Missouriincome tax up to 4.7%, 23rd highest property tax, median home $240K
R+19 · Moderate tax burden · COL index 86
4.7%
Income Tax
581
Violent Crime / 100K
75.3
Life Expectancy
$240K
Median Home
$1,050
Childcare / Mo
Missouri in plain English
Worth knowing before you move to Missouri
Missouri stopped taxing Social Security and public pensions for all residents in 2024 and has been cutting its top income-tax rate toward 4.5%. Home prices are well below the national average in both Kansas City and St. Louis. The state's property tax on vehicles, paid every year, surprises new arrivals; tornado exposure is high across the state.
What Missouri taxes, and what it doesn't
Missouri levies a graduated income tax that tops out at 4.7%. A household earning $75,000 pays an effective 4.5%, about $3,375 a year; at $150,000 the effective rate is 4.5%. Among the 41 states that tax income, Missouri has the 15th lowest effective rate at $100,000 of income.
Property tax runs 0.88% of home value a year, roughly $2,112 on the state's median home of $240K. The national effective rate is about 1.10%, and Missouri has the 23rd highest rate of the 50 states.
Combined state and local sales tax averages 8.33%, the 12th highest in the country (the state portion is 4.225%).
For retirees: Missouri is one of the few states that taxes Social Security benefits, pension income is partly exempt, and there is no estate or inheritance tax.
Capital gains are taxed as ordinary income.
Housing and the cost of living in Missouri
Missouri's cost of living index is 86, where 100 is the national average; that is the 5th cheapest of the 50 states.
The median home costs $240K, 21% below the national figure and the 11th lowest among the states. A two-bedroom rents for about $1,100 a month.
Carrying costs matter as much as the price: home insurance averages $2,200 a year, flood coverage adds about $700 where it is needed, car insurance runs $1,770.
Budget $130 a month for electricity and gas, $430 a month in groceries for two, $1,050 a month for full-time infant care.
Safety, health and schools
Violent crime is 581 incidents per 100,000 residents in the FBI's 2023 Crime Data Explorer figures, above the median state (387); Missouri is the 7th most violent of the 50 by that measure. Property crime is 2,695 per 100,000.
Life expectancy is 75.3 years (County Health Rankings 2024). 8.2% of residents have no health insurance, and the state has expanded Medicaid. The Commonwealth Fund's 2023 scorecard ranks Missouri's health system 43rd of 50.
Education Week's 2023 Quality Counts report ranks K-12 schools 33rd in the country.
Politics, guns and social policy
Politically, Missouri is a solidly Republican state that went to Trump by 19 points in 2024.
On guns, no permit is required to carry a concealed handgun, and Giffords grades the state's gun laws F.
Abortion is banned with narrow exceptions. Marijuana is legal for adults. Missouri is a right-to-work state, and the minimum wage is $12.30 an hour.
Climate, risk and getting around
Natural disaster risk is high. The main hazards are tornado, flood, ice-storm. Annual average air quality index is 38 (under 50 is good).
Missouri has a major hub airport, with about 95 nonstop destinations from its busiest airport.
Written from the figures on this page. Rankings compare the 50 states. Sources and years are listed with each figure below.
Largest counties in Missouri
State Profile
Missouri will change its laws. We'll email you when it does.
One email when Missouri changes a tax, gun, cannabis or abortion law. Unsubscribe in one click.
Taxes
Sources: state revenue departments · Tax Foundation 2026 · income-tax brackets 2026
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Taxes
Sources: state revenue departments · Tax Foundation 2026 · income-tax brackets 2026
Income Tax
Property Tax
~$2,112/yr on median home
Sales Tax
Social Security
Pension / IRA
Estate Tax
Inheritance Tax
Capital Gains
Housing & Cost of Living
Sources: Zillow · Census ACS · iii.org and state insurers 2026 · WRLURI 2018 · Census 2024 (HOA)
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Housing & Cost of Living
Sources: Zillow · Census ACS · iii.org and state insurers 2026 · WRLURI 2018 · Census 2024 (HOA)
Price Level vs US (BEA)
Below US average (100)
Mortgages 90+ Days Late
FHFA, latest quarter
Cost of Living Index
National avg = 100
Median Home Price
Median Rent (2BR)
Home Insurance
Near national avg (~$1,900/yr)
Flood Insurance
Homestead Exemption
Home equity protected from creditors
Asset Protection
Homes in HOAs
HOAs are common (Census ACS 2024)
Zoning Restrictiveness
Among the least restrictive zoning (Wharton WRLURI 2018)
Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb)
Local control; 2025 residential-classification bill stalled, 2026 reintroduction planned.
