Moving to Missouri? Relocation Guide for 2021

This is a complete guide for Moving to Missouri.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Missouri.

Are you considering moving to Missouri?

Missouri has one of the most highly-skilled and educated workforce making its economy one of the most diverse in the entire country. This makes the state a great place for startups and entrepreneurs.

If you’re interested in living in a state with a high home affordability rate, low cost of living, shorter commuting time, and enjoy all four seasons in a year, moving to Missouri is perfect for you.

Missouri’s central location makes it a perfect spot for connecting several other large cities across the state including Tulsa, Memphis, Oklahoma, Lincoln, and Wichita etc. makes the state a perfect spot for businesses and individuals.

If you’re wondering if moving to Missouri is right for you or not, we have all the key information you need to know about the state in order to make the right decision.

Let’s get started.

Quick facts to know before moving to Missouri

  • One-way commute time in Missouri takes approximately 23.5 minutes.
  • About 27.8% of Missouri residents are renters
  • The average annual pay for an hourly rate job in Missouri is $40,258 a year
  • The unemployment rate in Missouri is 3.7, same as the national average
  • On average, there are 206 sunny days per year in Missouri
  • The average hourly pay for hourly jobs in Missouri is $19.35 an hour
  • The cost of living in Missouri is lower than the national average
  • The average income tax in Missouri is 0% - 5.40%

What’s the population of Missouri?

Missouri has a population of 1,836,843 living in 55 different counties. Here’s a simple breakdown of the state’s population since you’re considering moving to Missouri:

  • Missouri’s median age is 41.6. The U.S. median age is 37.4
  • Missouri has 2.4 people per household. U.S. average is 2.6
  • Missouri population density is 76 people per square mile
  • 50.6% of Missourins are female, while 49.4% are males

How is the climate and weather like in Missouri?

Moving to Missouri means you’ll enjoy all four seasons in a year. That’s how good the weather is in Missouri. Here’s a simple break down of the state’s weather to consider if you’re moving to Missouri:

  • Missouri gets 43 inches of rain, on average, per year. U.S. average is 38 inches
  • Missouri averages 13 inches of snow per year. The U.S. average is 28 inches
  • The July high in Missouri is about 88 degrees
  • Missouri gets an average of 13 inches of snow in a year
  • On average, there are 206 sunny days per year in Missouri. U.S. average is 205 sunny days
  • The winter low in Missouri is 20 degrees
  • Missouri gets an average of 43 inches of rain per year
move to Missouri

Top 10 reasons to move to Missouri

Moving to Missouri is a great idea for several reasons. Here are the top ten reasons why people are moving to Missouri in recent years:

  • Missouri has a low cost of living

    The cost of living in Missouri is 14.1 times lower than the national average. This makes living in Missouri affordable than many of its neighboring states. Starting from groceries to healthcare, transportation, and housing – everything is affordable in Missouri.

  • Homes are affordable in Missouri

    Buying a home is easier in Missouri as the median price for a house is $196,746. This is much cheaper than the national average. However, home prices have gone up by 1.7% over the past year. And if you are renting a home, the median rental cost of a studio apartment in Missouri is $569.

  • You’ll enjoy top-quality healthcare in Missouri

    A big advantage of living in Missouri is the healthcare. Missouri residents are required to have health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which makes it affordable and convenient. In addition, 8 hospitals in the state have been ranked among the top-rated hospitals in the US.

  • You’ll experience all four seasons in a year

    Due to its central location, Missouri has a reliably humid continental climate. The state experiences hot summers and cold winters with four distinct seasons and extreme fluctuations in temperature. Summers are hot and humid and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Winters are the harshest time in Missouri as they are extremely cold. An average of 20 inches of snow falls on the state in winter, and big snowstorms occasionally hit.

  • Missouri boasts of more coastline than California

    It may be a surprise to you but Missouri’s coastline is longer than California. The Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri has 1,150 miles of shoreline and its serpentine shape has earned it the nickname "Puff The Magic Dragon".

