Find a Job You Really Want In
Missouri, often celebrated as the heartland of America, continues to embody the spirit of hard work and opportunity. In 2026, the dedication of its residents remains unwavering, with certain areas exemplifying a robust work ethic and commitment to career advancement.
Among these industrious locales, Wildwood stands out as the hardest working city in Missouri, where citizens not only excel in their jobs but often turn the commute into a significant part of their professional lives.
Curious about which other cities are champions of work ethic in the Show Me State? Here’s a list of the top contenders for the title of hardest working places in Missouri. Prepare to put in some extra hours if you want to keep up with these high achievers:
- Wildwood
- Glendale
- Parkville
- Manchester
- Des Peres
- Dardenne Prairie
- O’Fallon
- Wentzville
- Greenwood
- Lee’s Summit
Caruthersville, take note! There’s plenty to learn from these dedicated communities about enhancing your work ethic and career prospects.
For more insights into Missouri’s job market, explore:
How We Determined the Hardest Working Places in the Show Me State
At Zippia, we rely on data to provide insights into the most pressing questions. In assessing the hardworking nature of Missouri’s cities, we utilized the latest American Community Survey data to form our rankings.
This year, we analyzed various criteria, including:
- Average hours worked per week
- Average commute time
- Workers per household (employed labor force divided by the number of households)
- Labor force participation rate
- Percentage of adults with a college degree
Our rationale is straightforward: those who invest years in education, actively seek employment, work long hours, and endure lengthy commutes are likely to be the hardest workers. Each of Missouri’s 128 cities was ranked from 1 to 128 based on these criteria, with 1 representing the hardest working city.
Ultimately, the city with the lowest hardworking index earned the title of the “Hardest Working Place in Missouri,” with Wildwood leading the pack once again.
1. Wildwood
Population: 35,701 College Graduates: 65.8%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 39.0
Workers Per Household: 1.5
2. Glendale
Population: 5,926 College Graduates: 77.6%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 39.5
Workers Per Household: 1.4
3. Parkville
Population: 5,811 College Graduates: 60.7%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.8
Workers Per Household: 1.6
4. Manchester
Population: 18,125 College Graduates: 54.3%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.2
Workers Per Household: 1.5
5. Des Peres
Population: 8,443 College Graduates: 70.0%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 37.7
Workers Per Household: 1.5
6. Dardenne Prairie
Population: 12,116 College Graduates: 47.6%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 40.1
Workers Per Household: 1.6
7. O’Fallon
Population: 81,978 College Graduates: 37.5%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.8
Workers Per Household: 1.6
8. Wentzville
Population: 31,591 College Graduates: 30.9%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.9
Workers Per Household: 1.6
9. Greenwood
Population: 5,322 College Graduates: 34.9%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 40.0
Workers Per Household: 1.6
10. Lee’s Summit
Population: 92,813 College Graduates: 42.6%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 39.2
Workers Per Household: 1.5
Detailed List of Hardest Working Places in Missouri
| City | Rank |
|---|---|
| Wildwood | 1 |
| Glendale | 2 |
| Parkville | 3 |
| Manchester | 4 |
| Des Peres | 5 |
| Dardenne Prairie | 6 |
| O’Fallon | 7 |
| Wentzville | 8 |
| Greenwood | 9 |
| Lee’s Summit | 10 |
In conclusion, Missouri’s hardest working cities exemplify a steadfast commitment to professional success. Whether you’re seeking new opportunities or looking to enhance your career, these locations are ideal for those who value hard work and dedication. Explore job opportunities in these cities and join the ranks of Missouri’s most industrious residents!
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