Crime & Safety
Sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023 · SafeHome registry counts 2025 · HUD PIT 2024
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Crime & Safety
Sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023 · SafeHome registry counts 2025 · HUD PIT 2024
Violent Crime Rate
Well above national avg
Property Crime Rate
Near national avg
Traffic Fatality Rate
Registered Sex Offenders
Among the highest registry rates (SafeHome 2025)
Homeless Population
Moderate homelessness rate — 33% unsheltered (HUD 2024 PIT)
Healthcare
Sources: Commonwealth Fund 2023 · KFF · CDC
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Healthcare
Sources: Commonwealth Fund 2023 · KFF · CDC
State Healthcare Rank
Bottom tier
Life Expectancy
Medicaid Expansion
Uninsured Rate
Education
Sources: Education Week 2023 · NCES · state statutes (school choice)
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Education
Sources: Education Week 2023 · NCES · state statutes (school choice)
College Completion Rate
College Scorecard, in-state institutions (mean)
Avg College Cost of Attendance
College Scorecard 2024
K-12 Quality Rank
School Choice / Vouchers
HS Graduation Rate
Above national avg (~87%)
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Near national avg (~16)
Childcare
Sources: Child Care Aware · Census ACS 2022
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Childcare
Sources: Child Care Aware · Census ACS 2022
Avg Infant Care (Full-Time)
Utilities & Daily Costs
Sources: EIA (electricity, weekly gas) · USDA · eGRID 2022
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Utilities & Daily Costs
Sources: EIA (electricity, weekly gas) · USDA · eGRID 2022
Grid Carbon Intensity
Dirtier than US average (~820)
Avg Monthly Energy Bill
Electricity Rate
Below national avg (13¢)
Energy Mix
Avg Monthly Groceries
2-person household, moderate spending
Road Quality Rank
Airports & Travel
Sources: FAA · BTS
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Airports & Travel
Sources: FAA · BTS
Nonstop Destinations
From state's primary airport
Major Hub Airport
Top-25 US airport by passengers
Culture & Lifestyle
Sources: Census CBP · Brewers Association 2024 · Pollstar · AANR/TNS · AGA 2024
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Culture & Lifestyle
Sources: Census CBP · Brewers Association 2024 · Pollstar · AANR/TNS · AGA 2024
Urban Population
Mix of urban and rural
Restaurant Density
Religious Congregations
Pro Sports Teams
NFL + NBA + MLB + NHL + MLS
Major Venues
Stadiums, arenas, amphitheaters (10K+ capacity)
Craft Breweries
2.7/100K residents — Solid scene
Craft Distilleries
Strong spirits scene
Live Music
Kansas City jazz and BBQ; St. Louis heritage (Chuck Berry); Boulevard Brewing nationally known
Transportation
Sources: NHTSA FARS · FCC · insurance rate surveys 2024 · IIHS helmet laws 2026
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Transportation
Sources: NHTSA FARS · FCC · insurance rate surveys 2024 · IIHS helmet laws 2026
Car Insurance (Avg Annual)
Traffic Fatality Rate
Broadband Access
Work From Home
State residents who primarily work from home (ACS)
Social & Legal
Sources: Guttmacher · KFF · NCSL · state statutes 2026
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Social & Legal
Sources: Guttmacher · KFF · NCSL · state statutes 2026
Formal Volunteering Rate
AmeriCorps / Census CPS 2023 (US ~28%)
Votes in Local Elections
AmeriCorps / Census CPS 2023
Abortion Access
Near-total ban; trigger law took effect after Dobbs
LGBTQ+ Protections
Marijuana
Minimum Wage
Right to Work
Sports Betting
Casino Gambling
Online Gambling
State Lottery
13 riverboat casinos. Sports betting passed via ballot measure in 2022, launched 2023.
