Real Estate Directory -Missouri

Population: 5,704,484 (all 2003 figures)
Capital city/population: Jefferson City 37,550
Largest cities/population:

  • Kansas City - 442,768
  • St. Louis - 332,223
  • Springfield - 150,867
  • Independence - 112,079

Missouri is the 21st largest state, with an area of 69,709 square miles. Because of its distance from the oceans, the state has a climate of wide extremes in temperature. Average annual temperature in the north is 55ºF; in the south, tropical heat is common. Precipitation ranges from less than 35” – 50”. Missouri was admitted into the Union on August 10, 1821. St. Louis is known for its 630’ stainless steel arch, designed by Eero Saarinen. Construction ran from 1963 – 1965. The arch has foundations sunk 60’ into the ground, and is built to withstand earthquakes and high winds. It is built to sway up to 18” in high winds.

HOUSING

Kansas City – The average new home sale price has risen 8%, to $232,761. Home buyers have been receiving incentives from builders, which has spurred the market. Price of used homes has remained stable at approximately $150,000, owing to the availability of homes and interest rates. In other counties, prices have dropped slightly, making the area a buyers market. Home prices range from $100,000 - $2,750,000. The city is undergoing great expansion, adding restaurants, shopping, and sports parks, making it a great place to live.

St. Louis - The downtown area is being renovated, encouraging home buyers and increasing property values. Loft condos and apartments are popular, with almost 15,000 expected to be completed within the next five years. Loft prices are approximately $168/square foot, with condos priced at $180/square foot. New home developments/subdivisions are filling, and older areas are also in the process of renovation and conservation efforts.

Springfield – Home prices have been rising in this community, leveling at 4% - 6%. There is a good selection of properties available in a nice range of prices. This is a great place to live, with plenty of parks and outdoor recreation available. Springfield is the home of several baseball teams.

Independence – This community has over 31,000 housing units, with an average home price of $93,573 for a smaller, single-family home. Rental units comprise 30% of the market, with an average rental price of $418.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

Principal industries include agriculture, manufacturing, aerospace and tourism. Manufactured goods include transportation, equipment, food products, electrical/electronic equipment, and chemicals. Agricultural outputs are soybeans, corn, wheat, and hay. Total state product for 2003 was $195 billion, with a per capita income for that year of $29,464.

SCHOOLS

Almost 200 Missouri school districts have earned the state’s “Distinction in Performance Award” in recognition of their academic progress and achievement, measured by MAP test scores, ACT scores, attendance, and dropout rates.

To qualify, K-8 districts had to meet five of six performance standards; K-12 had to meet 11 out of 12 standards. Districts are evaluated once every five years. Student-teacher ratio for 1994 was 15:5, with an average teachers’ salary for 1995 of $33,341.

At the higher education level, colleges and universities include: the University of Missouri - Columbia, (campuses at Kansas City, Rolla, and St. Louis) and six state universities: Central Missouri State University - Warrensburg; Northeast Missouri State University - Kirksville; Southwest Missouri State University -Springfield; Southeast Missouri State University - Cape Girardeau; Northwest Missouri State University - Maryville; and Lincoln University - Jefferson City

HISTORY

The Missouri River has long been an important route of commerce for Native Americans, as well as European explorers. The state was originally part of the Louisiana Purchase, and was admitted into the Union in 1821 as part of the Missouri Compromise. It was known as the “Gateway to the West” due to its being both a starting and a returning point for settlers heading west. During the Civil War, Missouri remained in the Union as a slave state, but its citizens remained divided between the warring factions. Steamboats, which were a major means of transporting goods, declined in use as railroads dominated after the Civil War.

Revitalization in the mid-20th century improved navigational methods; however, the southern section of the state still saw a decline in barge traffic.

RELIGION (2004)

  • Christian – 83%
    • Protestant – 62%
      • Baptist (mostly Southern Baptist) – 23%
      • Methodist – 8%
      • Lutheran – 4%
      • Episcopal – 4%
      • Other Protestant – 23%
    • Roman Catholic – 20%
    • Other Christian – 1%
  • Other Religions – 1%
  • Non-Religious – 16%

DEMOGRAPHICS (2004)

  • White - 84.9%
  • Black - 11.2%
  • Asian - 1.1%
  • Native American - 0.4%
  • Other - 0.9%
  • Mixed race - 1.5%