Development
• Residential Development and Housing Costs
• Education
The purpose of this portion of the profile is to inform current and potential Lee’s Summit businesses and residents
about the city and the region. The profile compares Lee’s Summit to Independence; Eastern Jackson County, MO; the Northland, MO area (which is comprised of Clay and Platte Counties); Johnson County, KS and the Kansas City metro area, in order to put the data in a regional context.
There is a significant amount of data presented in this document. Most of the key statistical information is summa-rized in descriptive text, but the reader should rely on the tables, charts and maps to get a complete picture of the city and its economic environment.
The Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council’s (LSEDC) website www.leessummit.org contains additional information on many aspects of the community.
Welcome to the 2012 edition of The Lee’s Summit Advantage. This two-part profile details the advantages of Lee’s Summit as a place to live and do business.
Part I: Lee’s Summit – A National Comparison
Introduction to National
Comparative Locations
The objective of this portion of the profile is to present Lee’s Summit in comparison to metro areas across the country that are being recognized for their economic growth, career opportu-nities and high quality of life. All of the metro areas included in this comparison ranked among the top areas in one or more of the following publications:
Forbes Best Places for Business and Careers, America’s 50 Best Cities by Bloomberg-Business Week, and the
Milken Institute’s Best Performing Cities. In addition, Johnson County, KS was included in this comparison because of its leading role in fueling growth in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Methodology
Since many of the metro areas in the comparison are substantially larger than Lee’s Summit, all of the comparisons have been normalized to account for dif-ferences in size. For example, data can be compared in terms of growth rates or on per capita basis.
Below, please find a brief descrip-tion of these highly desirable, quality-of-life oriented communities. While their name recognition may be high, Lee’s Summit shares many quantifiable, enviable similarities with them:
Austin, TX is at the heart of a dynamic five-county region recognized for its talented workforce, superior business environment and career advancement opportunities. Austin’s well-educated workforce, overall low business costs and available, affordable commercial space offer opportunity for business growth. Forbes magazine ranked Austin in the top ten of their 2011 “Best Places for Business and Careers,” and the Milken Institute named Austin as one of its “Top Performing Cities” in 2010.
Boulder, COis not only a renowned tourist destination with a highly attrac-tive quality of life, but also an attracattrac-tive location for the creative class and the types of industries that require this type of talent. Boulder is home to a diverse community of businesses in the
high-tech, biohigh-tech, telecommunications, publishing and manufacturing fields. Boulder was ranked in the top 50 of
Forbes 2011 “Best Places for Business and Careers.”
Columbia, MO, offers a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests, a low cost of living, an excel-lent education system, outstanding health care facilities, and abundant employment opportunities. Its central location makes it an attractive choice for many businesses. Money Magazine
named Columbia a “contender” in their 2011 “Best Places to Live” list, and
Forbesincluded Columbia in their 2010 “Best Small Places for Business and Careers” list, noting the city’s low cost of doing business, educated workforce and strong job growth.
Des Moines, IAis a hub of govern-ment, business activity, arts and cultural affairs that offers its residents outstand-ing schools, affordable housoutstand-ing, and one of the nation’s shortest commute times. Des Moines is also a regional transporta-tion hub with a well-developed system that includes a network of interstate highways and rail freight service. Forbes
ranked Des Moines number two on its 2011 list of “Best Places for Business and Careers,” noting the city’s low cost of doing business and strong projected job growth.
Fayetteville, AR Forbes ranked Fayetteville as one of the nation’s top areas for business opportunities in 2011 because of its low cost of business and strong job growth. Although Wal-Mart is a dominant player in Fayetteville’s econ-omy, this metro area is home to the corporate offices of many Fortune 500 firms, as well as a large state university. It is also a very affordable place to live and has experienced a high rate of in-migration in recent years.
Iowa City, IAhas an economy that is based on thriving commerce, a major university, and a number of national and international businesses. While estab-lished firms continue to prosper and expand in Iowa City, opportunities abound for new industries such as biotech and renewable energy. The city’s
low cost of doing business, highly educated workforce, and vibrant local culture earned it second place on Forbes
2010 “Best Small Places for Business and Careers” list and ranked it ninth in the Milkin Institutes “Best Performing Cities” index in 2010.
Johnson County, KS which has been a driving force behind economic growth in the Kansas City metro area, lies at the heart of the nation and possesses the key ingredients necessary for economic growth and success. The county boasts nationally ranked schools, a low crime rate, high quality neighbor-hoods, a low cost of living, and a variety of cultural and entertainment amenities. Moreover, in Money magazine's 2010 annual “Best Places to Live” Johnson County had three cities ranked in the top 100 and Business Week recognized Kansas City as one of “America’s 50 Best Cities” in 2011.
Lawrence, KS is a city that provides all of the amenities of a large metropolitan area while still maintaining a strong sense of “community” and a dynamic business environment. Forbes
recognized Lawrence as one of the nation’s “Best Small Places for Business and Careers” in 2010 because of its highly educated workforce, low cost of business and strong job growth.
Lincoln, NE enjoys a small-town ambiance with the amenities, attractions and entertainment opportunities of a metropolitan area. It offers a central location with a stable and cost-competi-tive business environment and an excellent educational system. Business Weekranked Lincoln 22nd on their list of the “America’s 50 Best Cities” and noted the area’s very low unemployment rate. The city was also included in
Forbes’ 2011 list of “Best Places for Business and Careers.”
Omaha, NE has a strong spirit of cooperation between government and business in the metropolitan area and within the State of Nebraska. The result of this distinct public-private partnership is shown in various high rankings in national business climate comparisons and decades of steady development
Part I: Lee’s Summit – A National Comparison
across the metropolitan area. Because ofOmaha’s strong and stable economy, low cost of living, world-class healthcare facilities, and variety of cultural and entertainment amenities, Forbes ranked it in the top 25 cities “Best Places for Business and Careers” in 2011.
Raleigh-Cary, NC consistently ranks among the nation’s best places to live, work, raise a family and earn a world-class education. It is known nationally for its high tech industry base and is home to many nameplate firms. The trio of local research universities helps support continued research and innovation. Both Forbes and Business Week gave Raleigh-Cary their highest ranking in 2011 and the Milken Institute recognized Raleigh-Cary as one of the top 25 “Best Performing Cities” in 2010.
San Antonio, TX is attracting people and businesses with low unem-ployment and a vibrant social life. The area is evolving into a large-scale medical hub for military personnel, due to the expansion of Brooke Army Medical Center, which is drawing more private-sector suppliers to the area. In addition, San Antonio’s reputation as a trade and distribution hub with a low-cost environment will continue to create
business opportunities in the long term.
Forbes, Business Week and the Milken Institute all rated San Antonio as a “best place” in 2011.
Springfield, MO also known as “the cultural center of the Ozarks,” is home to Missouri State University, the state’s second largest university, and is consistently rated highly for its tax climate, livability factors and growth in jobs and population. Springfield was recently recognized for its low cost of doing business and job growth when
Forbes ranked it in their 2011 list of “Best Places for Business and Careers.”
Topeka, KS,the capital of Kansas, is the regional hub for a seven-county area that is served by a comprehensive transportation network which provides quick and efficient market access for businesses. Topeka has a diverse business community ranging from federal and state government to distribu-tion centers and manufacturing facili-ties, complimented by a full range of retail and service businesses. Topeka’s Washburn University, Kansas University and Kansas State University draw young talent to the city and contribute to a diverse and highly skilled workforce. New residents are attracted by the low
cost of living, affordable housing market and vibrant cultural life.
Tulsa, OK was once heavily dependent on the oil industry, but the city’s diversification efforts have created an economic base in a number of other industries including aerospace, technol-ogy and finance. The Tulsa Port of Catoosa, at the head of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, is the most inland river port in the U.S. with access to international waterways. Tulsa is considered to be the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma, and Forbes
ranked it as a “Best Place for Business and Careers” in 2011.
The results of this national comparison show that Lee’s Summit is competitive with these nationally-ranked areas for many business climate and quality-of-life indicators. The Lee’s Summit Advantage is illustrated in a variety of comparisons of demographics, labor force quality, growth indicators and quality-of-life factors. The city’s attractiveness as both a business location and a place to live offer compelling reasons why more than 2,300 establish-ments choose Lee’s Summit as the best place to operate their business.
Demographics
Lee’s Summit experienced a 29 percent increase in population from 2000 to 2010, and is projected to grow by 27 percent between 2010 and 2020. This influx of new residents also result-ed in growth of the area’s labor force, bringing new ideas and sources for new innovation to the community. The city’s projected growth rate ranks fourth among the comparative areas.
