Metro areas in Missouri: income, rent and home values
Missouri has 8 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by St. Louis, MO with 2.8 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Kansas City, MO ($87,503). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Jefferson City, MO (22.2%) and the largest in St. Joseph, MO (32.2%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Joplin, MO (+14.4%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO | 2,812,963 | $83,656 | $1,232 | $283,300 | 29.0% |
| Kansas City, MO | 2,271,012 | $87,503 | $1,414 | $331,600 | 28.3% |
| Springfield, MO | 500,694 | $68,534 | $1,096 | $279,300 | 27.3% |
| Columbia, MO | 218,590 | $73,007 | $1,112 | $295,800 | 29.2% |
| Joplin, MO | 208,796 | $65,889 | $999 | $211,000 | 29.5% |
| Jefferson City, MO | 154,520 | $79,204 | $895 | $282,600 | 22.2% |
| St. Joseph, MO | 118,392 | $68,663 | $933 | $205,900 | 32.2% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | 97,767 | $69,471 | $871 | $233,400 | 27.1% |
Includes 5 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
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Missouri at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Missouri for renters?+
Jefferson City, MO, where renters spend a median 22.2% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Missouri has the highest income?+
Kansas City, MO, with a median household income of $87,503 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Missouri?+
8 metropolitan statistical areas in Missouri have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.