  • Missouri is a sports fan haven

    Missouri is a sports hub and the state is home to five major league professional sports teams – Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Sporting Kansas City, St. Louis Blues, and St. Louis Cardinals

  • You’ll enjoy lots of fairs and festivals

    Missouri has tons of festivals and more than a dozen among them are harvest-themed events. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 festivals that are worth exploring in Missouri.

    • Warrensburg Farmers Market
    • Treasure Lake Bluegrass Music Festival
    • Ballwin Fall Art Fair
    • Kearney Jesse James Festival
    • Branson Fall Craft Fair
    • Old Syracuse Open Air Market
    • Franklin County Gun Show
    • St. Louis Vintage Market Days
    • Seymour Apple Festival
    • Hootin an Hollarin

  • Streams and lakes

    Though landlocked by 8 states, there’ no shortage of shorelines in Missouri as the state is packed with hundreds of lakes and streams. The Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri has 1,150 miles of shoreline, longer than California’s coastline.

    Here’s a list of lakes and streams in Missouri

    • Lake of the Ozarks
    • Table Rock Lake
    • Stockton Lake
    • Mark Twain Lake
    • Smithville Lake
    • Lake Taneycomo
    • Lake Wappapello
    • Lake Jacomo
    • Fellows Lake
    • Pomme de Terre Lake

  • Parks, and more parks

    Missouri is breathtaking with its unlimited gorgeous parks. No matter what time of year it is, you can’t go wrong with a visit to any of the best state parks in Missouri.

    To help you, we’ve got a list of 10 parks in Missouri

    • Roaring River State Park
    • St. Joe State Park
    • Castlewood State Park
    • Bennett Spring State Park
    • Sam A Baker State Park
    • Table Rock State Park
    • Lake of the Ozarks State Park
    • Cuivre River State Park
    • Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
    • Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

  • Top-quality schools, museums and libraries

    The education in Missouri is top-notch and schools in the state play a major role in it. Realizing the significance of learning outside classrooms, the state also maintains a huge number of top-rated libraries and museums across Missouri.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Missouri.

pros and cons of Missouri

Pros and Cons of Living in Missouri

Before moving to Missouri, you should consider the pros and cons of living in the state. Here we’ve outlined 10 pros and cons of living in Missouri, to give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to the state:

Missouri is susceptible to tornadoes
The Pros of living in Missouri The Cons of living in Missouri
Missouri has a booming job marketWages are low in Missouri compared to other states
Homes are really affordable in MissouriGang activities are a terrible problem in some parts of the states
You’d learn to appreciate life at a slower pace in MissouriMissouri has a high crime rate
You’ll enjoy tons of remarkable outdoor activities in MissouriMissouri’s weather can be freezing in winter
Missouri is home to lots of great restaurantsProfessional sport teams are always leaving the state
Missouri has a low cost of livingBugs can be a huge problem here
There are lots of attractions to enjoy in MissouriSometimes the weather is hot, stifling, and humid
Most Missourians are welcoming and niceHealthcare in Missouri isn’t so great
Living in Missouri means living near the wine country
Traffic isn’t a problem in MissouriMissouri is home to multiple nuclear power plants
palce to live in Missouri

Where Are The Best Places To Live In Missouri?

If you’re moving to Missouri, you’d most likely be interested in the best places to live in the state. So, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best cities in Missouri including their population, unemployment rate, and home values. Check out the list below:

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value
1Glendale5,8881.7%$385,700
2Ladue8,5861.6%$835,300
3Clayton16,4483.2%$630,400
4Webster Groves23,0294.0%$278,500
5Kirkwood27,6932.5%$293,200
6Town And Country11,0662.7%$726,600
7Chesterfield47,6632.2%$370,300
8Creve Coeur18,4452.4%$399,400
9Ballwin30,3323.5%$246,200
10Brentwood8,0231.6%$222,200
cost of living in Virginia

What’s the cost of living in Missouri?

