This city is the capital of its state. The United States Census estimated the city's population at 798,382 in 2008. It is state’s largest city and is the 14th largest city in the U.S., the third largest city in the Midwest, and the second most populous state capital (behind Phoenix, Arizona).

It has a diversified economy, contributing to the fields of education, health care, and finance. Tourism is also a vital part of the economy and the city plays host to numerous conventions and sporting events.

Among the various sectors of the economy in the state the Chief Industries are manufacturing, services, agriculture, government, wholesale and retail trade, transportation and public utilities.

The Chief Manufacturing goods of the state are primary metals, transportation equipment, motor vehicles and equipments, industrial machinery and equipment, electronic and electric equipment.

The National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo ranked this city, the most affordable major housing market in the U.S. for the fourth quarter of 2008, and Forbes magazine ranked it the sixth-best city for jobs in 2008, based on a combined graded balance of perceived median household incomes, lack of unemployment, income growth, cost of living and job growth.