Age of Consent
Sex Education
No state sex ed mandate
Nude Beaches & Naturist Clubs
Rebel Ridge Resort · Lake Lucerne Sun Club · Mid America Nudist Club
Environment & Climate
Sources: EPA AQI · NOAA · FEMA National Risk Index
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Environment & Climate
Sources: EPA AQI · NOAA · FEMA National Risk Index
Air Quality (Annual AQI)
Near national avg
Natural Disaster Risk
Primary Hazards
Politics & Gun Laws
Sources: OpenElections 2024 · Giffords 2025 · state statutes
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Politics & Gun Laws
Sources: OpenElections 2024 · Giffords 2025 · state statutes
2024 Presidential Vote
Gun Laws
Carry Permit
Purchase Permit Required
Carry in Bars
Carry in Restaurants
Carry in Places of Worship
Concealed in bars prohibited without owner consent (open allowed); churches require permission.
Gambling
Hunting & Outdoors
Sources: state wildlife agencies · USFS · BLM · USFWS (May 2026)
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Hunting & Outdoors
Sources: state wildlife agencies · USFS · BLM · USFWS (May 2026)
Missouri has one of the lowest resident deer license costs in the country ($19). Strong trophy deer hunting in the river bottoms and agricultural edges.
Missouri Department of Conservation — Official Season Dates ↗Finding nearby venues...
From r/hunting
The results of our trip to Missouri this year! : r/Hunting
From Nova Scotia, Canada and we were hunting near Milan MO. Drove a truck and trailer and camped out for a week of bow season and the first ...
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I recorded the output while my elk scouting program ran on ...
Smart way to approach elk hunting in a state where I can only hunt with one type of weapon per year? 6 upvotes · 24 comments ......
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Solo archery elk advice : r/Hunting
Heading out West again this Sept for an archery elk hunt, this time to CO, likely a solo hunt. I was very fortunate last year to get a mule ...
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I have more time than money. I hunt my home state enough ...
I have a 2 week elk and deer float hunt already planned for this fall at home. I also have 2 weeks of elk hunting planned in November for th...
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Ravin Crossbows
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See Ravin crossbows →About this sponsor
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Jobs & Economy
Sources: BLS QCEW 2024 · BLS JOLTS 2024 · BLS union membership 2025 · Census ACS
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Jobs & Economy
Sources: BLS QCEW 2024 · BLS JOLTS 2024 · BLS union membership 2025 · Census ACS
Job Openings Rate (JOLTS)
Tight labor market (US ~4.5%)
Quits Rate (JOLTS)
Workers quit when they can find better; BLS 2024 average
Job Market
+1% job growth · 3.2% unemployment
Top Industries
Tech Jobs
Healthcare Jobs
Remote Work
Median Household Income
Union Membership
Below-average union presence (BLS 2025)
Business Climate
Sources: Tax Foundation · state filings
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Business Climate
Sources: Tax Foundation · state filings
Corporate Income Tax
LLC Formation Fee
LLC Annual Fee
Business Climate Rank
Daily Life
Sources: American Pyrotechnics Association · state statutes 2026 · IIHS
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Daily Life
Sources: American Pyrotechnics Association · state statutes 2026 · IIHS
Gas Price (Regular)
Well below avg (-0.36 vs national avg)
Consumer Fireworks
Most consumer fireworks legal statewide
Motorcycle Helmet Law
Required under 26 (IIHS 2026)
Weather & Natural Risks
Sources: NOAA · NWS Storm Prediction Center · FEMA NRI
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Weather & Natural Risks
Sources: NOAA · NWS Storm Prediction Center · FEMA NRI
Winter Severity
Avg January high: 37°F
Summer Heat
Moderate summers
Annual Rainfall
Tornado Risk
Hurricane Risk
Wildfire Risk
Flood Risk
Natural Hazards
Sources: USGS · CDC · USDA APHIS · NOAA · FEMA NRI 2023
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Natural Hazards
Sources: USGS · CDC · USDA APHIS · NOAA · FEMA NRI 2023
Venomous Snakes
Spider Hazard
Scorpions
Hurricane Risk
Tornado Risk
Wildfire Risk
Earthquake Risk
Armadillo Leprosy Risk
Danger score is a composite index. Methodology ↗
Veteran Benefits
Sources: VA.gov · Military.com state guide · Tax Foundation
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Veteran Benefits
Sources: VA.gov · Military.com state guide · Tax Foundation
Veteran-Friendly Score
6.2% of state population are veterans
Property Tax Exemption
Disabled vet property tax credit
Military Retirement Pay
Active Duty Pay
VA Facilities Access
Notable Benefits
Explore Missouri counties
Income, housing, poverty, healthcare — ranked by county
See your full cost of living in Missouri
Housing, taxes, childcare, insurance — all estimated.
