2023 Ratings & Rankings
KC is a Top City for International Trade
Ranked among the "Best U.S. Cities for Global Trade," Kansas City was recognized for its central location, strong manufacturing and agricultural sectors, and investment in infrastructure and logistics.
Global Trade Magazine, December 2023
Foot Traffic in Downtown KC Nears Pre-Pandemic Levels
With more than 32 million visitors in 2023, the downtown KC lands in third in visitor recovery post-pandemic compared to other downtowns around the country.
Downtown Council of Kansas City, December 2023
Three Cities in the KC Region Rank High for LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Overland Park, Kansas; Lawrence, Kansas; and Kansas City, Missouri, were among only 129 cities across the country to received perfect scores (100/100) on the Municipal Equality Index, a national benchmarking tool measuring how well cities provide civic services geared toward LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Municipal Equality Index, November 2023
KC Recognized as a Top Place for Foreign Businesses
Kansas City ranked in the 15 best U.S. cities for foreign investment, scoring a perfect score in "aftercare," which recognizes the level of city support companies receive after making their investment decision.
Financial Times & Nikkei, November 2023
Two KC Region Cities Make Top Mid-Size Cities List
Overland Park, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, were recognized among the Top 20 places where "the living is easy and the fun is almost guaranteed."
CNN, October 2023
KC is No. 6 in the U.S. for Momentum of Tech Job Growth
The KC region's tech jobs continue to rise as the growth of the broader tech industry, coupled with expanded apprenticeships and skills development programs, keep workers engaged.
The Wall Street Journal, October 2023
Kansas City is a Best in Travel Destination for 2024
KC is only one of two U.S. cities to make Lonely Planet's "Best Cities" hotlist of trending destinations for the coming year.
Lonely Planet, October 2023
Overland Park Ranks a Top 10 City for Women
The KC suburb ranked No. 8 in a national list of best cities for women, based on economic and social well-being, health care, and safety.
WalletHub, September 2023
KC is a Top City for Food Manufacturing
The Kansas City region ranked No. 3 among large MSAs best suited for food and beverage manufacturing operations.
Site Selection Magazine, September 2023
Overland Park is Named the Best Place to Rent
This KC suburb was ranked the No. 1 best place to rent in the U.S. based on affordability, market availability and quality of life. WalletHub, July 2023
Four Suburbs in the KC Region are Named Best Cities to Live in the U.S.
Overland Park, Olathe, Lee Summit and Lawrence were ranked in the top 100 best cities to live based on factors such as economy, cost of living, amenities, transportation, safety and education. Livability, June 2023
KC is a Top 10 Place to Start Your Career
A cost-effective option with high-quality of life and entertainment options, the KC region ranked as a top spot for young professionals evaluating where to begin their careers. Bankrate, June 2023
Kansas City Airport is Ranked No. 1 in the US
For its ease of travel, beautiful art, local restaurants and unique design, Kansas City International Airport was named the best airport in the country. Travel Awaits, June 2023
KC is a Top 10 City for Homeownership
Homeownership is not only feasible but a sound investment in Kansas City, with affordable prices and good value appreciation. Business Insider, May 2023
Kansas City is No. 9 U.S. Metro for Millennials
With the most affordable cost of living among the Top 10 areas in the country, plus a strong job market with only 2.4% unemployment, KC is attracting a rapidly growing percentage of Millennials. CommercialCafe, May 2023
Kansas City is a Top Destination for Digital Nomads
Kansas City ranks third in best cities for digital nomads, thanks to low cost of living, massive redevelopment and amazing entertainment experiences. Zumper, May 2023
KC is Paws-itively Perfect for Pet Owners
Kansas City is ranked among the top 10 for best cities for pet ownership. With the third-best veterinary costs and high percentage of pet-friendly apartments, pets of all kinds will feel right at home in KC. Forbes, April 2023
KC Region is a Top 10 Growth Market for Warehouses and Distribution Centers
The Kansas City metro has seen a huge increase in demand for big-box warehouses and distribution centers, making KC one of the top growth markets in this industry. Kansas City Business Journal, April 2023
Kansas City Suburb is a Hot Spot for Pickleball
Overland Park, Kansas, was pegged as the top pickleball-obsessed city in the country, with new pickleball-based entertainment venue, SERV, offering courts, food and bars. Offers.bet, March 2023
KC Area County is Top Place to Live
Johnson County slotted the top spot in Kansas and No. 3 in the country on Niche’s list of best U.S. counties to live in, noted for its high grades in categories including public schools, housing and family life.
Niche, February 2023
KC Lands in Top 3 Large Metros for Families with Children
Kansas City was recognized as a top spot for families with children looking for affordable housing choices, reduced commute times and good school systems. lendingtree, January 2023
KC is a Top 10 City for Affordable Housing
Kansas City made the Top 10 for major cities with affordable monthly housing costs - including spending on mortgages, rent, real estate taxes, property insurance, utilities and other recurring housing expenses.
Nasdaq, January 2023
KC Region's Good Eats Earn Eight James Beard Award Nominations
Eight food and drink spots throughout the region earned semifinalist nominations in the annual James Beard Awards, for categories including Outstanding Hospitality, Outstanding Bar, Outstanding Chef and Best Chef in the Midwest.
James Beard Foundation, January 2023
Kansas City Ranks in Top 10 Hottest Real Estate Markets of 2023
KC ranked No. 7 in Zillow's predicted list of hottest markets, based on analysis of forecast home value growth, recent housing market velocity, projected changes in the labor market, home construction activity and number of homeowner households.
Zillow, January 2023
KC Area College Program Ranks Among Best for Veterans
The online master's program in nursing at the University of Missouri-Kansas City ranked No. 11 in the nation for veterans, the eleventh consecutive year the program has been ranked in the Top 50.
U.S. News & World Report, January 2023
KC Lands on List of Most Livable U.S. Cities
Kansas City was among the top cities for quality of life in Far & Wide's recent ranking, recognizing it as the "Barbecue Capital of the country" and noting its rich jazz heritage.
Far & Wide, January 2023
Local Distillery Makes List of "Bucket-List" Drink Spots Around the World
J. Rieger & Co., a historic brand revived in 2014, was listed as the "Most Young-at-Heart" drink location in the world, in part thanks to its 40-foot-long spiral slide for guests of all ages to ride.
Wine Enthusiast, January 2023
KC Ranks in Top 10 of Cities with Most Green Space
Kansas City was recognized for its total public and private green area per capita, total park acreage and number of parks and green spaces.
Lawn Love, January 2023
Convention Center in KC Region Named Best in North America
The Overland Park Convention Center was recognized for its ability to host events of all shapes and sizes while providing world-class service and state-of-the-art accomodations. The win is OPCC's fourth since the awards' inception four years ago. EXHIBITOR Magazine, January 2023