Missouri is a state with a rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty. However, not all of its towns are thriving or desirable places to live. Some of them are facing serious challenges such as crime, poverty, unemployment, and population decline. Here are seven Missouri towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible, according to the latest census data and other sources.
1. St. Louis
St. Louis is the largest city in Missouri, but also the most dangerous. It has the highest violent crime rate in the nation, with 1,927 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2020. It also has the highest murder rate, with 262 homicides in 2020. The city has been struggling with racial tensions, social unrest, and economic decline for decades. Between 2010 and 2020, the city lost 5.5% of its population, dropping from 319,294 to 301,671.
2. Joplin
Joplin is a city in southwestern Missouri that was devastated by a massive tornado in 2011. The tornado killed 161 people, injured more than 1,000, and destroyed about a third of the city. The city has since rebuilt, but it still faces many challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and drug abuse. The median household income in Joplin is $43,848, well below the national average of $62,843. The unemployment rate is 5.6%, higher than the national average of 4.2%. The city also has a high opioid overdose rate, with 32 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2019. Between 2010 and 2020, the city lost 1.4% of its population, dropping from 50,150 to 49,450.
3. Poplar Bluff
Poplar Bluff is a city in southeastern Missouri that is known as the “Gateway to the Ozarks”. However, it is also a gateway to poverty, crime, and addiction. The median household income in Poplar Bluff is $32,316, less than half of the national average. The poverty rate is 28.9%, more than double the national average of 12.3%. The violent crime rate is 1,038 per 100,000 residents, more than four times the national average of 366. The city also has a high methamphetamine problem, with 24.4 arrests per 10,000 residents in 2019. Between 2010 and 2020, the city lost 3.6% of its population, dropping from 17,023 to 16,411.
4. Kennett
Kennett is a city in southeastern Missouri that is the hometown of singer Sheryl Crow. However, it is also a town that is dying a slow death. The city has been hit hard by the loss of manufacturing jobs, the closure of local businesses, and the decline of agriculture. The median household income in Kennett is $30,930, less than half of the national average. The unemployment rate is 7.1%, almost twice the national average. The city also has a high infant mortality rate, with 14.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2019, compared to the national average of 5.7. Between 2010 and 2020, the city lost 13.3% of its population, dropping from 10,932 to 9,476.
5. Moberly
Moberly is a city in central Missouri that is nicknamed the “Magic City” because of its rapid growth in the late 19th century. However, the magic has faded away, and the city is now facing stagnation and decay. The city has been plagued by failed economic development projects, such as the Mamtek artificial sweetener plant that never materialized and left the city with millions of dollars in debt. The median household income in Moberly is $38,026, well below the national average. The poverty rate is 22.4%, almost twice the national average. The city also has a high suicide rate, with 21.9 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2019, compared to the national average of 14.5. Between 2010 and 2020, the city lost 2.9% of its population, dropping from 13,974 to 13,566.
6. Sedalia
Sedalia is a city in central Missouri that is the host of the annual Missouri State Fair. However, it is also a city that is struggling with crime, poverty, and education. The violent crime rate in Sedalia is 1,064 per 100,000 residents, more than four times the national average. The median household income in Sedalia is $41,672, well below the national average. The poverty rate is 19.9%, higher than the national average. The city also has a low educational attainment level, with only 16.4% of adults having a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.1%. Between 2010 and 2020, the city lost 1.1% of its population, dropping from 21,387 to 21,153.
7. Neosho
Neosho is a city in southwestern Missouri that is the birthplace of the comic strip character Mickey Mouse. However, it is also a city that is facing economic and social challenges. The city has been affected by the decline of the poultry industry, which was once a major employer and source of income for the region. The median household income in Neosho is $39,432, well below the national average. The unemployment rate is 6.1%, higher than the national average. The city also has a high teen pregnancy rate, with 57.4 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19 in 2019, compared to the national average of 16.7. Between 2010 and 2020, the city lost 2.4% of its population, dropping from 11,835 to 11,551.
Conclusion
These are some of the Missouri towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible, due to various reasons such as crime, poverty, unemployment, and population decline. These towns are in need of urgent intervention and support from the state and federal governments, as well as the local communities, to reverse their downward trends and improve their quality of life. Otherwise, they may become ghost towns in the near future.