The cost-of-living index in Missouri is rated 85.9. The United States average is 100. This means that the cost of living in Missouri is about 14.1 times lower than the national average. Since you’re considering moving to Missouri, this cost of living is one of the key things you’ll have to consider.

What’s the median rental costs in Missouri?

Renting a home can be a good option if you’re moving to Missouri. About 27.8% of Missouri residents are renters, while 2.1% of homes and apartments in Missouri are open for rent. Here’s a simple breakdown of the median rental costs of homes or apartments in Missouri:

  • The median rental cost of a studio apartment in Missouri is $569
  • Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Missouri is $650
  • Average rental cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Missouri is $827
  • Average rental cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Missouri is $1,110
  • Average rental cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in Missouri is $1,276
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Missouri Job Market

What are the top industries in Missouri?

Missouri is home to several large industries. We’ve made a list of the key ones here to give you an idea of the state’s economy. This is one of the key things you’ll have to consider if you’re moving to Missouri. Here are the top industries in Missouri:

  • Agriculture And Forestry
  • Aerospace And Defense
  • Manufacturing
  • Mining And Power
  • Service And Taxation
  • Transport And Logistics

What are the fastest growing jobs In Missouri?

One of the most effective methods of getting a job faster after moving to Missouri is to consider jobs listed as one of the fastest growing jobs in the state. Here’s a list of the top ten fastest growing jobs in Missouri:

Rank Job Title Growth % Average Wage Jobs in 2024
1Occupational Therapy Assistant141.7%$56,8001,360
2Physical Therapist Assistant138.1%$50,8402,720
3Operations Analyst133.3%$73,0201,280
4Physical Therapist127.8%$78,8005,200
5Interpreter And Translator127.2%$58,3601,450
6Home Health Aid127.1%$22,44010,320
7Personal Care Assistant126.8%$20,81052,460
8Millwright126.6%$51,7001,190
9Web Developer126.5%126.5%2,530
10Computer Numerical Controller Machinist125.2%$36,9204,870

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What’s the median salary in Missouri?

You may end up earning more or less if you’re moving to Missouri – but that depends on where you’re moving from. To give you an idea of what to expect as earning in Missouri, we’ve collated data about the state’s average pay. Here’s a simple breakdown of the average income and salary in Missouri:

  • The average annual pay for an hourly rate job in Missouri is $40,258 a year
  • The average hourly pay for hourly jobs in Missouri is $19.35 an hour
  • The average weekly pay for weekly jobs is $774 per week
  • The average monthly pay for hourly jobs in Missouri is $3,355 per month
  • Average salaries in Missouri could be as high as $64,835 and as low as $17,289
  • Top earners in Missouri (90th percentile) make an average of $54,029 annually

What’s the unemployment rate in Missouri?

Moving to a state with a low unemployment rate is an indication that the state’s economy isn’t dormant. Since you’re considering moving to Missouri, we’ve collated data about the state’s job market to help you make an informed decision.

  • The unemployment rate in Missouri is 3.7, same as the national average
  • Jobs in Missouri has increased by 0.7% over the past year
  • The average annual pay for an hourly rate job in Missouri is $40,258 a year
  • Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 27.3%. US average of 33.5%

10 Biggest Companies in Missouri

Moving to Missouri could mean getting a job in one of the biggest companies in the state. If you’re considering getting a job after moving to Missouri, we’ve made a list of the biggest employers in the state to give you a head start. Here are the 10 biggest companies in Missouri:

Rank Company City Employees
1Ascension HealthClayton109,000
2Emerson Electric CoSaint Louis103,500
3O’Reilly AutomotiveSpringfield74,580
4Enterprise HoldingsClayton68,993
5Central BankJefferson City37,162
6Edward D Jones & Co LPDes Peres36,000
7Enterprise Rent-A-CarSaint Louis34,790
8CenteneSaint Louis33,700
9BJC HealthCareSaint Louis31,510
10Anheuser-BuschSaint Louis30,849

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Missouri, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

How fast can you Commute in Missouri?

One-way commute time in Missouri takes approximately 23.5 minutes. The national average takes 26.4 minutes.

