Located near the geographical center of the continental United States, Greater Kansas City is a Missouri-Kansas bi-state region encompassing 11 counties and over 4,770 square miles. Its population of more than 1,775,000 ranks 28th among U.S. metropolitan areas.

The ethnic mix of the metro area includes 80.8% white, 12.5% African American, and 5.4% Hispanic. Kansas City has lower leisure and lifestyle costs than most major cities.

Metropolitan Kansas City is an agri-business center, also having many manufacturing, communications, transportation, and service industries. Opportunities for healthcare, education, and entertainment abound in the area as do the economic, education, and social challenges common to big cities in the early 21st century.