AreaScoop
Missouri

Missouri

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Demographics

Predominantly WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 40
Population6,168,181
Foreign Born2.1%
Population Density90people per mi²
Median Age38.9 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
StableSince 2000, this state has held a relatively stable population and racial composition.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
C+
Average

A livable area that tracks near national norms for affordability, walkability, and neighborhood health.

Quality of Life measures an area by evaluating factors like cost of living, nearby amenities, country club access, airport proximity, socioeconomic signals and neighborhood character. For large states, this is a general average — quality of life can vary dramatically between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities within the same state.

Cost of Living

82/100

18% below national average

A+
Affordability Ratio

112%

The Real Cost of Living in Missouri

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $16k$30k
Comfortable $42k$62k
Luxury $125k+$193k+
Elite (Top 5%) $152k+$235k+

Economics

Overall Economy Grade
B-
Good

Solid upper-middle-class performance. The area runs slightly ahead of national economic benchmarks.

Median HHI
$69k+4.6%
8% below US avg
Avg Net Worth
$390k
41% below US avg
WFH
11.6%
19% below US avg
Homeownership
67.9%
4% above US avg
Median Home
$216k
24% below US avg
Avg HH Debt
$17k
3% below US avg
Poverty Rate
12.6%
10% above US avg
Public Assistance
10.6%
9% below US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
11% above US avg
Median Rent
$996
14% below US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
C-
Elevated

Higher crime rates than 57% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
20.6
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
−24.5%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr−20.1%
Homicide
0.07 / 1k Residents11% above US avg
Robbery
0.42 / 1k Residents36% below US avg
Aggravated Assault
3.24 / 1k Residents21% above US avg

Property Crime

5yr−29.0%
Burglary
2.21 / 1k Residents18% below US avg
Larceny-Theft
11.20 / 1k Residents20% below US avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
2.91 / 1k Residents3% above US avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: R+8Leans Conservative
State Legislature of Missouri
Missouri Senate10D · 24R
Missouri House52D · 106R
Presidential Voting Trends for Missouri
Dem Rep
30%40%50%60%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
A-
High Autonomy

Strong independent fundamentals that actively favor personal liberty and low regulation.

State Policy

Tax Burden
B-
Fair9.3% of income
Property Rights
C
FairIJ Grade C
Firearm Rights
A-
GreatFPC Grade A-
Homeschooling
A+
GreatNo notice required

Energy independence: Importer (15% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
A-
OpenFarm sales legal
Gambling Laws
A
Broadly OpenCasinos · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
A+
Fully LegalRecreational

Homesteading

Growing Season198 daysstatewide average
Annual Rainfall47.9"statewide average
Elevation785 ftstatewide average

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
B-
Defensible

Workable tactical position. Some exposure to population density or targets, but generally defensible in a crisis.

Best Places to Live

Cities

Largest Cities in Missouri

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-18T23:36:58.000Z

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