Community Development

Chillicothe, Missouri, began in 1837 and adopted its city charter in 1869. Chillicothe began and has continued to be primarily an agricultural based community. It remains the county seat of Livingston County. For over 100 years, Chillicothe has been one of the prominent cities of northern Missouri; and, therefore, has a long and stable history.

Even with low prices and yields reduced by drought, agriculture is still a $30 million industry annually in Livingston County. A majority of county citizens are either directly connected to the local agriculture economy as landowners or operators generating agricultural income or indirectly connected as business owners or workers providing goods and services to those who do earn income from farming. Both our number of farms and our farm producers have been increasing since 1997. The local employee pool is largely unskilled, but sizeable. A majority of the younger people entering the job market are seeking secondary training and jobs in higher tech businesses, with growth potential elsewhere.

Our primary focus is on improving our draw rate. The most rapid endeavors include tourist attractions along with regional sports and entertainment venues. Overlapping those efforts include enterprises to enhance overall lifestyle of the community at large, with a particular focus on the youth, young adults, and fledgling families. Chillicothe is dedicated to creating an environment of personal and economic growth, security, and enjoyment.

It is helpful to identify the existing assets which Chillicothe possesses. Very soon, Highway 36 improvements will provide Chillicothe with the increased traffic of a divided highway running along the southern border of the city limits. This will clearly impact the opportunities for increased tourism, and is, therefore, a major potential asset.

Chillicothe is proud to be the county seat for Livingston County. Our courthouse is steeped in history and tradition and is the center of our town square.

Special events are often centered around our courthouse, including the annual car show's Drive Night, Veteran's Memorial program, lighting of Christmas tapers in December, and the Farmers' Market each spring.

The Grand River in Chillicothe has been an important landmark to the city since inception. Originally, it was vital to trade and travel in the days of our forefathers.