Destination Missouri

This section will answer many of your questions regarding the life science industry in Missouri, the state's economy, tax structure and cost of living, education, transportation, climate, recreational opportunities, history and more.

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Industry Overview | Economy/Cost of Living | Education
Recreation & Entertainment | Transportation | Geography & Climate
History | Suggested Reading List

The Show Me State, the Gateway to the West, a Mississippi River state, home to Mark Twain, and George Washington Carver Jr., and with vibrant metropolitan areas in St. Louis and Kansas City: this is Missouri, whose rich past only hints at the tremendous promise for its future.

Industry Snapshot

Missouri boasts a prolific biotechnology and life science industry. With its outstanding educational institutions, associations, and ample company base, Missouri promises continued success in the sector.

Economy/Cost of Living

Over 5.8 million people help to make Missouri the 18th most populous state in the U.S. The largest cities in the Show Me State are Kansas City, with a population of over 444,000; Saint Louis, with a population of over 344,000; Springfield; Independence; Columbia; and Saint Joseph. Missouri prides itself on its diverse economy, which relies principally on industry but includes many other resources.

Education

Many exceptional opportunities for education exist in Missouri, whether public or private. Several universities, private colleges, and community colleges comprise the higher education institutions in the Show Me State.

Recreation & Entertainment

Missouri offers tremendous opportunities for recreation and entertainment. Between the two different, dynamic cities of Kansas City and St. Louis, and a varied terrain, numerous options exist whether for urban or outdoor pursuits throughout the Show Me State.

Transportation

Missouri provides many options for transportation within its borders, and its central location in the nation’s Heartland makes it a major hub. Major automobile routes include four Interstates: east-west routes I-70, I-64, and I-44; and north-south routes I-29, I-35, and I-55.

Geography & Climate

Located in the Midwest region of the U.S., Missouri ranks 21st in total area among the states at 69,709 square miles. Missouri shares borders with Iowa to the north, Tennessee and Arkansas to the south, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee to the east, and Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma to the west.

History

Prior to European settlement, the land now known as Missouri was home to many Native American tribes: the Missouris, Osages, Miamis, Sacs, Foxes, Otos, Iowas, Kickapoos, Delawares, Shawnees, and Kansas. Late in the 17th century, French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet traveled down the Mississippi River and gave accounts of Missouri.

Suggested Reading List

A list of select guides and reference books about Missouri.