It's great to explore the industries supported in an area, so residents can understand what their economy's fortunes are based on. If you live in a Kansas zip code (Kansas City, that is, on the Kansas side!) you know that the economy is traditionally strong.

That strength is thanks to a number of different factors. First is the great location Kansas City enjoys, right on the border and near to several different major transportation routes. That location has given rise to several different industries, which play a vital role in the city's growth. Let's take a look at a few of them.

Manufacturing

Like all good sized cities, Kansas City has a good manufacturing presence. Historically, its proximity to the Missouri River has been ideal for those looking to cut down overheads between production and shipping.

One of the major sectors represented in city manufacturing is the automobile industry. GM has operated a plant in the city for decades. Fit for daylighting and night shifts, the plant works around the clock making models including the Malibu, Aura, and Lacrosse.

The food industry also plays an important role in the manufacturing sector, as surrounding farmland provide the raw materials for many staples and value added goods. Allis Chalmers pump parts are put to work in the processing plants for grocery giants such as Associated Wholesale Grocers, who are based in the city.

Health Care

All major cities in every state have thriving health care industries, as the population starts to seriously age and more home healthcare and extended coverage is needed.

In addition to the human industry, Kansas City is one of the largest animal healthcare centers in the entire United States. Again, this is largely due to the agricultural base of the areas outlying the city. The animal health sector is kept busy making bite type fittings for horses' bits, researching ideal diets for dairy cows, and other agriculturally based tasks.

Energy

Based on the high plains, Kansas City is an important center for the production and research of green energy. Specifically, wind powers this part of the Kansas City economy.

Entertainment industries

Entertainment and even tourism are big business in Kansas City. The city is home to the Royals of MLB fame, and every year the team attracts fans from four states. That is a big injection of money into the local economy!

Kansas City is also well known as a casino town. Many people gamble in established casinos both on and off the river. The casino industry is one which seems to always be expanding in the city itself.

And finally, restaurants unpack deliveries packaged with an automatic strapping machine day and night in Kansas City. After all, where there are people being entertained, there are people feeling hungry.