  • Up to 81.8% of Missouri residents drive their own car alone
  • About 8.9% of Missouri residents carpool with others
  • 1.5% of Missourians take mass transit
  • Up to 4.7% of Missouri residents work from home

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Is Missouri a safe place to live?

While you’re mulling over moving to Missouri, the state’s crime rates will most likely be among the key things on your checklist. To help you figure out how safe the state of Missouri is, we’ve curated key data about the state’s crime rates to help you make an informed decision.

  • Violent crime rate in Missouri is rated 28.9. The U.S. average is 22.7
  • Property crime rate in Missouri is 41.4. The U.S. average is 35.4
  • 40% of Missouri residents are most concerned about mass shooting
  • 28% of Missouri residents believe they are most likely to be robbed on the street
  • 8% of Missouri residents have been affected by mass shooting
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Taxes in Missouri

How much will you be paying in taxes in Missouri?

Taxes could be a key part of your key consideration before moving to Missouri. Here we’ve collated key information about the state’s taxes to give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Missouri:

  • The average income tax in Missouri is 0% - 5.40%
  • Sales taxes in Missouri range from 4.225% - 10.35%
  • The average effective property tax rate in Missouri is 0.93%
  • Gas tax is 17.00 cents per gallon of regular diesel and gasoline
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What is Missouri most known for?

The state of Missouri is known for so many things. Since you’re considering moving to Missouri, you might be interested in what the state is most known for. We’ve compiled a list of things Missouri is mostly known for. Here they are:

  • Lots of historic places and spots

    Missouri is a state where history sleeps at every corner. And the state has proudly preserved its historic landmarks that deserve exploring. From Civil War battlefields to the homes of legendary authors, scientists, musicians, and statesmen, Missouri's historic sites, museums, and monuments tell the stories of significant places and people from the past.

    Here’s a list of historic landmarks in Missouri

    • Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
    • History Museum on The Square
    • Pythian Castle
    • The Railroad Historical Museum
    • Ozark Afro-American Heritage Museum
    • Air and Military Museum of the Ozarks
    • Historic C-Street
    • Scott Joplin State Historic Site
    • Campbell House Museum
    • Chatillon-Demenil Mansion
    • Samuel Cupples House

  • Farmers’ market

    Missouri is home to a lot of farms and it is natural to have farmers’ markets that sell farm-fresh produce at low prices. The fruits, vegetables, and other stuff you get here are healthy, hygienic, and mostly organic.

    Here’s a list of some of the best farmers markets in Missouri

    • Historic Soulard Farmers Market
    • Greater Springfield Farmers Market
    • Pony Express Farmers Market
    • Chillicothe Farmers Market
    • Hannibal Central Park Farmers Market
    • Depot Park Farmers Market
    • Briarcliff Farmers Market
    • Gladstone Farmers Market
    • Blue Springs Farmers' Market
    • City Market

  • Forest Park

    The 1,300-acre Forest Park in St. Louis is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and boasts over 180 acres of Nature Reserves that include forests, wetlands, prairies, and savannas. The park has two golf courses and many outdoor recreational facilities.

  • Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum

    The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Hannibal was the home of the author and a designated National Historic Landmark. It is home to seven historic properties and museums where you will find his collections and artifacts and will also come across characters and locations from his novels.

  • Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum

    The presidential library and resting place of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States is now a museum at Independence that exhibits his life and presidency through photographs, documents, artifacts, memorabilia, and film clips.

  • Delicious barbecue

    Barbeque is a staple diet in Missouri and it is available in different styles and preparations based on the city where you relish it. You’ll find spots serving Memphis dry ribs, BBQ that’s covered in Carolina spices, and even places serving up true Texas-style fare. In short, you’ve got many choices to pick from.

  • St. Louis Zoological Park

    The 90-acre St. Louis Zoo or St. Louis Zoological Park homes up to 12,000 animals and is voted many times as the best zoo in the country. Visitors can take a narrow-gauge railroad to explore the zoo and watch the wide range of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and monkeys.

