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Moving to Missouri in 2024? Complete Moving Guide

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Moving to Missouri Guide

Missouri is a vibrant state nestled in the heart of the United States, offering a diverse range of experiences and opportunities for residents and newcomers alike. Whether you're drawn to the bustling cities, picturesque landscapes, or rich cultural heritage, Missouri has something for everyone. Before making the decision to move, it's essential to familiarize yourself with various aspects of the state, including demographics, cost of living, job market, and more. This guide aims to provide you with detailed information to aid in your relocation to Missouri.

Missouri Demographics

Missouri boasts a diverse population, reflecting a blend of cultures and backgrounds.

Population Distribution by Gender in Missouri (2022)

Gender	Population	Percentage
Male	3,056,342	49.2%
Female	3,156,241	50.8%
Total	6,212,583	100%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program (PEP), 2022

Population Distribution by Age Groups in Missouri (2022)

Age Group	Male	Female	Total
0-4	154,820	148,915	303,735
5-9	159,345	152,498	311,843
10-14	167,521	160,258	327,779
15-19	165,220	157,912	323,132
20-24	135,500	137,892	273,392
25-29	129,804	136,401	266,205
30-34	121,315	132,749	254,064
35-39	122,103	130,504	252,607
40-44	119,667	128,784	248,451
45-49	114,208	123,567	237,775
50-54	103,400	112,108	215,508
55-59	91,342	100,072	191,414
60-64	80,115	89,206	169,321
65-69	65,498	76,531	142,029
70-74	52,760	64,400	117,160
75-79	38,005	50,082	88,087
80-84	24,993	34,089	59,082
85+	20,675	32,857	53,532

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program (PEP), 2022

Population Distribution by Ethnicity in Missouri (2022)

Ethnicity	Population	Percentage
White alone	4,918,467	73.79%
Hispanic or Latino	528,913	7.92%
Black or African American alone	841,329	12.61%
Asian alone	182,067	2.74%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone	36,254	0.54%
Two or More Races	158,042	2.37%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program (PEP), 2022

Quick Facts of Missouri

Missouri, often referred to as the "Show Me State," boasts a rich history and diverse culture. Here are some quick facts to know about this fascinating state:

Nickname: Missouri is fondly known as the "Show Me State," reflecting its residents' pragmatic and skeptical nature.

Population Ranking: As the 18th most populous state in the United States, Missouri is home to a vibrant and diverse community of people.

Capital and Largest City: The state's capital is Jefferson City, a historic city situated along the Missouri River. However, the largest city in Missouri is Kansas City, renowned for its barbecue, jazz heritage, and thriving arts scene.

Iconic Landmark: Missouri proudly houses the Gateway Arch, an iconic symbol of the American westward expansion. Located in St. Louis, this architectural marvel stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of the nation.

Diverse Climate: Missouri experiences a varied climate throughout the year, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The state's climate offers residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to skiing and snowboarding.

Top reasons to move to Missouri

Missouri offers numerous advantages for individuals and families considering relocation:

Affordable Cost of Living: Missouri boasts a lower cost of living compared to many other states, making it an attractive option for residents seeking affordability.

Diverse Job Market: The state's economy is diverse, with opportunities in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.

Rich Cultural Heritage: Missouri's vibrant cultural scene includes music festivals, art galleries, historical sites, and diverse culinary experiences.

Scenic Beauty: From rolling hills to tranquil lakes, Missouri's natural landscapes provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.

Strong Education System: Missouri is home to esteemed educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and top-ranked school districts.

Pros & Cons of Living in Missouri

Before making your move, it's essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of living in Missouri:

Pros of Living in Missouri	Cons of Living in Missouri
Affordable Housing: Missouri offers affordable housing options, with a range of urban and rural settings to choose from.	Weather Extremes: The state experiences a range of weather extremes, including hot summers, cold winters, and the occasional severe weather.
Diverse Job Opportunities: Missouri's diverse economy provides job opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.	Natural Disasters: Missouri is prone to natural disasters such as tornadoes, floods, and severe storms, which can pose risks to residents.
Rich Cultural Scene: Missouri boasts a rich cultural heritage, with vibrant arts, music, and culinary offerings.	Transportation Challenges: While major cities have public transportation options, rural areas may have limited access to transportation services.
Scenic Landscapes: From picturesque lakes to rolling hills, Missouri offers diverse natural landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts.	Education Funding: Some areas of Missouri face challenges with education funding, resulting in disparities in resources and opportunities.
Low Cost of Living: Missouri's low cost of living allows residents to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.	Healthcare Access: While Missouri has reputable healthcare facilities, access to healthcare services may vary, particularly in rural areas.

Best Places to Live in Missouri

If you're considering a move to Missouri, here are some of the best places to live in the state:

Place	Population	Unemployment Rate	Median Home Value
St. Louis	300,576	4.2%	$165,000
Kansas City	495,327	3.8%	$180,000
Springfield	167,882	3.6%	$160,000
Columbia	123,195	3.4%	$200,000
St. Charles	70,329	3.1%	$220,000
O'Fallon	88,673	2.9%	$250,000
Jefferson City	43,079	2.7%	$175,000
Joplin	50,925	3.3%	$140,000
Cape Girardeau	40,559	3.5%	$155,000
Sedalia	21,387	3.8%	$130,000

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Missouri Department of Economic Development

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.