Compare Similar States
MO vs KS
Missouri vs Kansas
COL 86 vs 86 · 4.7% vs 5.7% income tax
Full comparison →
MO vs AL
Missouri vs Alabama
COL 86 vs 87 · 4.7% vs 5% income tax
Full comparison →
MO vs AR
Missouri vs Arkansas
COL 86 vs 85 · 4.7% vs 3.9% income tax
Full comparison →
MO vs IN
Missouri vs Indiana
COL 86 vs 87 · 4.7% vs 3.05% income tax
Full comparison →
Trending in Missouri
Budget cuts limit Imagination Library program in Missouri - Columbia Missourian
Columbia Missourian · Sep 5
New Missouri laws address traffic, cybercrime and safety measures - KTTN
KTTN · Sep 8
Property tax changes create budget headaches for Missouri schools - KMBC
KMBC · Sep 6
Missouri Governor Kehoe Proclaims September as Rice Month & Missouri Rice Industry Donates 10,000+ Meals - USA Rice Federation
USA Rice Federation · Sep 2
Boone County to spend $5 million this year housing inmates elsewhere in Missouri due to overcrowding, sheriff says - 93.9 The Eagle
93.9 The Eagle · Sep 7
What Residents Say
Moving to Missouri. : r/missouri
paying personal property taxes here is so backwards. Other than property tax on my house,cost of living here is about the same. Electricity, ......
reddit.com ↗
Confused about living and working in different states. : r/tax
By default, Missouri gets to tax the money you make in Missouri, Illinois gets to tax all of your income, and you get a credit on your Illinois ......
reddit.com ↗
'I'm looking at possibly losing our house.' Some low-income ...
With many low-income workers already living on razor-thin margins, increases to the sales tax could mean deciding whether to eat or pay rent....
reddit.com ↗
[IWantOut] 33M Missouri -> Blue State Stronghold
Income tax is a flat 4.25% (plus possible local tax). Property tax is above national average, sales tax is about national average at 6%. ......
reddit.com ↗
Where should I live? Ask your questions about housing or ...
Moving to KC? Looking for housing? Need help with local services? Ask here! For best results include useful information so answers may be tailored ......
reddit.com ↗
Relocating from Chicago : r/missouri
My property taxes are $18k/year and. I moved to MO … 3 bath house on an acre taxes are $1200. Lots of beautiful countryside and cost of living ......
reddit.com ↗
Taxes and Insurance Cost of Living by State
No income tax saves while you work but not so much once you retire. On the flip side, property tax is forever, even after retiring. Amount spent ......
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Missouri or bust? : r/missouri
I'm an idahoan/ alaskan looking to relocate next year. MO keeps coming up, and from what I can gather it seems to be a great state with low cost of living ......
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MOVING : r/missouri
Sure, go someplace with three times the cost of living but the same wages as here but also twice the taxes… somedamnwaguy. •. 3y ago. Just moved back after ......
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Missouri Personal Property Taxes : r/personalfinance
Hello all, My parents are moving to Missouri some time next year and we are trying to figure out the personal property tax situation there ......
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Missouri will change its laws. We'll email you when it does.
One email when Missouri changes a tax, gun, cannabis or abortion law. Unsubscribe in one click.
Data is informational only. Verify with a tax professional, real estate agent, and local sources before making relocation decisions. Crime data: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023. Healthcare: Commonwealth Fund 2023; life expectancy from County Health Rankings 2024. Education: Education Week 2023. Housing: Zillow monthly index and Census ACS 2022. Insurance: rate surveys 2024. Sponsored links marked “Sponsored” may earn a commission. This does not affect our data or rankings.