Missouri

Missouri offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, cultural diversity, and friendly people. Whether you are interested in outdoor activities, historical landmarks, cultural experiences, or just enjoying the simple pleasures of life, Missouri has something to offer for everyone.

The cost of living in Missouri is relatively low and affordable. Below the national average, it is an ideal state to start living in as it has both urban and rural areas and national parks.

For instance, the median price of a home in Missouri is approximately $212,300. This is lower than the average cost of a home in a state like California which is roughly $799,000.

State highlights

Missouri is often called the ’Show Me State,’ a nickname attributed to Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver in the late 19th century, who said, ’I’m from Missouri, and you’ve got to show me.’

Missouri became the 24th state to join the Union on August 10, 1821.

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the tallest man-made monument in the United States, standing at 630 feet tall. It was completed in 1965 and is a symbol of the westward expansion of the United States.

Missouri is the birthplace of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain. He was born in Florida, Missouri, in 1835. Twain is famous for his classic novels ’The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’ and ’Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, was born in Lamar, Missouri, in 1884. He was the only U.S. President from Missouri and served from 1945 to 1953.

The ice cream cone is said to have been invented during the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. An ice cream vendor ran out of cups, and a nearby waffle vendor rolled up waffles to hold the ice cream, creating the first ice cream cone.

In 1958, the first recorded pizza delivery in the world occurred in St. Louis. The pizzeria owner, Ed Imo, delivered a pizza to a customer’s home after a request for a quick dinner.

St. Louis was the hometown of legendary rock ’n’ roll musician Chuck Berry. He is considered one of the pioneers of rock music and is best known for hits like ’Johnny B. Goode’ and ’Maybelline.’

Walt Disney, the founder of The Walt Disney Company and the creator of iconic characters like Mickey Mouse, spent his early childhood in Marceline, Missouri. Marceline’s Main Street and other elements of the town reportedly inspired elements of Disneyland.

Missouri has a rich baseball history, with the St. Louis Cardinals being one of the most successful and storied franchises in Major League Baseball. The Kansas City Royals, another professional baseball team, won the World Series in 1985.

Geographic location

Missouri is bordered by eight states, making it one of the states with the most neighboring states. It is bordered by Iowa to the north, Illinois to the east, Kentucky to the southeast, Tennessee to the south, Arkansas to the south, Oklahoma to the southwest, Kansas to the west, and Nebraska to the northwest. The state is known for its diverse geography, including the Ozark Mountains in the south and the Missouri River cutting through the central part of the state.

Climate

Missouri experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot and humid summers and cold winters. The state’s location in the central United States means that it can be influenced by various weather systems, resulting in fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.

Summers in Missouri are typically hot and humid, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 85°F to 95°F. Heatwaves are frequent during the peak of summer, and temperatures can occasionally reach above 100°F. Thunderstorms are prevalent during the summer months, and they can be severe, bringing heavy rain, lightning, hail, and occasionally tornadoes.

Winters in Missouri are cold, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 30°F to 50°F. However, temperatures can dip below freezing, especially during the night. Snowfall is common, particularly in the northern and western parts of the state, but the amount of snow can vary significantly from year to year.

Spring and fall are transitional seasons with mild temperatures. Spring brings rain and thunderstorms, while fall is known for its beautiful foliage as the leaves change color.

Rainfall: Missouri receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months typically being May and June. The state can also experience occasional periods of drought during the summer.

Missouri is part of ’Tornado Alley,’ a region in the central United States known for frequent tornado activity. Spring and early summer are the peak months for tornadoes in the state, and residents should be vigilant and prepared during severe weather events.

Demography

The capital of Missouri is Jefferson City, while Kansas City is the state’s largest city by population, which is also the economic and cultural hub of the state. Other major cities include St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, and Independence according to U.S. Census Bureau in 2022, it had an estimated population of 6,164,660 people.

Missouri has a diverse population with various ethnic and racial backgrounds. The largest ethnic group is non-Hispanic White, followed by Hispanic or Latino, African American, and Asian.

Missouri has the same age as the rest of the U.S., at around 38.1 years old compared to the national average of 38.5.

Cost of Living

The cost of living is reported to be low at Missouri State. Kansas City has a median home price of about $212,300. Which is lower than the national average of $339,048. Median income levels can vary based on factors such as education, occupation, and location within the state. The average median income of the state is approximately $47,764.

The average salary in the state of Missouri is approximately $73,130 per year.

Transportation

Missouri has an extensive network of roads and highways, making it easy to travel by car. The state is crisscrossed by several major interstate highways, including I-70, I-44, and I-55.

Major cities in Missouri, such as St. Louis and Kansas City, offer public transportation options like buses and light rail systems. The MetroLink light rail system in St. Louis and the KC Streetcar in Kansas City provides convenient transportation within these urban areas. Additionally, buses operated by Metro Transit in St. Louis and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) serve various routes.

Missouri is served by several airports, with Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) is the largest and busiest airport in the state. Other significant airports include Kansas City International Airport (MCI) and Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF).

The state of Missouri has a significant freight railway system due to its central location within the United States. Amtrak also operates passenger train services in the state, with stations in St. Louis, Kansas City, and other cities, providing intercity travel options.

The Mississippi River and the Missouri River play a vital role in transportation and commerce within the state. River ports like the Port of Kansas City and the Port of St. Louis facilitate shipping and transportation of goods.

Schools

Missouri is home to several notable schools including elementary, middle, and high schools, and universities. The following list is some of the best universities in the state.

University of Missouri (Mizzou): Located in Columbia, it is the state’s flagship public research university. It is the largest university in Missouri and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU): This private research university is located in St. Louis and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the country.

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T): Located in Rolla, it is known for its strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Saint Louis University (SLU): it is a private, Catholic research university situated in St. Louis. It offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC): it is a public research university located in Kansas City, Missouri. It offers a range of programs, including arts, sciences, health sciences, and more.

University of Central Missouri (UCM): it is a public university located in Warrensburg. It offers a broad range of academic programs and is known for its education and aviation programs.

Missouri State University: Located in Springfield, it offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across different disciplines.

Webster University: it is a private non-profit university with its main campus in Webster Groves, St. Louis. It has several campuses in Missouri and globally, offering a diverse range of programs.

Maryville University: A private university located in St. Louis, it offers programs in fields like business, health professions, education, and arts and sciences.

Truman State University: Located in Kirksville, it is a public liberal arts and sciences university and is known for its academic excellence.

Drury University: it is a private university located in Springfield, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.

What is the state like?

Missouri is often known for its friendly and welcoming residents. Missourians are known for their hospitality and Midwestern values, making visitors and newcomers feel at home.

The state has a diverse cultural heritage, influenced by Native American, French, and German traditions. The state is known for its friendly residents, and it has been an important cultural and economic crossroads in American history.

It played a vital role in American history, especially during the westward expansion and the Lewis and Clark expedition. Cities like St. Louis and Kansas City have a rich historical background, with well-preserved landmarks and museums.

Missouri is famous for its barbecue culture, with several restaurants serving up delicious smoked meats and traditional barbecue sauces. The state’s cuisine also includes favorites like toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake.