Where is Missouri Located in the United States?
Missouri is located in the Midwestern region of the United States and serves as a transition between the Great Plains to the west and the Mississippi River to the east. It is a state known for its diverse geography, from rolling hills to the Ozark Mountains, and its rich history in American expansion. Missouri has played a significant role in U.S. history, particularly during westward expansion and the Civil War. It borders eight other states, giving it a central role in connecting the Midwest and the South.
State Facts:
- State Name: Missouri
- Postal Abbreviation: MO
- Population: Approximately 6.1 million
- Area: 69,715 square miles
- Capital: Jefferson City
- Largest City: Kansas City
- Statehood Year: 1821 (24th state to join the Union)
- Time Zones: Central Time Zone
Bordering States
Iowa
To the north of Missouri lies Iowa, sharing a 533-mile border. This border is defined by rolling farmland and small rivers, contributing to both states’ agricultural output. Missouri and Iowa share a cultural and economic connection through agriculture, with corn and soybean production being prominent. The Missouri River, flowing from northwest Missouri, acts as a key geographical feature near the Iowa border.
Nebraska
To the northwest, Nebraska borders Missouri for a short 65 miles along the Missouri River. The river is the defining boundary between the two states, and it plays a critical role in trade and transportation. Nebraska’s plains complement Missouri’s northwestern landscape, and the two states share common agricultural and rural economic interests.
Kansas
Kansas lies to the west of Missouri, sharing a long border of about 280 miles. Kansas and Missouri share historical and cultural connections, particularly from the period of westward expansion and the Kansas-Missouri border wars during the Civil War. Today, the two states share a major metropolitan area, with Kansas City straddling the border between the two, fostering significant economic and cultural exchanges.
Oklahoma
Southwest Missouri shares a short 320-mile border with Oklahoma. The Ozark Plateau extends into both states, creating a landscape of rolling hills and forests. Missouri’s southwestern cities, like Joplin, maintain economic ties with northeastern Oklahoma, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, and retail.
Arkansas
Arkansas borders Missouri to the south, sharing a 316-mile boundary. The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains cross both states, making the region known for its outdoor recreation and natural beauty. This shared mountainous region plays a key role in both states’ economies, particularly through tourism and agriculture.
Tennessee
To the southeast, Missouri shares a 160-mile border with Tennessee, separated mostly by the Mississippi River. The shared river access contributes to significant trade and transportation opportunities between the two states. Missouri’s “Bootheel” region is closely linked to western Tennessee through agricultural production, particularly in cotton, soybeans, and rice.
Kentucky
Kentucky borders Missouri in the southeast, with the Mississippi River forming a natural boundary. The shared waterway facilitates trade, particularly through river transport. Missouri’s Bootheel region, located just across the river from Kentucky, shares cultural and economic similarities, especially in agriculture and river-based commerce.
Illinois
To the east, Illinois shares a long border with Missouri, primarily defined by the Mississippi River. The cities of St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois, form a major metropolitan area that spans both states. The river serves as a vital transportation route for goods and services, and the states share deep historical ties through their urban centers and agricultural economies.
GPS Coordinates
Missouri is centrally located in the continental United States, with its central coordinates being approximately 38.5739° N latitude and 92.6037° W longitude. These coordinates place Missouri at the intersection of the Midwest and the South, with the Mississippi River on its eastern boundary and the rolling plains of Kansas and Nebraska to the west.
To the north, Missouri stretches to around 40.6° N latitude, near the Iowa border, where the landscape consists mainly of flat farmland and river valleys. The southernmost regions of Missouri, near the Arkansas border, extend to 36.0° N latitude and include the rugged terrain of the Ozarks and the Bootheel region.
Missouri’s longitudinal reach stretches from 94.6° W longitude in its western parts, near the Kansas border, to 89.1° W longitude in the east, along the Mississippi River. This east-to-west span illustrates the state’s diverse geography, ranging from the bustling urban centers of Kansas City and St. Louis to rural farming communities and the natural beauty of the Ozarks and river valleys.
The geographic location of Missouri places it in a temperate climate zone, with four distinct seasons, ranging from hot summers to cold winters. Missouri’s central position in the U.S. makes it a key transportation hub, with major interstate highways and the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers facilitating trade and travel across the country.
Levels of Elevation
Missouri’s topography varies from the flat plains of the north to the hilly and mountainous regions in the south.