Along with population growth, the city has also had a high level of income growth. Since many of the residents moving to the area were attracted by the educational system, new housing devel-opments and high quality of life, it is not surprising that they tended to raise the overall standard of living in the commu-nity. Individuals with higher incomes and higher education levels are more likely to move for quality of life reasons.
Lee’s Summit ranked first among the comparative areas in terms of median household income for 2009 at $71,740. In terms of income growth from 2000 to 2009, Lee’s Summit posted a 17 percent increase for the period. Long-term sustained growth in both income and population are evidence of the superior features of the community that create the Lee’s Summit Advantage.
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% Topeka, KS Tulsa, OK Omaha, NE Lincoln, NE Des Moines, IA Columbia, MO Lawrence, KS Boulder, CO San Antonio, TX Iowa City, IA Springfield, MO Fayetteville, AR LEE'S SUMMIT, MO Raleigh-Cary, NC Johnson County, KS Austin, TX
Pop Growth 00-10 Pop Growth 10-20
Historic & Projected Population Growth
Demographics
$30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $70,000
Springfield, MO Fayetteville, ARTulsa, OK Columbia, MOLawrence, KS San Antonio, TXTopeka, KS Iowa City, IALincoln, NE Omaha, NE Austin, TX Des Moines, IA Raleigh-Cary, NCBoulder, CO Johnson County, KS LEE'S SUMMIT, MO
Median Household Income - 2009
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%
Raleigh-Cary, NCAustin, TX Boulder, CO Johnson County, KSLincoln, NE LEE'S SUMMIT, MOIowa City, IA Lawrence, KS San Antonio, TXSpringfield, MO Omaha, NE Des Moines, IA Fayetteville, ARColumbia, MO Topeka, KSTulsa, OK
Household Income Growth 2000-2009
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey; Claritas, 2011.
Growth Indicators
In addition to population and income growth, several other measures of growth are shown in the comparison. These include housing unit growth, growth in overall assessed value and growth in number of business establish-ments. All three are measures of a robust local economy.In terms of percentage increase in total housing stock in the last 10 years, Lee’s Summit ranks fourth, preceded by Raleigh-Cary, Fayetteville and Austin, TX. Lee’s Summit increased its total housing stock by 32 percent between
2000 and 2010 adding more than 8,700 new units.
Due to the level of new develop-ment, residential assessed value has increased an average of 6 percent per year in Lee’s Summit since 2005. Total assessed value and nonresidential assessed value also increased by an aver-age of 6 percent per year. All of these are good measures of wealth building in the community. Lee’s Summit currently has about 82 percent residential, versus 18 percent commercial assessed valuation, giving the city a key base of commercial
and industrial taxpayers. The market value of real and personal property in the city exceeded $7.9 billion in 2010.
Between 2000 and 2009, Lee’s Summit experienced a 23 percent increase in the number of local business establishments, from 1,865 in 2000, to 2,298 in 2010. Lee’s Summit ranked fourth among the comparative areas in terms of business growth. Other areas with growth rates of 20 percent or more include San Antonio, TX; Raleigh-Cary, NC; Columbia, MO; Austin, TX; Fayetteville, AR and Iowa City, IA.
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
Topeka, KS
Boulder, COTulsa, OK
Lincoln, NE
Lawrence, KSOmaha, NE
Johnson County, KSSpringfield, MO
San Antonio, TXDes Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA Columbia, MO
LEE'S SUMMIT, MORaleigh-Cary, NC
Fayetteville, ARAustin, TX
Percent Increase in Total Housing Stock 2000-2010
Growth Indicators
-2% 4% 9% 14% 19% Johnson County, KS Topeka, KS Lawrence, KS Springfield, MO Boulder, CO Columbia, MO Lincoln, NE Iowa City, IA Des Moines, IA Omaha, NE Tulsa, OK LEE'S SUMMIT, MO Fayetteville, AR San Antonio, TX Austin, TX Raleigh-Cary, NCAverage Annual Growth in Total Assessed Value 2005-2010
0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14%
Johnson County, KSSpringfield, MO Lawrence, KSBoulder, CO Lincoln, NE Iowa City, IAOmaha, NE Des Moines, IATulsa, OK LEE'S SUMMIT, MOSan Antonio, TX Columbia, MOAustin, TX Raleigh-Cary, NC
Average Annual Growth in Residential Assessed Value 2005-2010
Source: County Assessors, City Finance Departments. Source: County Assessors, City Finance Departments.
Growth Indicators
-2% 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% Johnson County, KS Iowa City, IA Boulder, CO Des Moines, IA Lawrence, KS Lincoln, NE Tulsa, OK LEE'S SUMMIT, MO Omaha, NE Columbia, MO Springfield, MO Raleigh-Cary, NC San Antonio, TX Austin, TXAverage Annual Growth in Non-Residential Assessed Value 2005-2010
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% Lawrence, KS Boulder, CO Johnson County, KS Tulsa, OK Des Moines, IA Omaha, NE Lincoln, NE Springfield, MO Topeka, KS San Antonio, TX Raleigh-Cary, NC Columbia, MO LEE'S SUMMIT, MO Austin, TX Fayetteville, AR Iowa City, IA
Growth in Number of Business Establishments 2000-2009
Source: County Business Patterns, 2000-2009 Source: County Assessors, City Finance Departments.
One measure of the overall labor force potential of an area is the share of population that falls between the ages of 25 and 54, considered to be the prime workforce age range. At 43 percent, Lee’s Summit ranks fifth among the national comparative areas, but only two percentage points separate the city from top ranking Austin, TX in terms prime working age population share.
Another measure of labor force that focuses more on quality than quantity is educational attainment. Lee’s Summit is only two percentage points behind top ranked Lawrence, KS in terms of the share of the adult population that has completed high school. Among a formi-dable group of competitors, the city ranks sixth in terms of the share of college graduates.
The talents of resident workforce are what draw high quality companies to an area. An educated workforce is a key factor in creating an environment with high worker productivity and innovation. Nationwide, jobs requiring post second-ary, vocational, or higher education are accounting for a growing share of total employment, and areas with a
well-edu-cated workforce are in the best position to take advantage of this trend.
Highly educated workers are a key site location factor for high tech firms as well as other “new economy” or knowl-edge-based industries. They also tend to boost incomes and income growth in the community. Education is also an indica-tor of entrepreneurial potential, because entrepreneurs tend to have higher levels of education and are often attracted to areas with a similarly educated population base.
The occupational makeup of the nation’s workforce is changing as we move toward a knowledge-based economy. The share of managerial, professional and technical workers has increased nationally, especially in metro areas with a large number of corporate and regional headquarters. This is also a good measure of the overall quality of the resident workforce. Lee’s Summit ranks second among national competi-tors in terms of managerial workers, and 13th in terms of technical workers as a share of total employment.
Another measure of workforce quality is value added. The value added
in manufacturing is both a measure of worker productivity and a measure of the types of industries represented in the local economy. High tech industries, for example, tend to have higher value added than low tech industries. Lee’s Summit ranked 14th among national competitors in terms of value added per manufacturing worker. In reviewing this comparison, it is important to note that many of these growing areas are attracting more high tech firms that gen-erally have very high value added levels. Just as higher education levels are an indicator of entrepreneurial potential, the share of owner-operated business is a way to measure the realization of that potential. Places with a reasonable cost of doing business and an attractive quality of life tend to have more owner-operated businesses. Lee’s Summit ranks sixth in terms of its share of owner-operated light manufacturing and distribution establishments. This is both
a reflection of the number of
owner-operators and the mix of light manufacturing and distribution opera-tions as a share of total establishments.
30% 32% 34% 36% 38% 40% 42% 44% 46%
Lawrence, KS Columbia, MOTopeka, KS Springfield, MOIowa City, IA Lincoln, NETulsa, OK Fayetteville, AR San Antonio, TXOmaha, NE Boulder, CO LEE'S SUMMIT, MODes Moines, IA Johnson County, KSAustin, TX Raleigh-Cary, NC
Prime Working Age Population – Share of Population Ages 25 to 54
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010.
Labor Force Characteristics
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Fayetteville, AR Springfield, MO San Antonio, TXTopeka, KS Tulsa, OK Omaha, NE Des Moines, IAAustin, TX Lincoln, NE Columbia, MO LEE'S SUMMIT, MORaleigh-Cary, NC Iowa City, IA Lawrence, KS Johnson County, KS Boulder, CO
HS Graduates College Graduates
Educational Attainment - Population over 25
5% 7% 9% 11% 13% 15% 17% 19% 21%
Springfield, MOColumbia, MO Lawrence, KSIowa City, IA Topeka, KS San Antonio, TXTulsa, OK Omaha, NE Fayetteville, ARLincoln, NE Austin, TX Boulder, CO Des Moines, IA Raleigh-Cary, NC LEE'S SUMMIT, MOJohnson County, KS
Share of Managerial Workers
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey; Claritas, 2011.
