Columbia is a city in central Missouri, founded in 1819 upon forested hills and rolling prairies. Today, it covers 67.4 square miles, and is known as the “Athens of Missouri” for its classic beauty and emphasis on education. Its more common nickname, however, is “CoMo.” Education, healthcare, and insurance are among the main drivers of the economy in Columbia, where the median age is 28.8 (2022).

Kansas City sits on Missouri’s western edge, straddling the border with Kansas while surrounded by limestone and bedrock cliffs. The city is known for its fountains – its nickname is “City of Fountains” – as well as its barbecue and jazz heritage. Founded in 1838 as a port on the Missouri River, today it covers 319 square miles, and has a median age of 35.4 (2022). Its main industries include finance, technology, e-commerce, manufacturing, animal health, and transportation and distribution.

“The Queen City of the Ozark,” Springfield in southwestern Missouri, lies on flat terrain with rolling hills and cliffs to the south, east, and north. Incorporated in 1838, Springfield now covers 83.7 square miles and has a median age 33.2 (2022). Its main industries are healthcare, manufacturing, retail, education, and tourism.

Commonly referred to as the “Gateway to the West,” St. Louis, Missouri, is famous for its iconic Gateway Arch, blues music scene, and loyal sports fans. Founded in 1764 on bluffs and terraces along the Mississippi River, the city covers 66.1 square miles today and has a median age of 36 (2022). The main industries driving its economy include service, manufacturing, trade, transportation, and tourism.