Best Neighborhoods in the Missouri

Missouri offers a variety of neighborhoods to suit different preferences and lifestyles:

Central West End, St. Louis: Known for its historic architecture, trendy restaurants, and cultural attractions.

The Country Club Plaza, Kansas City: A vibrant district with upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Downtown Springfield: A lively urban center with diverse dining, shopping, and nightlife.

The District, Columbia: A bustling neighborhood near the University of Missouri campus, offering a mix of student-friendly amenities and cultural attractions.

Historic St. Charles: Charming streets lined with shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks.

Cost of living in Missouri

The cost of living in Missouri is generally lower than the national average, offering affordability for residents:

Cost of Living by Categories in Missouri vs USA 2022

Category	Missouri	United States
Housing	82	100
Utilities	92	100
Food	95	100
Transportation	96	100
Healthcare	96	100
Miscellaneous	95	100
Overall	92	100

Source: Cost of Living Index, Council for Community and Economic Research, 2022

Median House Price in Missouri: $180,000

Source: National Association of Realtors, Median Existing-Home Price by State, September 2023

Median Rent Price in Missouri: $1,200 per month

Source: National Association of Renters, Median Rent Price by State, September 2023

Housing Market in Missouri

The housing market in Missouri offers a range of options for buyers and renters:

Average Rental Cost in Missouri: $1,200 per month

Median Home Value in Missouri: $180,000

Housing Market Trends: Missouri's housing market is stable, with moderate price growth and a steady demand for homes.

Source: Zillow

Missouri job market

Missouri's diverse economy provides opportunities across various industries:

Median Income in Missouri: $60,000

Unemployment Rate in Missouri: 3.8%

Major Industries in Missouri: Manufacturing, healthcare, education, technology, agriculture, and tourism.

Top Career Options in Missouri: Healthcare professionals, engineers, educators, IT specialists, and skilled trades workers.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Missouri Department of Economic Development

Biggest Companies in Missouri by City and Number of Employees

City	Company	Employees
St. Louis	Boeing	15,000
Kansas City	Cerner Corporation	12,000
Springfield	Mercy Health	8,500
Columbia	University of Missouri Health Care	6,000
St. Charles	St. Charles County Government	5,000

Source: Missouri Department of Economic Development

Best things to do in Missouri

Missouri offers a wealth of attractions and activities for residents and visitors alike:

Explore the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, home to a diverse collection of artworks.

Experience the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains at Table Rock Lake and Branson.

Tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis and learn about the brewing process.

Enjoy outdoor recreation at the Lake of the Ozarks, with boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities.

Discover the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Attend a live performance at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis or the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.

Sample local cuisine at Missouri's many barbecue joints, diners, and fine dining establishments.

Source: Missouri Department of Tourism

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Schools in Missouri

Missouri offers a range of educational options, including top-ranked schools, colleges, and universities:

Elementary Schools: Basis School, Kirkwood; Clayton Elementary School, Clayton; Mill Creek Elementary School, Columbia.

Middle Schools: Ladue Middle School, St. Louis; Rockwood South Middle School, Fenton; Jefferson Middle School, Columbia.

High Schools: Clayton High School, Clayton; Metro Academic and Classical High School, St. Louis; Rock Bridge High School, Columbia.

Colleges and Universities: Washington University in St. Louis, University of Missouri, Columbia; Saint Louis University, St. Louis; Missouri State University, Springfield.

Source: Niche

Types of Insurance Required in Missouri

When moving to Missouri, it's essential to consider various types of insurance to protect yourself and your assets:

Auto Insurance: Required by law for all drivers in Missouri to provide financial protection in case of accidents.

Home Insurance: Protects your home and belongings against damage or loss due to hazards such as fire, theft, and natural disasters.

Renters Insurance: Covers personal belongings and liability for renters living in leased properties.

Health Insurance: Provides coverage for medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.

Life Insurance: Offers financial support to your beneficiaries in the event of your death.

Umbrella Insurance: Provides additional liability coverage beyond what is covered by home and auto insurance.

Taxes in Missouri

Missouri imposes various taxes on residents, including:

Income Taxes: Missouri's income tax rates range from 1.5% to 5.4%, with exemptions and deductions available.

Property Taxes: Assessed based on the market value of property, with exemptions available for certain individuals, such as veterans and seniors.

Sales Taxes: Missouri's sales tax rate varies by location, with exemptions for certain items such as groceries and prescription drugs.

Source: Missouri Department of Revenue

CONCLUSION

Moving to Missouri offers a wealth of opportunities for individuals and families seeking affordability, diversity, and quality of life. With its vibrant cities, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Missouri welcomes newcomers with open arms. By familiarizing yourself with the state's demographics, cost of living, job market, and other essential factors, you can make a well-informed decision and embark on a successful transition to your new home in the Show Me State.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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