0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18% 20% Fayetteville, ARTulsa, OK
Topeka, KS LEE'S SUMMIT, MOSan Antonio, TX Lincoln, NE Springfield, MOLawrence, KS Johnson County, KSDes Moines, IA Omaha, NEAustin, TX Columbia, MOIowa City, IA Raleigh-Cary, NCBoulder, CO
Share of Technical Workers
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, American Community Survey.
Labor Force Characteristics
$0 $50 $100 $150 $200 $250 $300 $350 $400
Springfield, MOLawrence, KS LEE'S SUMMIT, MOFayetteville, AR San Antonio, TXColumbia, MO Lincoln, NE Boulder, COOmaha, NE Tulsa, OK Des Moines, IA Johnson County, KSTopeka, KS Iowa City, IAAustin, TX Raleigh-Cary, NC
Value Added per Production Worker
Source: Census of Manufacturing, 2007. (Most current data available) (Thousands)
Labor Force Characteristics
0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18% 20%
Fayetteville, ARDes Moines, IA Tulsa, OK Springfield, MOOmaha, NE Raleigh-Cary, NC LEE'S SUMMIT, MOLincoln, NE San Antonio, TXAustin, TX Iowa City, IA Johnson County, KSTopeka, KS Columbia, MOBoulder, CO Lawrence, KS
Share of Owner-Operated Business and Professional Services Establishments
Source: Dun and Bradstreet Marketplace, 2011.
0.0% 0.5% 1.0% 1.5% 2.0% 2.5% 3.0%
Raleigh-Cary, NCLincoln, NE Omaha, NE Iowa City, IATopeka, KS Columbia, MO Des Moines, IALawrence, KS Fayetteville, ARAustin, TX LEE'S SUMMIT, MOBoulder, CO Springfield, MO Johnson County, KSSan Antonio, TX Tulsa, OK
Share of Owner-Operated Light Manufacturing and Distribution Operations
While the share of people using computers and/or the Internet may not directly affect economic activity or labor force quality in the short run, it is repre-sentative of an area’s progress toward the digital economy. The share of house-holds nationwide with Internet access at home has more than doubled since 1997. Due to the declining cost of computers
and web access, a broader range of people are now using the Internet. Although people of varying education levels increasingly have computers and Internet access, areas with higher educational attainment are more likely to have higher computer usage.
Lee’s Summit ranks third among the comparative areas in terms of
house-holds with computers, and eighth in terms of computer users who also have high speed Internet access at home. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), there are up to 17 high speed Internet providers that offer service in various parts of Lee’s Summit, well above state and metro-area averages.
75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100%
Raleigh-Cary, NCSpringfield, MO Fayetteville, ARDes Moines, IA San Antonio, TXAustin, TX LEE'S SUMMIT, MO Tulsa, OK Boulder, CO Lawrence, KSOmaha, NE Iowa City, IA Columbia, MOTopeka, KS
Computer in Home High Speed Internet in Home
Household Computer & Internet Usage
Note: Internet users reflect share of households with computers that have high speed (not dial up) internet access. Source: Census Current Population Survey, Computer and Internet Use Supplement, 2010. Data not available for Johnson County, KS or Lincoln, NE.
Quality of Life
Whether you own or operate a company, or just work for one, quality of life is an important factor. A superior quality of life is one of the factors that truly distinguishes Lee’s Summit from other areas. This is demonstrated by: • excellent schools
• very low crime rates
• new reasonably-priced housing • sunny climate
• high quality health care services • a wide range of parks and recreational
amenities
The primary and secondary schools in Lee’s Summit rate highly within the region, but also on a national basis. Drawing on information used to calcu-late Expansion Management’s Education
Quotient, the Lee’s Summit School District can be compared to other metro areas in terms of student outcomes and the amount of resources expended on education. Public schools are especially important to the economic future of the nation, as well as to specific communi-ties. Their ability to produce students with the skills to succeed in the knowl-edge economy will strongly impact future economic prosperity.
The students in school now will form the backbone of the community’s future workforce. Companies who are considering relocating to an area look at secondary schools both in terms of where senior managers can send their children, and in terms of the results they
are producing in terms of creating a viable future labor pool.
Graduation rates are a measure of how well school districts are performing their basic mission of educating chil-dren. Lee’s Summit ranks sixth among the comparative areas with a graduation rate of 91 percent, which is only four percentage points away from top ranked Johnson County, KS.1 Student-teacher
ratios, per-pupil expenditures and average teacher salaries are measures of a community’s financial commitment to education. Comparatively, class sizes in Lee’s Summit are attractive and expendi-tures-per-pupil are low; teacher’s salaries are very competitive, especially given the relative cost of living.
1. The graduation rate shown here is consistent across the comparative areas, but may vary from the methodology used by the Missouri Department of Education that is shown in Section II.
Student- Average Per Pupil Graduation Teacher Teacher
Expenditures Rate Ratio Salary
Johnson County, KS $11,158 95.3% 14.8 $52,931 Iowa City, IA $10,997 94.9% 15.0 $43,648 Raleigh-Cary, NC $10,541 92.4% 14.9 $43,872 Springfield, MO $9,873 92.4% 14.4 $38,238 San Antonio, TX $11,146 91.9% 15.1 $42,203 LEE'S SUMMIT, MO $9,399 91.0% 19.0 $50,890 Columbia, MO $11,576 90.9% 13.6 $41,604 Boulder, CO $10,838 88.7% 17.7 $45,373 Omaha, NE $10,660 88.7% 14.3 $38,074 Austin, TX $12,597 88.4% 14.3 $43,160 Tulsa, OK $8,704 87.1% 16.2 $35,504 Des Moines, IA $12,271 86.8% 14.1 $43,518 Topeka, KS $10,578 86.3% 12.7 $49,432 Lincoln, NE $12,620 80.9% 13.8 $43,507 Fayetteville, AR $9,782 80.2% 14.3 $39,242 Lawrence, KS $10,673 78.9% 14.7 $49,647
Note: In order to create consistent comparisons between states, graduation rates are based on number of high school graduates divided by number of 11th graders enrolled in the previous year. This is consistent with the methodology used in the Education Quotient.
Source: Missouri Department of Education, 2010 District Profile; Kansas State Department of Education, 2011; National Center for Education Statistics, 2011.
Another quality of life measure is crime rate. This is particularly important in suburban areas where people go to
Climate, and in particular the num-ber of days that are sunny or minimally cloudy, can be an important factor for many people in choosing a desirable
Quality of Life
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 4,500 5,000 5,500 6,000 Tulsa, OK
San Antonio, TXSpringfield, MO Topeka, KS Lawrence, KS Columbia, MOLincoln, NE Omaha, NEAustin, TX Fayetteville, ARIowa City, IA Raleigh-Cary, NCDes Moines, IA Boulder, CO Johnson County, KS LEE'S SUMMIT, MO
Violent Property
Violent & Property Crime Rates Per 100,000 Population
Source: FBI Uniform Crime Report, 2009.
150 175 200 225 250 275
Columbia, MOIowa City, IA Des Moines, IALawrence, KS Topeka, KS Lincoln, NE LEE'S SUMMIT, MOJohnson County, KS Springfield, MO Fayetteville, AROmaha, NE Raleigh-Cary, NCSan Antonio, TX Tulsa, OK Austin, TX Boulder, CO
Annual Number of Mostly Sunny Days
Source: Cities Ranked & Rated, 2007.
place to locate. With very little variation among many of the cities, Lee’s Summit ranks eighth among the comparable
areas with a total of 213 mostly sunny days per year. The national average is 208 days per year.
escape the higher crime rates in urban areas. Lee’s Summit ranks first in terms of having the lowest rate of violent
crimes per 100,000 people. In terms of property crimes, Lee’s Summit ranks fifth best.
Quality of Life
$100,000 $150,000 $200,000 $250,000 $300,000 $350,000 Boulder, CO Johnson County, KS Raleigh-Cary, NC Austin, TX LEE'S SUMMIT, MO Lawrence, KSIowa City, IA Des Moines, IA Columbia, MO Fayetteville, AR Lincoln, NE Omaha, NE Springfield, MO Tulsa, OK San Antonio, TX Topeka, KSMedian Housing Values
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Lawrence, KS Columbia, MO Austin, TX Iowa City, IA Lincoln, NE Boulder, CO Fayetteville, AR San Antonio, TX Springfield, MO Omaha, NE Raleigh-Cary, NC Tulsa, OK Topeka, KS Johnson County, KS Des Moines, IA LEE'S SUMMIT, MO
Share of Owner Occupied Housing
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010. Housing prices are another indicator
of the ability of residents to achieve a desirable lifestyle. Housing prices are particularly important in relation to income levels. Areas with above average income levels and average or below average housing prices offer the best value. At $185,732, Lee’s Summit ranks 12th in terms of housing prices, compared to an overall average of $169,775 for these areas, which may reflect the fact that housing in Lee’s Summit tends to be newer. At 76 percent, however, the share of owner occupied housing in Lee’s Summit is the highest among the comparable areas, an indication of the affordability of housing in the area despite the higher average price.
