Missouri (MO)

Nicknamed the "Show-Me State," Missouri is a blend of Midwest charm, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the iconic Gateway Arch to the scenic Ozark Mountains, the state offers outdoor adventures, world-class barbecue, and deep musical roots in jazz and blues.

• Population: ~6.2 million
• Weather: Hot, humid summers (85-95°F); cold winters (20-40°F).
• Famous Sites: Gateway Arch, Lake of the Ozarks, Branson, Mark Twain Cave, Harry S. Truman Library & Museum.
• Top Activities: Hiking, boating, exploring caves, enjoying live music, visiting historical sites, savoring Kansas City barbecue.

Missouri’s job market is growing, with strong opportunities in healthcare, technology, transportation, and manufacturing. These industries offer stable careers with competitive salaries. Here are the top five in-demand jobs in Missouri based on earnings and job openings. Click on the job titles to view more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Missouri is known for its lively cities, rich history, and excellent colleges and universities. Students from all across the country enjoy living and studying here. Below is a table showing facts about the ten largest cities in Missouri, along with their approximate populations and number of college students.

Missouri is home to some of the best public and private universities, offering diverse programs in business, healthcare, engineering, and more.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Missouri

• University of Missouri (Mizzou) – The state's flagship university, known for its journalism, business, and engineering programs.
• Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) – A top-ranked institution specializing in engineering, computing, and applied sciences.
• University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) – Offers strong programs in healthcare, law, and business.
• University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) – Known for strong business, education, and cybersecurity programs.
• Truman State University – A highly regarded liberal arts university with strong programs in science, business, and humanities.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Missouri

• Washington University in St. Louis – A prestigious university with top-ranked programs in business, medicine, and law.
• Saint Louis University (SLU) – A leading Jesuit institution known for its strong healthcare, law, and business programs.
• Rockhurst University – A Jesuit university offering excellent business, education, and healthcare programs.
• Maryville University – Recognized for its strong online programs and emphasis on business, nursing, and cybersecurity.
• Drury University – A small private university known for its strong liberal arts and business programs.

Missouri offers some of the best public and private high schools, providing students with excellent academic programs, extracurricular activities, and college preparation. These schools are known for their strong faculty, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to student success.

Top Public High Schools in Missouri

• Ladue Horton Watkins High School, St. Louis – Recognized for its strong academics, high college acceptance rate, and diverse extracurricular activities.
• Kirkwood High School, Kirkwood – Offers a well-rounded education with advanced placement courses and strong athletic programs.
• Parkway West High School, Ballwin – Known for rigorous academics, excellent faculty, and outstanding student achievements.
• Lindbergh High School, St. Louis – Provides a wide range of courses and enrichment programs for students to excel.
• Marquette Senior High School, Chesterfield – A top-ranked school offering a strong academic curriculum and extracurricular opportunities.

Top Private High Schools in Missouri

• John Burroughs School, St. Louis – A prestigious college prep school with a focus on academics, leadership, and athletics.
• Thomas Jefferson School, St. Louis – Offers a rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on critical thinking and college preparation.
• MICDS (Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School), St. Louis – Known for academic excellence, strong arts programs, and leadership development.
• Barstow School, Kansas City – Provides a well-rounded education with advanced STEM programs and global learning experiences.
• Rockhurst High School, Kansas City – A Jesuit college preparatory school with a reputation for academic strength and character development.

Missouri is home to several major professional sports teams across different leagues, making it a state with a passionate sports culture. Whether it’s football, baseball, hockey, or soccer, fans in Missouri have plenty to cheer for.

The state features teams in three of the "big four" professional leagues: the NFL, MLB, and NHL. Kansas City and St. Louis serve as major hubs for professional sports, with dedicated fan bases and a history of championships.

Major Professional Sports Teams in Missouri

Football 🏈

• Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) – One of the most successful teams in recent years, the Chiefs have won multiple Super Bowls, led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Baseball ⚾

• St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) – A historic franchise with multiple World Series titles, the Cardinals have one of the most loyal fan bases in baseball.
• Kansas City Royals (MLB) – Winners of the 2015 World Series, the Royals bring exciting baseball action to Kansas City.

Hockey 🏒

• St. Louis Blues (NHL) – The Blues won their first Stanley Cup in 2019, making history and solidifying their reputation as a top-tier franchise.

Soccer ⚽

• St. Louis City SC (MLS) – A newer team in Major League Soccer, St. Louis City SC represents the city’s strong soccer culture.

In addition to these major teams, Missouri also has several minor league and semi-pro teams, along with a deep connection to college sports. With passionate fan bases and rich histories, the state continues to stand out in the world of professional sports.

1. The Show-Me State 🤠 – Missouri is known as the "Show-Me State," a nickname that reflects the state's reputation for being skeptical and valuing evidence over words.
2. Gateway to the West 🌉 – The iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the tallest arch in the world, standing at 630 feet, and symbolizes westward expansion.
3. Home of Mark Twain 📚 – Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, was born in Missouri. His hometown of Hannibal inspired the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
4. Birthplace of Anheuser-Busch 🍺 – St. Louis is home to Anheuser-Busch, the brewing company that produces Budweiser, one of the most famous beers in the world.
5. A Cave State 🦇 – Missouri has more than 7,000 caves, earning it the nickname "The Cave State." Some, like Meramec Caverns, are popular tourist attractions.
6. First Ice Cream Cone 🍦 – The ice cream cone was popularized at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair when a vendor ran out of dishes and used a rolled-up waffle instead.
7. Harry S. Truman’s Home 🇺🇸 – Missouri is the birthplace of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States. Visitors can tour his home in Independence.
8. BBQ Heaven 🍖 – Kansas City, Missouri, is famous for its barbecue, known for slow-cooked meats and a signature thick, tomato-based sauce.
9. Lake of the Ozarks 🛶 – This massive lake has more shoreline than the entire coast of California and is a top destination for boating and fishing.
10. World’s Largest Chess Piece ♟️ – St. Louis, a major hub for chess lovers, is home to the world's largest chess piece, standing over 20 feet tall.