  • Gateway Arch

    The 192-meter Gateway Arch monument in St. Louis is the tallest arch in Missouri and is commonly referred to as "The Gateway to the West". Situated on the bank of the Mississippi River, the Arch has an observation deck that can hold up to 160 people.

  • Vineyards and wineries

    While you think about American wines, Missouri might not be the first state to come into the mind but the state has a thriving wine industry populated with 7 wine regions and more than 150 wineries.

    Here are the top 5 wineries in Missouri.

    • Pirtle Winery
    • Stone Hill Winery
    • St. James Winery
    • Montelle Winery
    • Sainte Genevieve Winery

  • Missouri Botanical Gardens

    The 79-acre Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is an oasis amidst the city with about 6.6 million specimens. The garden hosts multiple annual cultural festivals.

  • National World War I Museum

    The National World War 1 Museum at Kansas City is the country's official war memorial and museum dedicated to World War I. It focuses on global events from the causes of World War I before 1914 through the 1918 armistice and 1919 Paris Peace Conference and has two main galleries exhibiting period artifacts.

  • Lake of the Ozarks

    A reservoir in the northern part of the Ozarks in central Missouri, the Lake of Ozarks has a surface area of 54,000 acres and a 1,150-mile shoreline. The lake is a major tourist and recreation destination where tubing, rafting, and fishing, and sailing are popular activities.

  • Jefferson City

    The capital city of Missouri, Jefferson City is situated on the southern side of the Missouri River and is the 15th most populous city in the state. The economic center of the state, Jefferson City is also a popular tourism destination

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schools and university in Virginia

Best Schools & Universities in Missouri

What are the best schools in Missouri? If you’re moving to Missouri, chances are you’d most likely be interested in the best schools in the state. To give you a head start, we’ve compiled a list of the best colleges and universities in the state, as well as the best elementary, middle and high school.

Elementary Schools in Missouri

  • Lake Road Elementary School
    Poplar Bluff R-I School District, Public, 1-3 | 191 students, Rating: 10/10

  • O'neal Elementary School
    Poplar Bluff R-I School District, Public, 1-3 | 343 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Oak Grove Elementary School
    Poplar Bluff R-I School District, Public, 1-3 | 311 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Atlanta Elementary School
    Atlanta C-3 School District, Public, K-6 | 105 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Richland Elementary School
    Richland R-I School District, Public, K-6 | 166 students, Rating: 10/10

Best Middle schools in Missouri

  • Francis Howell Middle School
    825 O'Fallon Road, Weldon Spring, MO, 63304, Rating: 8/10

  • Saeger Middle School
    5201 Hwy N, Saint Charles, MO, 63304, Rating: 8/10

  • Bryan Middle School
    605 Independence Road, Weldon Spring, MO, 63304, Rating: 8/10

  • St. Clair Jr. High School
    925 High School Drive, Saint Clair, MO, 63077, Rating: 8/10

  • Ste. Genevieve Middle School
    211 North 5th Street, Ste. Genevieve, MO, 63670, Rating: 8/10

Top rated Missouri High Schools

  • North Shelby High School
    North Shelby School District, Public, 7-12 | 126 students, Rating: 10/10

  • South Nodaway High School
    South Nodaway County R-Iv School District, Public, 7-12 | 85 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Braymer High School
    Braymer C-4 School District, Public, 7-12 | 145 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Wilson's Creek 5-6 Inter. Center
    Springfield R-Xii School District, Public, 5-6 | 474 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Dadeville Sr. High School
    Dadeville R-Ii School District, Public, 6-12 | 64 students, Rating: 10/10

Best Colleges & Universities in Missouri

  • Rank 1. Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO

  • Rank 2. College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, MO

  • Rank 3. Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO

  • Rank 4. Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO

  • Rank 5. University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO

  • Rank 6. University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO

  • Rank 7. William Jewell College, Liberty, MO

  • Rank 8. Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO

  • Rank 9. Westminster College, Fulton, MO

  • Rank 10. Maryville University of Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO

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