Quality of Life
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 Fayetteville, AR Lawrence, KS Raleigh-Cary, NC Austin, TX Topeka, KS Lincoln, NE Tulsa, OK Springfield, MO Des Moines, IA LEE'S SUMMIT, MO San Antonio, TX Boulder, CO Johnson County, KS Omaha, NE Columbia, MO Iowa City, IAHospital Beds per Capita Physicians Per Capita Source: Cities Ranked & Rated, 2007; University of Kansas, 2010 Kansas Statistical Abstract.
Health Care Accessibility
Finally, access to quality health care is an important component of quality of life for residents of any age. This includes access to physicians as well as hospital care. Lee’s Summit ranks seventh in terms of both hospital beds per capita and physicians per capita, which is impressive given that many of the metro areas in the comparison have well developed health care networks.
Part II: Lee’s Summit – A Leader in the Kansas City Metro Area
Introduction to Lee’s
Summit Regional
Advantage
According to the 2010 Census, Lee’s Summit, Missouri is a city of about 91,364 people, comparable in size to Richardson, TX; Asheville, NC; Dearborn, MI; Champaign, IL and Sandy Springs, GA. It is located in the southeast part of the Kansas City metropolitan area, is the sixth most populous city in the state and the seventh largest in land area (65 sq. miles) after St.Louis, Wildwood and Independence.
Lee’s Summit is located near the geographic center of the United States in one of the nation’s major transportation hubs, with access to major manufactur-ing and trade markets throughout the Midwest and the South. The Kansas City metro area also offers advanced telecommunications infrastructure and is a prime location for e-business.
The City of Lee’s Summit has grown significantly faster than the metro area, at a rate of 3.5 percent per year over the past 3 years, due to its excellent school systems, diverse housing choices, attractive quality of life and accessibility to Kansas City.
Comparative Areas
This profile compares Lee’s Summit to the neighboring community of Independence, as well as to the Eastern Jackson and Northland Regions and to metropolitan Kansas City. Independence is located north of Lee’s Summit and borders Kansas City to the west. The Northland region is comprised of both Clay and Platte Counties.
Lee's Indepen- Eastern Johnson Kansas
Summit dence Jackson Northland County City MSA
Population 2010 91,364 116,830 343,985 311,261 544,179 2,035,334
Median Age 2010 37.2 39.4 35.0 37.0 36.4 36.5
Households 2010 34,429 48,742 134,983 123,320 212,882 799,637
Median Household Income 2011 $71,740 $43,002 $52,934 $57,990 $70,914 $53,901
% High School Graduates 2011 95.3% 86.8% 69.9% 91.7% 95.3% 89.9%
(Age 25 and Over)
Employed Persons 2011 50,678 57,517 182,866 180,603 314,603 1,086,570
Employment 2009 29,828 35,354 117,727 126,184 305,538 892,920
Housing Units 2011 37,098 54,846 149,757 134,396 228,269 904,991
Median Home Value 2011 $185,732 $105,374 $133,541 $154,774 $204,569 $147,875
Median Gross Rent 2009 $900 $689 $792 $756 $849 $715
Source: 2010 Census; American Community Survey, 2005-2009; County Business Patterns, 2009; Claritas, 2011. Note: Northland includes Clay and Platte Counties. Eastern Jackson, MO includes the communities of Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Grandview, Grain Valley, Independence, Sugar Creek, Raytown, Oak Grove and Greenwood.
Location & Access
Location, Location, Location
Lee’s Summit is well connected to the regional freeway system, has local access to rail transportation and regional access to air transportation. The urban freeway system in the region provides superior accessibility to businesses in Lee’s Summit, linking them with the greater Kansas City area and regional interstate routes.
• I-470 runs northeast through Lee’s Summit and intersects I-70, a major east-west route that connects Independence with Kansas City to the west and St. Louis to the east.
• US 50 runs east-west through Lee’s Summit, heading across the state toward Jefferson City.
• Finally, Highway 291 runs north-south through the central part of Lee’s Summit, forming a triangle with I-470 and US 50.
The Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroads serve Lee’s Summit and Independence for freight transport. In addition, for passenger rail, there is an Amtrak station in downtown Lee’s Summit and Independence.
Lee’s Summit has a general aviation airport located northwest of I-470 in the northern part of the city, which is a
unique feature among the comparative cities. Businesses and residents in the region also have access to the Kansas City International Airport within a 45-minute drive. The Kansas City International Airport serves 10 million passengers annually and offers conven-ient, efficient domestic and international service to travelers.
It should be noted that the city boundary depicted in all of the maps in this document incorporates the Memorandum of Understanding between Unity Village and the City of Lee’s Summit on the assumption that both parties can negotiate the final agreements.
Population
Profile and Growth Trends
Lee’s Summit’s population of 91,364 people in 2010 comprised rough-ly 4.5 percent of the metro area popula-tion. The average annual growth rate in Lee’s Summit of 3.5 percent from 2007 to 2010 is significantly higher than the annual growth rate for most of the region, where averages generally ranged from 1.0 to 2.0 percent for the same time period. Only Eastern Jackson County saw a higher growth rate for the period. Lee’s Summit has done well to manage its growth and continue to provide a high quality of life and services for its residents.
During the next 6 years, the growth rate is expected to slow to about 2.0 per-cent per year in Lee’s Summit, but will remain above the Independence, Eastern Jackson County and metro area aver-ages, which range from 0.5 percent to 1.4 percent. Only the Northland area is projected to grow faster, at 2.4 percent. The age distribution in Lee’s Summit is consistent with its family-ori-ented resident base. About 30 percent of residents are under 20, which is the highest percentage for the region. An additional 31 percent of the population is in the 35 to 54 year range, compared to 29.0 percent of the Kansas City metro population, and only 27 percent of the
population in Independence. About 58 percent of the population of Lee’s Summit is working age, between 20 and 64, while nearly 12 percent are over 65. Independence has the largest retirement age population with 16 percent of residents over 65.
The racial composition of Lee’s Summit and Independence are much more similar to Johnson County and the Northland area than to that of the metro area, with whites comprising approxi-mately 86 percent of the population. Only 3.9 percent of the residents in Lee’s Summit are of Hispanic origin. Note that persons of Hispanic origin may be part of any race group.
0.0% 1.0% 2.0% 3.0% 4.0% 5.0% 6.0% 7.0% 8.0% 1990-2000 2000-2007 2007-2010 2010-2016 Lee's Summit Eastern Jackson Kansas City MSA
Sources: Mid-America Regional Council; 1990 , 2000 & 2010 Census; Lee's Summit Comprehensive plan.
Population
Population and Growth Characteristics
Average Average Average Average Average Average
Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual
Population Total Change Total Change Total Change Total Change Total Change Total Change
1990 46,396 112,301 234,233 211,278 355,054 1,511,740 2000 70,700 5.2% 113,288 0.1% 271,483 1.6% 257,787 2.2% 451,086 2.7% 1,776,062 1.7% 2007 82,759 2.4% 109,159 -0.5% 283,024 0.6% 291,736 1.9% 521,220 2.2% 1,977,557 1.6% 2010 91,364 3.5% 116,830 2.3% 343,985 7.2% 311,261 2.2% 544,179 1.5% 2,035,334 1.0% 2016 102,269 2.0% 120,014 0.5% 368,344 1.2% 356,577 2.4% 599,702 1.7% 2,209,739 1.4% % of % of % of % of % of % of
By Age (2010) Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Under 20 27,738 30.4% 29,636 25.4% 97,685 28.4% 86,601 27.8% 154,362 28.4% 570,608 28.0% 20 - 34 15,242 16.7% 22,794 19.5% 65,778 19.1% 61,122 19.6% 107,126 19.7% 405,739 19.9% 35 - 54 27,914 30.6% 31,229 26.7% 96,922 28.2% 92,137 29.6% 159,875 29.4% 579,446 28.5% 55 - 64 9,968 10.9% 14,402 12.3% 39,238 11.4% 36,470 11.7% 63,494 11.7% 235,917 11.6% 65 & Over 10,502 11.5% 18,769 16.1% 44,362 12.9% 34,931 11.2% 59,322 10.9% 243,624 12.0% Median 37.2 39.4 35.0 37.0 36.4 36.5 % of % of % of % of % of % of
By Race (2010) Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total White 78,634 86.1% 100,112 85.7% 283,739 82.5% 272,014 87.4% 468,052 86.0% 1,596,643 78.4% Black 7,632 8.4% 6,498 5.6% 35,566 10.3% 16,776 5.4% 23,636 4.3% 254,509 12.5% American Indian 289 0.3% 736 0.6% 1,704 0.5% 1,625 0.5% 2,014 0.4% 10,437 0.5% Asian 1,535 1.7% 1,143 1.0% 4,078 1.2% 6,602 2.1% 22,743 4.2% 46,221 2.3% Other 3,274 3.6% 8,341 7.1% 18,898 5.5% 14,244 4.6% 27,734 5.1% 127,524 6.3% Hispanic Origin 3,529 3.9% 8,999 7.7% 20,367 5.9% 17,525 5.6% 38,949 7.2% 166,683 8.2% Source: 1990, 2000 & 2010 Census; Claritas, 2011.
