_white.png)
_white.png)
_white.png)
ADVANTAGES
Discover the smart, strategic choice for business investment and expansion in Jefferson County, Illinois.
​
Jefferson County, Illinois offers a powerful combination of strategic location, business-friendly incentives, skilled workforce, and exceptional quality of life, backed by a strong base of existing industry. Positioned at the crossroads of major interstate, rail, and air networks, the region provides unmatched access to key markets across the Midwest and beyond. Companies that choose Jefferson County gain the advantages of a supportive economic ecosystem, competitive costs, and a community invested in long-term growth and success.
LOCATION
Ideal for LogistiCS
-
Strategic Connectivity: Located at the intersection of Interstates 57 and 64, and just a short drive from I-70, providing direct access to major markets across the Midwest and beyond.
-
Market Reach: Within an eight-hour truck drive of more than 130 million consumers, enabling fast, cost-effective distribution.
-
Air Access: Mt. Vernon Outland Airport features a 6,499-foot runway capable of handling corporate and cargo aircraft, supporting flexible logistics operations.
-
Rail Access: Jefferson County is served by multiple Class I and short-line rail providers, offering direct connections to national freight networks. Mt. Vernon’s rail infrastructure supports both heavy industrial users and smaller manufacturers, with transload capabilities that link rail and trucking operations seamlessly. This multimodal flexibility helps businesses reduce shipping costs, increase efficiency, and expand their market reach.
-
Central Location: Positioned in the heart of Southern Illinois, Jefferson County serves as a key logistics hub connecting road, rail, and air transport networks.
Incentive
Supporting Growth and Investment
-
Enterprise Zone Benefits: Jefferson County’s Enterprise Zone offers a range of state and local incentives, including sales tax exemptions on building materials, equipment, and machinery, helping reduce startup and expansion costs for businesses.
-
TIF Districts (Tax Increment Financing): Several TIF districts within the county provide financial tools for infrastructure improvements, property redevelopment, and site preparation, making it easier for businesses to invest in growth-ready locations.
-
Opportunity Zone Advantages: Designated Opportunity Zones offer federal tax incentives for long-term investments, encouraging private capital to support economic development and job creation in targeted areas.
-
Comprehensive Support: These combined incentives create a business-friendly environment that reduces costs, mitigates risk, and accelerates development, helping companies maximize return on investment in Jefferson County.
-
Strategic Investment Tools: By leveraging Enterprise Zone, TIF, and Opportunity Zone benefits, businesses can access flexible financing, tax relief, and redevelopment resources tailored to their growth strategies.
Quality of Life
A Community Where People Thrive
-
Vibrant Downtown: The brand-new Downtown Commons provides a central gathering space for events, concerts, and community activities, fostering a strong sense of connection and culture.
-
Recreational Amenities: The Jefferson County Aquatic Zoo and extensive bike paths offer family-friendly outdoor activities that promote health and wellness.
-
Access to Nature: Just minutes away, Rend Lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping, making it easy for residents and employees to enjoy the outdoors.
-
Future Recreation: Plans for a state-of-the-art Recreation Center will expand fitness, sports, and community programming, enhancing the county’s appeal for families and young professionals.
-
Balanced Lifestyle: With a mix of modern amenities, natural attractions, and family-focused recreation, Jefferson County offers a quality of life that supports both personal well-being and workforce retention.
Existing Industry
A Strong Foundation for Growth
-
Diverse Industrial Base: Jefferson County is home to a wide range of established industries, including manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and service-based businesses, creating a resilient and adaptable economic environment.
-
Major Employers: The county hosts several large-scale employers that provide stable jobs and contribute to a skilled, experienced workforce.
-
Collaborative Ecosystem: Existing businesses benefit from a network of suppliers, partners, and support services, making it easier for new companies to integrate and scale operations.
-
Proven Success: The presence of thriving industries demonstrates the county’s capacity to support complex operations, advanced manufacturing, and logistics-intensive enterprises.
-
Growth Opportunities: With available industrial sites and expansion-ready facilities, Jefferson County offers a business-friendly environment that builds on a strong, established industrial foundation.
WORKFORCE
-
A strong base of employment: In Jefferson County, Illinois there are approximately 17,067 private sector payroll jobs as of September 2024.
-
Robust manufacturing presence: The manufacturing sector employs about 4,535 workers in the county.
-
Transportation & logistics capacity: The trade, transportation and utilities sector alone accounts for 4,538 private sector jobs, showing deep regional experience in movement of goods and services.
-
Proximity to regional labor pool: The county draws from a talent pool “of more than 639,000 workers within a one hour drive,” supported by local K12 and higher education institutions preparing students in manufacturing, maintenance and technical skills.
-
Competitive wages with room for talent growth: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, total covered employment in the county stood around 19,277 jobs.
-
Together, these data points underline a workforce that is experienced, well connected, and aligned with the needs of advanced manufacturing, logistics and industry, making Jefferson County an ideal environment for companies looking to scale operations with confidence.