Discover the Heart of the Bootheel: Hayward, Missouri

In the vibrant southeastern corner of Missouri lies the delightful town of Hayward, where community spirit and natural beauty unite to create a truly special place. Hayward may be small, but its heart is immense, offering a warm welcome to anyone who steps into its borders. This charming town is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle, boasting a slower pace of life that allows residents to savor moments of simplicity and joy.

Known for its lush, expansive landscapes, Hayward provides a picturesque setting that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re keen on a leisurely walk along country lanes, enjoying birdwatching, or simply soaking up the serenity of the wide-open spaces, Hayward delivers a feast for the senses. The vibrant colors and sounds of nature create a beautiful backdrop for life's daily activities.

The sense of community in Hayward is rich and palpable. Here, neighbors greet each other with genuine smiles and a wave. Local events and gatherings serve as a testament to the town’s commitment to fostering strong bonds among its residents. A blend of small-town charm and big-hearted people makes Hayward not just a place to live, but a place to truly belong. If you're looking for a spot where life is imbued with warmth and friendliness, Hayward welcomes you with open arms.

Workforce & Industrial Development

Nestled in the rural landscape of Missouri’s Bootheel, Hayward (formerly an incorporated village) is now a small census-designated place in Pemiscot County, with a population of just 93 as of the 2020 census ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayward%2C_Missouri?utm_source=openai)). Despite its modest size, Hayward sits within a region offering strategic advantages for light industrial and logistics operations—most notably its proximity to the Pemiscot County Port Authority on the Mississippi River, and easy access to Interstate 55 and Interstate 155 ([missouriports.org](https://missouriports.org/missouris-ports/pemiscot-county/?utm_source=openai)).

The broader county supports business growth through its designation as an Enhanced Enterprise Zone, which makes manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, and value-added agricultural enterprises eligible for state and local incentives ([ded.mo.gov](https://ded.mo.gov/location/pemiscot-county?utm_source=openai)). Nearby, the Duane Michie Industrial Park in Hayti—just a few miles from Hayward—has earned BNSF Railway’s Certified Site status, signaling that it is development-ready with infrastructure, environmental, and utility assessments already in place ([pemiscotport.com](https://www.pemiscotport.com/News_Publicity.aspx?utm_source=openai)).

At the state level, Missouri offers robust incentive programs for businesses considering expansion or relocation. Missouri Works provides tax credits or withholding tax retention for job creation and capital investment, while the BUILD program supports large-scale development projects with low-interest financing through tax-exempt revenue bonds ([ded.mo.gov](https://ded.mo.gov/programs/business/missouri-works?utm_source=openai)). Workforce development is also a strong suit: programs like Missouri One Start and Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant help businesses train or recruit skilled employees, and support adult learners in high-demand fields ([dhewd.mo.gov](https://dhewd.mo.gov/initiatives/fast-track-workforce-incentive-grant?utm_source=openai)).