City of
City of Eastern Jackson Johnson
County, MO Northland, MO County, KS
Note: Northland includes Clay and Platte Counties. Eastern Jackson, MO includes the communities of Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Grandview, Grain Valley, Independence, Sugar Creek, Raytown, Oak Grove and Greenwood.
Population
Median Age
Population Density 2010
Households
Profile and Growth Trends
With 34,429 households in 2010, Lee’s Summit has grown by an average rate of 4.0 percent per year since 2007. This is a significantly higher rate than the metro area, which only grew by 0.9 percent; only Eastern Jackson county households grew faster. By comparison,
the growth rate for Independence was 1.7 percent per year. As growth declines in the region as a whole, the projected annual growth rate in Lee’s Summit will drop to 1.6 percent from 2010 to 2016.
While the average household size in Lee’s summit is the largest in the region, it continues to fluctuate, decreasing slightly from 2.70 in 2007 to 2.65 in
2010 and increasing to 2.71 by 2016. This trend of fluctuating household sizes is also reflected in the figures for the region and the metro area. Over time, Lee’s Summit will continue to have household sizes considerably higher than Independence and the metro area. Larger household sizes are indicative of the younger families with children that
Household Growth and Characteristics
Average Average Average Average Average Average
Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual
Households Total Change Total Change Total Change Total Change Total Change Total Change
1990 17,453 45,555 89,595 81,114 136,699 582,198 2000 26,417 5.1% 47,390 0.4% 106,300 1.9% 101,836 2.6% 174,570 2.8% 694,971 1.9% 2007 30,701 2.3% 46,441 -0.3% 111,670 0.7% 116,880 2.1% 202,899 2.3% 779,422 1.7% 2010 34,429 4.0% 48,742 1.7% 134,983 7.0% 123,320 1.8% 212,882 1.6% 799,637 0.9% 2016 37,670 1.6% 51,204 0.8% 145,919 1.4% 140,529 2.3% 231,891 1.5% 869,672 1.5% Population % % % % % %
per Household Average Change Average Change Average Change Average Change Average Change Average Change
1990 2.63 2.47 2.62 2.56 2.58 2.64 2000 2.65 0.9% 2.37 -3.9% 2.53 -3.5% 2.50 -2.3% 2.56 -0.7% 2.51 -4.8% 2007 2.70 1.7% 2.35 -0.8% 2.53 0.3% 2.50 -0.2% 2.57 0.3% 2.54 1.1% 2010 2.65 -1.6% 2.40 2.0% 2.55 0.5% 2.52 1.1% 2.56 -0.5% 2.55 0.3% 2020 2.71 2.3% 2.34 -2.2% 2.52 -0.9% 2.54 0.5% 2.59 1.2% 2.54 -0.2% Household % of % of % of % of % of % of
Income (2011) Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total < $25,000 3,743 10.9% 12,300 25.2% 25,023 18.5% 18,314 14.9% 22,331 10.5% 162,531 19.6% $25,000 - $49,999 6,804 19.8% 16,688 34.2% 38,952 28.9% 33,205 26.9% 46,244 21.7% 225,380 27.1% $50,000 - $74,999 7,667 22.3% 10,095 20.7% 29,965 22.2% 28,869 23.4% 45,264 21.3% 176,124 21.2% $75,000 - $99,999 5,957 17.3% 4,958 10.2% 18,479 13.7% 19,166 15.5% 34,434 16.2% 111,819 13.5% $100,000 to $150,000 6,780 19.7% 3,568 7.3% 16,215 12.0% 16,652 13.5% 37,710 17.7% 102,398 12.3% $150,000 or more 3,478 10.1% 1,134 2.3% 6,350 4.7% 7,114 5.8% 26,898 12.6% 52,530 6.3% Median $71,740 $43,002 $52,934 $57,990 $70,914 $53,901 Household % of % of % of % of % of % of
by Type (2010) Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Married 20,080 58.3% 20,739 42.5% 66,050 48.9% 64,261 52.1% 119,130 56.0% 392,071 49.0% Children under 18 9,563 27.8% 7,202 14.8% 27,870 20.6% 28,013 22.7% 56,625 26.6% 168,850 21.1% No Children 10,517 30.5% 13,537 27.8% 38,180 28.3% 36,248 29.4% 62,505 29.4% 223,221 27.9% Male 4,280 12.4% 9,362 19.2% 21,961 16.3% 20,235 16.4% 29,994 14.1% 135,518 16.9% Children under 18 807 2.3% 1,439 3.0% 3,836 2.8% 3,182 2.6% 4,153 2.0% 19,964 2.5% No Children 3,473 10.1% 7,923 16.3% 18,125 13.4% 17,053 13.8% 25,841 12.1% 115,554 14.5% Female 8,615 25.0% 15,499 31.8% 39,359 29.2% 31,249 25.3% 51,026 24.0% 222,265 27.8% Children under 18 2,457 7.1% 3,806 7.8% 11,176 8.3% 8,250 6.7% 11,468 5.4% 59,013 7.4% No Children 6,158 17.9% 11,693 24.0% 28,183 20.9% 22,999 18.6% 39,558 18.6% 163,252 20.4% Nonfamily 1,454 4.2% 3,142 6.4% 7,613 5.6% 7,575 6.1% 12,732 6.0% 49,783 6.2% Household % of % of % of % of % of % of
Tenure (2010) Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Owner Occupied 26,313 76.4% 32,014 65.7% 93,807 69.5% 85,830 69.6% 150,722 70.8% 540,257 69.3% Renter Occupied 8,116 23.6% 16,728 34.3% 41,176 30.5% 37,490 30.4% 62,160 29.2% 239,165 30.7% Source: 1990, 2000 & 2010 Census; Claritas, 2011.
Independence
Lee's Summit Kansas City MSA
Note: Northland includes Clay and Platte Counties. Eastern Jackson, MO includes the communities of Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Grandview, Grain Valley, Independence, Sugar Creek, Raytown, Oak Grove and Greenwood.
County, MO Northland, MO County, KS
Households
have moved into Lee’s Summit over the past 20 years.
Household incomes in Lee’s Summit are fairly evenly distributed with nearly 20 percent of the population in the $25,000 to $49,999 range and 22 percent in the $50,000 to $74,999 range. About 47 percent of households have incomes of $75,000 or higher, compared to only 20 percent in Independence. The median income in Lee’s Summit is estimated at $71,740, which is the high-est figure in the region. The city is very similar to Johnson County in terms of income distribution and median income. Northland area residents have a median income below Lee’s Summit at $57,990, but significantly above Independence at $43,002.
The majority of households in Lee’s Summit are married couples (58 per-cent). An estimated 28 percent of these households have children under 18, while nearly 31 percent have no children living at home. Once again, Lee’s Summit most closely resembles Johnson County in this regard. Independence, in contrast, has only 43 percent of house-holds with married couples, of which roughly 15 percent have children under 18 living at home.
At more than 76 percent, the proportion of owner occupied house-holds in Lee’s Summit is significantly greater than that found anywhere else in the region. At just under 66 percent, the proportion of home owners versus renters in Independence is the lowest in the area.
Regional Median Household Income
Market Potential
Lee’s Summit’s consumer market ischaracterized not only by sustained growth but also by a very attractive demographic makeup. Over 69 percent of the city’s 34,429 households have incomes above $50,000. The average household income of $71,740 in Lee’s Summit is nearly 25 percent above the metro area average for Kansas City.
The city’s well-educated, higher income population base results in signif-icant buying power in the regional trade area. Aggregate annual spending by Lee’s Summit households on items traditionally purchased locally equates to a market potential of over $1.8 billion per year. This includes items such as food and beverages, housekeeping supplies, apparel, transportation, med-ical care, entertainment and recreation, personal items and education.
