Although Missouri is a state full of natural beauty, a diverse population, and a rich history, not every town in the state has prosperous or ideal living conditions. Some have serious problems, such as poverty, unemployment, crime, and dwindling population. These five Missouri towns are seeing a population exodus.
1. St. Louis
Unfortunately, one of the most hazardous cities in Missouri is St. Louis, the largest city. Not only does it have the highest murder rate in the nation—87 homicides per 100,000 citizens in 2023—but it also scores highly in other violent crimes like assault, rape, and robbery. Over the years, St. Louis’ population has decreased as more individuals move to other states or choose to live in safer, wealthier suburbs. The population of the city fell by 5.5%, to a level not seen since 1870.
2. Poplar Bluff
Though it has a low quality of life, Poplar Bluff, a small town in southeast Missouri close to the Arkansas border, is known for having a low cost of living. Poplar Bluff faces difficulties with a poverty rate of 31.4% (as opposed to the state average of 13.4%) and a median family income of $30,731, which is less than half of the state average of $62,979. Its population has been progressively decreasing, having shrunk by 3.6%, with young people and educated individuals leading the way.
3. Sedalia
Central Missouri’s Sedalia, best known for its yearly Missouri State Fair, finds it difficult to provide its citizens with meaningful possibilities. Sedalia faces challenges from a stagnant and dwindling population, including a high unemployment rate of 7.1% (compared to the state average of 4.2%) and a lower level of educational attainment, with just 16.4% of people holding a bachelor’s degree or higher (compared to the state average of 30.4%). The population of the town dropped by 0.4%.
4. The Kennett
Despite being the birthplace of singer Sheryl Crow, Kennett, a hamlet in southeast Missouri close to the borders with Tennessee and Arkansas, is one of the most impoverished and remote areas in the state. Kennett’s population is aging and shrinking, having a decline of 12.5%. Its high poverty rate is 28.9% (compared to the state average of 13.4%) and its median household income is $32,895 (smaller than the state average of $62,979).
5. Moberly
Moberly, a town in north-central Missouri known for its railroad legacy and historic downtown, has social and economic difficulties. Moberly has an aging and shrinking population, with a high crime rate of 1,027 crimes per 100,000 persons in 2023 (compared to the state average of 573%) and a poverty rate of 22.9% (compared to the state average of 13.4%). The town’s population fell by 4.4% as people moved elsewhere in search of safer and more prosperous neighborhoods.
In Summary
In conclusion, a number of Missouri towns—including Moberly, The Kennett, Poplar Bluff, Sedalia, and St. Louis—are facing a number of difficulties, including rising rates of poverty, crime, and dwindling populations. The main city, St. Louis, has seen a significant decrease in population as a result of high levels of crime. The poor quality of life and declining demographic trends in Poplar Bluff are problems. Sedalia faces challenges with low educational attainment, significant unemployment, and slow growth. Even though Sheryl Crow was born there, the Kennett struggles with poverty and an aging populace. Moberly, a town renowned for its historical history, is experiencing a drop in population, high rates of crime, and economic hardship. small elements underscore the challenges small Missouri towns face in terms of overall livability, economic opportunity, and safety by contributing to a worrisome outflow.