The highest point in Missouri is Taum Sauk Mountain, located in the St. Francois Mountains in the southeastern part of the state. At 1,772 feet above sea level, Taum Sauk Mountain is part of the rugged terrain of the Ozark Plateau. This area is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
In contrast, the lowest point in Missouri is at 230 feet above sea level, where the St. Francis River meets the Mississippi River in the southeastern Bootheel region. This flat and fertile land is ideal for agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of crops such as cotton, rice, and soybeans.
The majority of Missouri consists of rolling hills, especially in the central and southern regions. The northern half of the state is part of the Great Plains, with elevations averaging between 600 and 1,200 feet above sea level. This variation in elevation contributes to the state’s agricultural diversity and offers a range of recreational activities for residents and visitors alike.
Most Extreme Points
Missouri’s geographic extremes reflect the diversity of its landscapes, stretching from the fertile plains of the north to the rugged hills of the south.
- Easternmost Point: The easternmost point of Missouri is located in Cairo Point, where the Mississippi River meets the Ohio River, just across from Kentucky and Illinois. This confluence of rivers plays a crucial role in transportation and trade, particularly for agricultural goods moving along the waterways.
- Westernmost Point: The westernmost point is found near Elwood, in Platte County, along the Kansas-Missouri border. This area is part of the Greater Kansas City metropolitan region, which spans both states and serves as a major economic hub for the region.
- Southernmost Point: Missouri’s southernmost point is in the Bootheel region, near Bennett, in Pemiscot County, close to the Arkansas border. This area is known for its rich, fertile farmland and its significant contribution to the state’s agricultural output, particularly in cotton and soybean production.
- Northernmost Point: The northernmost point of Missouri is located near Blanchard, in Atchison County, close to the Iowa border. This part of the state is characterized by flat plains and farmland, typical of the agricultural landscape that dominates northern Missouri.
These extreme points showcase Missouri’s vast geographic diversity, from its urban centers near its western and eastern borders to its rich agricultural land in the north and south.
Major Mountains
Missouri is home to several notable mountain ranges, primarily located in the southern half of the state, which is dominated by the Ozark Mountains.
The Ozark Mountains are Missouri’s most famous range, extending into northern Arkansas and southeastern Kansas and Oklahoma. The Ozarks cover much of southern Missouri and are known for their rugged, forested landscapes, karst topography (featuring caves and springs), and beautiful rolling hills. The region offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and fishing.
Within the Ozarks, the St. Francois Mountains are particularly noteworthy. This subrange is located in southeastern Missouri and includes the state’s highest point, Taum Sauk Mountain. The St. Francois Mountains are some of the oldest mountains in North America, dating back more than 1.5 billion years. These ancient volcanic peaks contribute to the state’s diverse geological history.
Another prominent feature of the Ozarks is Pilot Knob, a peak in Iron County that played a significant role during the Civil War. Pilot Knob is part of the Arcadia Valley and is known for its scenic beauty and historical importance.
Missouri’s mountainous regions, particularly the Ozarks, are also home to numerous caves and springs, making the state a popular destination for spelunkers and hikers. The Mark Twain National Forest offers many trails that wind through the Ozark hills, providing visitors with stunning views of Missouri’s natural beauty.
Major Rivers and Lakes
Missouri is a state defined by its rivers and lakes, which have shaped its geography, economy, and history.
The Mississippi River forms the eastern boundary of Missouri, separating it from Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. This major waterway has been crucial for transportation, trade, and agriculture since the early days of the state’s history. The river flows through several major cities, including St. Louis, which became a major hub for river-based trade during the 19th century.
The Missouri River, which is the longest river in the United States, cuts across the state from west to east, passing through cities like Kansas City, Jefferson City, and St. Charles. The Missouri River played a vital role in the state’s development, particularly during the era of westward expansion. It remains a key waterway for transporting goods, particularly agricultural products from the state’s farms.
Table Rock Lake, located in the southern Ozarks near Branson, is one of the largest man-made lakes in Missouri. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping. The lake was created by the damming of the White River and is a major attraction in the state’s tourism industry.
Lake of the Ozarks, another large reservoir, is located in central Missouri and is a significant recreation and tourism hub. With its extensive shoreline, the lake offers opportunities for water sports, fishing, and resort activities.
These rivers and lakes not only define Missouri’s landscape but also play a vital role in its economy, providing resources for agriculture, industry, and recreation.