2011 Aggregate
Products and Services Spending (000's)
Food & Beverages
Food at Home $225,030
Food Away from Home $117,598
Alcoholic Beverages $45,793
Housekeeping Expenses
Housekeeping Supplies $14,816
Telephone, Utilities & Fuels $164,751
Household Services $23,382
Repairs $20,470
Household Textiles $22,076
Furniture $31,494
Major Appliances $11,443
Small Appliances & Housewares $27,984
Misc. Household Equipment $22,372
Apparel
Women's and Girls Apparel $67,801
Men's and Boys Apparel $42,948
Infant and Children's Apparel $4,898
Footwear $20,691
Other Apparel Products $31,978
Transportation
New Cars & Trucks $134,019
Used Cars & Trucks $91,901
Boats & Recreational Vehicles $21,095
Gasoline & Motor Oil $94,334
Vehicle Maintenance & Repair $76,862
Medical Care
Drugs $106,241
Medical Services $93,105
Medical Supplies $9,449
Entertainment & Recreation
Sports & Recreation $73,326
Home Entertainment Equipment $29,883
Photographic Equipment $5,126
Personal Items
Smoking Products $34,014
Personal Care Products & Services $43,918
Pet Expenses $24,004
Education
Tuition and School Supplies $75,810
Reading Materials $20,117
Day Care $15,428
Source: Claritas, 2011.
Household Clusters
Introduction
This section summarizes the charac-teristics of Lee’s Summit households as compared to neighboring communities and regions through the process of clustering. Household clustering involves analyzing and weighting many individual characteristics to define unique, yet inclusive, groups of house-holds. There are 14 clusters based on degree of urbanization, socioeconomic status and general demographic charac-teristics. The purpose of these clusters is to segment the lifestyle variables that define neighborhoods and communities. These clusters are most valuable to retailers, health care providers and other personal service providers. They enable the identification of groups of people with common needs and resources. The household clusters presented in this profile were purchased from Claritas, a national vendor of demographic market data. Claritas has developed “PRIZM” clusters as part of its line of products aimed at retailers and other consumer-oriented marketing.
Household Clusters in
Lee’s Summit and
Comparative Areas
The majority of Lee’s Summit households, 47 percent, are in the Second City clusters. At 39 percent, the next largest group is in Rural and Small Town clusters. Within the Second City clusters, 21 percent of Lee’s Summit residents fall into the Second City Society group, and 17 percent are in the Second City Centers cluster. Within the Rural and Small Town clusters, the majority of people (29 percent) comprise the Landed Gentry group.
Similar to Lee’s Summit,
Independence is also concentrated in two cluster groups. The majority of Independence residents (68 percent) are in Suburban clusters, and nearly 26 percent fall into the Second City
clusters. Only 6 percent are in the Rural and Small Town clusters. Eastern Jackson County is more evenly distrib-uted with 46 percent of households in Suburban clusters and the remainder
being either Second City (34 percent) or Rural and Small Town (20 percent). These same clusters are represented in the figures for the rest of the region, although the distributions vary.
Household Clusters
Claritas “PRIZM” Cluster
Descriptions
Clusters divide all households into five major groups: Urban, Suburban, Second City, Rural and Small Town. Within these major groups, clusters of households are identified with similar characteristics. The following are descriptions of the 14 major clusters included in this profile.
Urban Clusters
Urban Uptown – Members of this social group tend to be affluent to middle class, college educated and ethnically diverse, with above-average concentrations of Asian and Hispanic Americans. Although this group is diverse in terms of housing styles and family sizes, residents share an upscale urban perspective that’s reflected in their marketplace choices.
Midtown Mix– Midtown Mix is the most ethnically diverse social group, besides containing a mix of singles and couples, homeowners and renters, college alumnae and high school gradu-ates. These households are dominated by childless consumers who pursue active social lives.
Urban Cores – This segment is characterized by relatively modest incomes, educations and rental apart-ments, but affordable housing is part of the allure for the group’s young singles and aging retirees. One of the least affluent social groups, this cluster has a high concentration of Hispanics and African-Americans, and surveys indicate a fondness for both ethnic and mainstream media and products.
Suburban Clusters
Suburban Elite – The most affluent suburban social group, Elite Suburbs is a world of six-figure incomes, post-graduate degrees, single-family homes and managerial and professional occupations. The segments here are predominantly white with significant concentrations of well-off Asian
Americans. Befitting their lofty salaries, members are big consumers of large homes, expensive clothes, luxury cars and foreign travel.
The Affluentials – The Affluentials are one socioeconomic rung down from the Elite Suburbs–with a 25 percent drop in median income–but their residents still enjoy comfortable, suburban lifestyles. The median income is nearly $60,000, the median home value is about $200,000, and the mostly couples in this social group tend to have college degrees and white-collar jobs. Asian Americans make up an important minority in these predominantly white segments.
Middleburbs– This cluster includes a mix of homeowners and renters, as well as high school graduates and college alums. With good jobs and money in their jeans, the members of Middleburbs tend to have plenty of discretionary income.
Inner Suburbs– The Inner Suburbs social group are concentrated in the inner-ring suburbs of major metros–areas where residents tend to be high school educated, unmarried and lower-middle class. There is diversity in this group, with segments that are racially mixed, divided evenly between homeowners and renters and filled with households that are either young or aging in place.
2nd City
2nd City Society – Second City Society stands at the top of the heap, a social group consisting of the wealthiest families who live outside the nation’s metropolitan core. This group is dominated with married couples with children, college degrees, large homes, and executive jobs. Ethnically, the residents are predominantly white with above-average rates of Asian Americans.
2nd City Centers – This social group consist of a mix of Americans–old and young, homeowners and renters, families and singles–who have settled in the nation’s satellite cities. What they share is a middle-class status, some
college educations and a lifestyle heavy on leisure and recreation.
Micro-City Blues– A diverse social group, this segment contains a mix of old and young, singles and widowers, whites, African-Americans and Hispanics. Most of the workers hold blue-collar jobs and their marketplace behaviors reflect the segments’ varied lifestyles.
Rural and Small Town
Country Comfort – Country Comfort are filled with predominantly white, middle-class homeowners. These Americans tend to be married, between the ages of 25 and 54, with or without children.
Middle America – This segment is filled with middle-class homeowners living in small towns and remote exurbs. Middle Americans tend to be white, high school educated, living as couples or larger families, and ranging in age from under 25 to over 65.
Rustic Living – Rustic America residents have relatively modest incomes, low educational levels, aging homes and blue-collar occupations. Many of the residents, a mix of young singles and seniors, are unmarried.
Landed Gentry – The Landed Gentry social group consist of wealthy Americans who migrated to the smaller boomtowns beyond the nation’s belt-ways. Many of the households contain Boomer families and couples with college degrees, professional jobs.
Household Clusters
Distribution of Households by Cluster
% of % of % of % of % of
PRIZM Cluster Households Total Households Total Households Total Households Total Households Total Total 32,709 100% 46,894 100% 130,767 100% 121,791 100% 211,298 100% Urban 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 306 0.1% Urban Uptown 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 301 0.1% Midtown Mix 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 4 0.0% Urban Cores 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 1 0.0% Suburban 4,582 14.0% 31,955 68.1% 60,399 46.2% 39,527 32.5% 106,871 50.6% Suburban Elite 1,747 5.3% 1,731 3.7% 4,631 3.5% 5,752 4.7% 33,703 16.0% The Affluentials 1,872 5.7% 6,397 13.6% 14,043 10.7% 12,992 10.7% 33,810 16.0% Middleburbs 577 1.8% 11,810 25.2% 21,485 16.4% 13,674 11.2% 26,775 12.7% Inner Suburbs 386 1.2% 12,017 25.6% 20,240 15.5% 7,109 5.8% 12,583 6.0% Second City 15,381 47.0% 12,071 25.7% 44,332 33.9% 34,885 28.6% 71,078 33.6% 2nd City Society 6,889 21.1% 552 1.2% 14,199 10.9% 8,843 7.3% 33,520 15.9% 2nd City Centers 5,636 17.2% 4,502 9.6% 17,863 13.7% 16,633 13.7% 22,509 10.7% Micro -City Blues 2,856 8.7% 7,017 15.0% 12,270 9.4% 9,409 7.7% 15,049 7.1% Rural and Small Town 12,746 39.0% 2,868 6.1% 26,036 19.9% 47,379 38.9% 33,043 15.6% Country Comfort 1,923 5.9% 912 1.9% 6,325 4.8% 14,242 11.7% 8,573 4.1% Middle America 746 2.3% 221 0.5% 3,490 2.7% 7,124 5.8% 2,667 1.3% Rustic Living 550 1.7% 51 0.1% 1,850 1.4% 6,529 5.4% 1,214 0.6% Landed Gentry 9,527 29.1% 1,684 3.6% 14,371 11.0% 19,484 16.0% 20,589 9.7% Source: Claritas, 2011. Johnson County, KS City of
Independence Eastern JacksonCounty, MO Northland, MO Lee's SummitCity of
Distribution of Households by Cluster
0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% 2nd City Society Country Comfort Micro-City Blues 2nd City Centers Landed Gentry
Eastern Jackson County Lee's Summit
Labor Force
Lee’s Summit had a resident laborforce of 50,678 persons in 2011, accounting for 4.7 percent of the metro area labor force. By comparison, Independence has a labor force of about 57,517, or 5.3 percent of the metro area labor force. However, both of these com-munities draw from a larger labor shed located throughout Eastern Jackson County with approximately 182,866 employed persons.
