Lake of the Ozarks Regional Economic Development Council

The Lake of the Ozarks Regional Housing Study represents an in-depth study of the housing conditions in Camden, Miller and Morgan counties, as well as Laclede County. The communities of the study area display unique personalities and housing challenges. The study examines the unique situations of each county and the major population centers within those communities, using this analysis to derive common themes that can be addressed by cooperative actions. Keep reading to learn more about the housing study and the results that were found. Why a Housing Study? As the Lake of the Ozarks Regional Economic Development Council (LOREDC) assembled economic development plans and initiatives for the region, housing came up frequently as a major economic development factor. To be successful, the area must provide a variety of housing types. While the area has successful attracted a growing population, housing has not exactly followed the same trend. More and more communities are realizing...

In 2007, the Build Your Own Business Project was accepted into the University of Missouri Extension Community Economic and Entrepreneurial Development Program (ExCEED). The project includes four counties: Benton, Camden, Miller and Morgan. ExCEED program leaders requested that the Community Policy Analysis Center (CPAC) provide basic economic information to the Build Your Own Business Project and three other regions accepted into the program at the same time. The ExCEED program assisted CPAC faculty to design the studies and underwrote the cost. Key Findings  Population - Total population in the Build Your Own Business Project Region was 103,747 in 2006. The region's population is projected to increase between 1.08% and 1.43% per year over the next ten years, bringing the total 2016 population to a range from 115,557 to 119,619. Personal Per Capita Income - In 2006, the personal per capita income for Build Your Own Business Project was $25,930. Historically, personal p...

Why Missouri?  While Missouri is home to 10 Fortune 500 companies and just as many of America's largest private companies as designated by Forbes, the state is equally dedicated to the growth of smaller businesses as well. Missouri is all about economic and business growth. The state has maintained a solid business environment over the years and that stability helps companies that are new to the state plan for growth even before relocating business to Missouri . Let's take a look at a few of the advantages to doing business in the "Show-Me" State. Missouri Labor Force  Missouri has one of the most valuable workforces you will find anywhere across the country. Based on high school graduation rates, Missouri has a better educated workforce than most other states. This means our workers have the basic competencies to support advanced manufacturing and logistics. Missouri is home to nationally ranked Washington University in St. Louis, and nearly 140 other degre...

Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks Demographic Profile 2016 has been released. The report covers the counties and communities of Camden County, Miller County, Morgan County, Camdenton, Eldon, Lake Ozark, Osage Beach and Versailles. In today's blog, we'll take a look at a few of the facts and figures you can expect to find in this demographic profile: Population Data The population section of our demographic profile includes population data by county and city, and also takes into consideration age, race & ethnicity, employment status and more. Here is a quick look at the population of the Lake of the Ozarks Region: Education Data The education section of our demographic profile offers data on county educational attainment, county schools, county education stats and more. Let's take a look at some of this education data: Income Data The income data section of our demographic profile offers population numbers by household income...

There are 6 essential attributes that develop a high quality of life in our communities: recreation, healthcare, education, cost of living, housing, and low crime/clean air and water. Last month, we talked about all the recreational opportunities here at The Lake and now we'll touch on the other 5 attributes. You will learn why the Lake of the Ozarks region is a relaxing friendly place to live, work and play! Healthcare Lake Regional Health System provides comprehensive health care services to Lake Area residents and visitors. The 116-bed hospital is a state designated Level III trauma center. It is accredited by The Joint Commission and is a past recipient of the Missouri Quality Award. Cardiac care services include open-heart surgery, cardiac catheterization and cardiac rehab. Lake Regional Cancer Center offers patients chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments in a comfortable atmosphere close to home. Lake Regional Health System also operates primary care, urge...

In general, economic development is usually the focus of federal, state and local governments to improve our standard of living through the creation of jobs, the support of innovation and new ideas, the creation of higher wealth and the creation of an overall better quality of life. Economic development is often defined by others based on what it is trying to accomplish. Many times these objectives include building or improving our transportation and energy infrastructure, improving our education system through new schools, enhancing our public safety and health services, or incentivizing new businesses to open and existing businesses to maintain a location in a community. Economic Development at The Lake The Lake of the Ozarks region has all of the essential ingredients necessary to provide a high quality of life for its citizens. One of the most significant attributes for the region is its natural scenic beauty along the 1,150 miles of Lake shoreline. Located in south central ...

Why move your business to the Lake of the Ozarks ? Well, aside from the beauty of the lake and surrounding area, we have a high quality of life! From quality education and healthcare to a good workforce and great recreation, the Lake of the Ozarks area has a lot to offer its residents. Let's take a look at some of the things that make living and working in this area so great! Tax Rates The sales tax rates in the Lake of the Ozarks region vary slightly from county to county, and vary even a little more from city to city: Camden County - 5.475% Miller County - 5.725% Morgan County - 5.725% Camdeton - 7.475% Eldon - 8.125% Lake Ozark - 7.725% Laurie - 7.725%  Osage Beach - 7.475% to 8.725% depending on the area Versailles - 7.725% For Businesses  In Missouri, the taxable wage base is $11,000. This means an employer pays contributions/taxes on the first $11,000 paid to each employee. After the taxable wage base has been met, the employer continues to report t...