Although Lee’s Summit is more of a housing center than a job center, about 31 percent of residents live and work in the city. Based on travel times, 26 per-cent of residents commute 15 minutes or less. Many of the remaining working residents commute a relatively short distance to surrounding job centers.
Overall, the labor force characteris-tics of Lee’s Summit’s population indicate they are better educated than neighboring communities and than the metro area as a whole. The resident labor force is more oriented toward business and professional services than manufac-turing in terms of the occupational mix.
Among persons over age 25, Lee’s Summit has a well-educated labor force
with 95 percent of employed residents having completed high school and 50 percent having a college degree or higher. By comparison, only 24 percent of Independence residents have a post high school degree. A significant portion of the residents in Lee’s Summit have attended some college (24.8 per-cent), although they have not completed a degree.
The industry distribution of Lee’s Summit residents is most heavily weighted toward education, health and social services, which make up nearly 22 percent of the workforce. Other signifi-cant sectors include retail with 11 percent, professional and administrative services with 12 percent and finance, insurance and real estate with 11 percent of the workforce. Generally, the distribu-tion of resident workers by industry is relatively similar to the metro area as a whole. Independence has a larger proportion of manufacturing and trans-portation workers, but fewer profession-al and services workers. Johnson County is very similar to Lee’s Summit, although they have slightly more
administrative workers and less finance, insurance and real estate workers.
Looking at the distribution of workers by occupation, the primary occupations of residents in Lee’s Summit include managers in business and financial fields, office and administrative workers, sales workers and other professionals, including teach-ers and health care professionals.
Lee’s Summit generally has more managerial and professional workers than the metro area, 46 percent versus 37 percent. Independence’s resident labor force is generally weighted toward blue-collar occupations with fewer people in managerial and professional categories than Lee’s Summit, and more in production, maintenance and trans-portation, as well as more office and administrative workers. Northland has a similar occupational mix to the metro area. The occupational mix in Johnson County is very similar to the mix in Lee’s Summit. Finally, a comparison of wage levels for 19 occupations indicates that wage levels in the region are very similar to national average wages.
8%
18%
43%
31%
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
20,000
In Lee's Summit
Other Jackson
County
Other Kansas City
Area
Outside Kansas City
Area
S 2000 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2009.
Commute Patterns
Labor Force
3%
7%
31%
33%
15%
11%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Less than 10
minutes
10 to 15
minutes
15 to 30
minutes
30 to 45
minutes
45 to 60
minutes
more than 60
minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2009.Commute Patterns Travel Time to Work
Labor Force
Occupational Distribution
Labor Force Characteristics
Educational % of % of % of % of % of % of
Attainment (2011) Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Persons Age 25 and Over 59,965 100.0% 80,614 100.0% 231,507 100.0% 218,572 100.0% 370,570 100.0% 1,392,927 100.0% Less than 9th grade 848 1.4% 2,870 3.6% 6,138 2.7% 4,982 2.3% 6,869 1.9% 45,826 3.3% 9 - 12, no diploma 1,954 3.3% 7,743 9.6% 15,400 6.7% 13,198 6.0% 10,558 2.8% 94,316 6.8% High School Grad. 12,183 20.3% 31,449 39.0% 72,658 31.4% 63,624 29.1% 63,602 17.2% 393,812 28.3% Some College 14,864 24.8% 18,992 23.6% 58,022 25.1% 51,397 23.5% 77,947 21.0% 317,356 22.8% Associate Degree 4,501 7.5% 4,706 5.8% 15,616 6.7% 16,177 7.4% 25,292 6.8% 94,155 6.8% Bachelor Degree 16,187 27.0% 9,241 11.5% 41,153 17.8% 46,948 21.5% 121,597 32.8% 292,779 21.0% Grad. or Prof. Degree 9,428 15.7% 5,613 7.0% 22,520 9.7% 22,246 10.2% 64,705 17.5% 154,683 11.1% High School Graduate 57,163 95.3% 70,001 86.8% 161,764 69.9% 200,392 91.7% 353,143 95.3% 1,252,785 89.9% Post High School Degree 30,116 50.2% 19,560 24.3% 56,198 24.3% 85,371 39.1% 211,594 57.1% 541,617 38.9% Industry (2011)
Employed Persons 50,678 100.0% 57,517 100.0% 182,866 100.0% 180,603 100.0% 314,603 100.0% 1,086,570 100.0% Agriculture & Mining 126 0.2% 148 0.3% 486 0.3% 1,058 0.6% 1,376 0.4% 8,767 0.8% Construction 3,084 6.1% 5,038 8.8% 13,395 7.3% 9,961 5.5% 15,771 5.0% 76,753 7.1% Manufacturing 4,337 8.6% 6,897 12.0% 18,843 10.3% 19,780 11.0% 27,333 8.7% 114,520 10.5% Wholesale Trade 1,909 3.8% 2,132 3.7% 6,672 3.6% 7,547 4.2% 14,691 4.7% 38,462 3.5% Retail Trade 5,578 11.0% 6,843 11.9% 22,714 12.4% 21,087 11.7% 36,616 11.6% 126,294 11.6% Transportation & Utilities 1,903 3.8% 3,649 6.3% 10,521 5.8% 12,291 6.8% 12,188 3.9% 65,047 6.0% Information 2,317 4.6% 1,716 3.0% 6,734 3.7% 5,150 2.9% 16,511 5.2% 36,259 3.3% F.I.R.E. 5,758 11.4% 4,358 7.6% 16,565 9.1% 16,390 9.1% 32,493 10.3% 91,819 8.5% Professional, Administrative Svcs 6,219 12.3% 5,456 9.5% 18,806 10.3% 18,879 10.5% 44,756 14.2% 113,073 10.4% Education, Health, Social Svcs 10,983 21.7% 10,482 18.2% 36,160 19.8% 34,914 19.3% 65,863 20.9% 216,646 19.9% Arts, Entertainment, Hospitality 3,433 6.8% 5,186 9.0% 14,287 7.8% 16,764 9.3% 23,548 7.5% 91,863 8.5% Other Services 2,894 5.7% 2,842 4.9% 9,668 5.3% 7,657 4.2% 14,182 4.5% 54,619 5.0% Public Administration 2,135 4.2% 2,770 4.8% 8,015 4.4% 9,124 5.1% 9,274 2.9% 52,447 4.8% F.I.R.E. - Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey, 2005-2009: Claritas 2011.
Note: Northland includes Clay and Platte Counties. Eastern Jackson, MO includes the communities of Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Grandview, Grain Valley, Independence, Sugar Creek, Raytown, Oak Grove and Greenwood.
Northland Eastern Jackson
Kansas City MSA Johnson
Lee's SummitCity of IndependenceCity of County, MO County, KS
% of % of % of % of % of
Occupation Detail (2011) Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Employed Persons 50,678 100.0% 57,517 100.0% 182,866 100.0% 180,603 100.0% 314,603 100.0% 1,086,570 100.0% Managerial 6,612 13.0% 3,798 6.6% 16,634 9.1% 18,583 10.3% 43,537 13.8% 110,723 10.2% Business & Financial 3,042 6.0% 2,145 3.7% 8,695 4.8% 9,670 5.4% 23,080 7.3% 58,290 5.4% Computer & Mathematical 2,402 4.7% 1,240 2.2% 6,193 3.4% 6,822 3.8% 14,014 4.5% 35,960 3.3% Architectural & Engineering 1,278 2.5% 753 1.3% 3,296 1.8% 2,856 1.6% 8,855 2.8% 20,082 1.8% Life, Physical & Social Sciences 592 1.2% 299 0.5% 1,471 0.8% 1,218 0.7% 3,467 1.1% 8,844 0.8% Community and Social Services 930 1.8% 812 1.4% 2,821 1.5% 2,347 1.3% 5,539 1.8% 17,492 1.6%
Legal 871 1.7% 440 0.8% 1,934 1.1% 2,296 1.3% 4,773 1.5% 12,911 1.2%
Education and Training 3,122 6.2% 2,726 4.7% 9,934 5.4% 9,948 5.5% 20,451 6.5% 60,254 5.5% Arts, Entertainment and Sports 1,038 2.0% 1,045 1.8% 3,347 1.8% 2,804 1.6% 6,869 2.2% 20,868 1.9% Healthcare Practitioners & Technicians 3,618 7.1% 2,323 4.0% 9,397 5.1% 10,892 6.0% 20,426 6.5% 60,286 5.5% Healthcare Support 873 1.7% 1,158 2.0% 3,299 1.8% 3,184 1.8% 4,190 1.3% 20,465 1.9% Protective Services 465 0.9% 917 1.6% 2,794 1.5% 5,422 3.0% 4,290 1.4% 21,642 2.0% Food Preparation 1,984 3.9% 3,060 5.3% 8,788 4.8% 9,264 5.1% 14,820 4.7% 55,480 5.1% Building & Grounds Maintenance 981 1.9% 2,218 3.9% 5,450 3.0% 4,485 2.5% 6,777 2.2% 35,253 3.2% Personal Services 1,523 3.0% 1,753 3.0% 5,662 3.1% 6,047 3.3% 9,796 3.1% 34,408 3.2% Sales & Related 6,796 13.4% 6,580 11.4% 22,459 12.3% 19,150 10.6% 43,254 13.7% 125,131 11.5% Office & Administrative 7,006 13.8% 10,844 18.9% 30,424 16.6% 29,228 16.2% 41,646 13.2% 165,980 15.3% Farming, Fishing & Forestry 69 0.1% 111 0.2% 270 0.1% 509 0.3% 396 0.1% 2,908 0.3% Construction & Extraction 2,206 4.4% 3,125 5.4% 10,106 5.5% 7,165 4.0% 10,083 3.2% 56,066 5.2% Repair & Maintenance 1,253 2.5% 2,571 4.5% 6,935 3.8% 6,577 3.6% 6,866 2.2% 36,233 3.3% Production 1,964 3.9% 4,946 8.6% 11,489 6.3% 11,510 6.4% 9,828 3.1% 63,140 5.8% Transportation & Material Moving 2,053 4.1% 4,653 8.1% 11,468 6.3% 10,626 5.9% 11,646 3.7% 64,154 5.9% Source: Claritas, 2011.
City of City of
Note: Northland includes Clay and Platte Counties. Eastern Jackson, MO includes the communities of Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Grandview, Grain Valley, Independence, Sugar Creek, Raytown, Oak Grove and Greenwood.
Northland Eastern Jackson
Kansas City MSA Johnson
Labor Force
Manufacturing Labor Force
Eastern National
Occupation Jackson Average
Manufacturing Facility Jobs
Production Supervisor $31.30 $31.01 Electrical Engineer $42.87 $42.25 Engineering Technician $25.84 $25.72 Machinery Mechanic $17.90 $17.93 Production Helper $12.18 $12.21 Machinist $22.57 $22.55
Tool and Die Maker $25.48 $25.38
Plastic and Metal Forming Machine Operator $17.48 $17.52 Office Facility Jobs
Office Clerk, General $15.68 $15.71
Customer Service Representative $15.88 $15.92
Receptionist $14.06 $14.09
Order Clerk $15.58 $15.61
Office Manager $24.69 $24.61
Telemarketer $16.83 $16.87
Distribution Facility Jobs
Material Handler $14.18 $14.21
Truck Driver - Light $16.10 $16.14
Truck Driver - Heavy $19.17 $19.19
Warehouse Supervisor $23.21 $23.18
Conveyor Operators & Tenders $13.47 $13.50 Source: Economic Research Institute, 2011
Labor Force
Office and Administrative Labor Force
Economy
Employment by place of work in Lee’s Summit is currently estimated at 29,828, excluding government workers, which makes up about 3.3 percent of metro area employment. According to the Mid-America Regional Council’s 2004 Long Range Forecast, this propor-tion will remain fairly constant through 2020.
Manufacturing employment in Lee’s Summit accounts for only 2.3 percent of the metro area total, but in certain industries the city has a much larger presence. Employment in the city accounts for nearly 9.5 percent of the metro area plastics industry and 4.1 percent of fabricated metals.
Slightly more than 52 percent of employment in Lee’s Summit is in the services sector, accounting for about 3.7
percent of metro area employment in this sector. Key service industries include: professional, scientific and technical, health care, and food and lodging.
About 6 percent of local employ-ment is in the construction industry, accounting for nearly 4 percent of metro area construction employment. Lee’s Summit is also fairly well represented in retail trade, which makes up 17 percent of local jobs, and finance, insurance and real estate, which make up 7 percent of local jobs.
Independence, with an employment base of about 35,354 workers, also has a larger share of employment in manufac-turing, retail, and food and lodging than Lee’s Summit.
Employment Growth
According to projections by Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), Eastern Jackson County, which includes Lee’s Summit, accounted for about 10.4 percent of regional employment in 2000 and they project this level to remain constant through 2020.1Between
2000 and 2020, MARC projects that employment in Eastern Jackson County will increase by about 45,000 jobs from the current base of roughly 121,018 jobs. However, they anticipate that the local employment base will shift away from industrial uses toward office uses. A similar trend is projected to occur in the metro area as a whole.
1. Total employment by place of work estimates from Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) are somewhat different than estimates from County Business Patterns due to a difference in geography since the MARC data is for Eastern Jackson County not the City of Lee’s Summit, and the fact that the MARC estimates include government employment.
Eastern Jackson, MO Jackson County, MO Johnson County, KS Kansas City MSA
Employment % of % of % of % of E. Jackson
By Place of Work Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total % of MSA Total 2000 121,018 100.0% 479,203 100.0% 364,721 100.0% 1,166,709 100.0% 10.4% Office 60,007 49.6% 276,320 57.7% 192,651 52.8% 626,004 53.7% 9.6% Retail 29,865 24.7% 72,986 15.2% 67,900 18.6% 192,095 16.5% 15.5% Industrial 20,137 16.6% 85,374 17.8% 80,243 22.0% 243,356 20.9% 8.3% Manufacturing 11,009 9.1% 44,523 9.3% 23,927 6.6% 105,254 9.0% 10.5% Total 2020 165,786 100.0% 609,217 100.0% 590,730 100.0% 1,659,344 100.0% 10.0% Office 91,070 54.9% 387,022 63.5% 350,790 59.4% 987,616 59.5% 9.2% Retail 39,497 23.8% 86,764 14.2% 106,736 18.1% 275,112 16.6% 14.4% Industrial 22,797 13.8% 88,429 14.5% 98,828 16.7% 270,491 16.3% 8.4% Manufacturing 12,422 7.5% 47,002 7.7% 34,376 5.8% 126,125 7.6% 9.8%
% Change % Change % Change % Change
Growth 2000-2020 44,768 37.0% 130,014 27.1% 226,009 62.0% 492,635 42.2% 9.1%
Office 31,063 51.8% 110,702 40.1% 158,139 82.1% 361,612 57.8% 8.6%
Retail 9,632 32.3% 13,778 18.9% 38,836 57.2% 83,017 43.2% 11.6%
Industrial 2,660 13.2% 3,055 3.6% 18,585 23.2% 27,135 11.2% 9.8%
Manufacturing 1,413 12.8% 2,479 5.6% 10,449 43.7% 20,871 19.8% 6.8%
Source: Mid-America Regional Council, 2004 Long Range Forecast (most current available). *Office includes public administration
Economy
Industry Emp. Dist. t. Emp. Dist. Emp. Dist. Emp. Dist. Emp. Dist. Emp. Dist.
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing 6 0% 0 0% 8 0% 76 0% 10 0% 184 0%
Mining 0 0% 7 0% 36 0% 120 0% 255 0% 727 0%
Construction 1,877 6% 1,323 4% 9,476 8% 4,796 4% 14,299 5% 47,339 5%
Manufacturing 1,827 6% 3,973 11% 11,590 10% 14,422 11% 20,877 7% 80,978 9%
Printing 75 0% 189 1% 546 0% 1,337 1% 3,284 1% 7,279 1%
Industrial Machinery 185 1% 1,385 4% 2,679 2% 1,343 1% 1,461 0% 12,856 1% Fabricated Metal Products 358 1% 160 0% 1,198 1% 281 0% 2,466 1% 8,715 1%
Plastics 422 1% 54 0% 1,123 1% 852 1% 870 0% 4,431 0%
Transportation Equipment 2 0% 54 0% 806 1% 5,500 4% 375 0% 9,369 1%
Other 785 3% 2,131 6% 5,238 4% 5,109 4% 12,421 4% 38,328 4%
Transportation and Utilities 773 3% 432 1% 4,217 4% 8,200 6% 12,701 4% 44,026 5%
Wholesale Trade 1,502 5% 748 2% 4,073 3% 7,116 6% 21,168 7% 62,407 7% Reta
