The 10 Fastest-Growing Cities in Missouri

When you think of Missouri, the Gateway Arch, barbecue, or the St. Louis Cardinals probably come to mind. “The Show-Me-State” is home to around 6.1 million people spread across many wonderful cities like Kansas City, Springfield, and St. Louis. If you are thinking of making the move to Missouri or simply want to learn more about the state, we’ve got you covered. We created a list of the fastest-growing cities in Missouri that saw the largest population increase from 2017 to 2021. Keep reading to see what cities made the list. One of them might just be your next home.

#1: Blue Springs, MO 

Median sale price: $285,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,350
Blue Springs, MO homes for sale
Blue Springs, MO apartments for rent

Taking the top spot is Blue Springs, MO, which has a lot of affordable housing, parks, and recreation facilities. The city is also home to several businesses and industries, and its proximity to Kansas City makes it a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The city currently has a population of around 59,450, which is an increase of 8% from 2017. 

Many people are moving to Blue Springs due to the wonderful parks like Rotary Park, Young Park, and Burrus Old Mill Park and the diverse restaurants like Sinclair’s Restaurant, Sandy’s Restaurant, and Rancho Grande Cantina. There’s something for everyone living in Blue Springs.

#2: O’Fallon, MO

Median sale price: $320,900
O’Fallon, MO homes for sale
O’Fallon, MO apartments for rent

Known for its rich history, plenty of exciting outdoor activities, and small-town atmosphere, O’Fallon, MO takes the second spot of the fastest-growing cities in Missouri. O’Fallon saw a 7% increase in population to its current population of around 93,650. 

There are many great things to do in O’Fallon, such as strolling around Dames, Fort Zumwalt Park, and Civic Park to grabbing a bite to eat at The Brass Rail Steakhouse, Timber Creek Grill, and Ethyl’s Smokehouse & Saloon.

#3: Lee’s Summit, MO

Median sale price: $377,500
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,760
Lee’s Summit, MO homes for sale
Lee’s Summit, MO apartments for rent

Lee’s Summit, MO is a small suburban community with some of the best shopping and leisure opportunities in the Kansas City area. If you want to try a local restaurant, pay a visit to Third Street Social, Pearl Tavern, and Neighborhood Cafe. Afterward, take a stroll through one of the countless parks like Lea McKeighan Park, Lowenstein Park, and Summit Park. 

Lee’s Summit, MO, saw a 6% increase in population and has a population of nearly 102,800. 

#4: Chesterfield, MO

Median sale price: $497,500
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,897
Chesterfield, MO homes for sale
Chesterfield, MO apartments for rent

A western suburb of the city of St. Louis and home to the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, Chesterfield was originally called Gumbo Flats because of the consistency of its soil, and it being situated partially on the floodplains of the Missouri River. Chesterfield, MO clocks in at number four on our list of the fastest-growing cities in Missouri. The city’s population is at around 49,700, accounting for a 5% increase.

There are a lot of great activities in Chesterfield, from venturing into Central Park Chesterfield, Faust Park, and River’s Edge Park to trying the local cuisine at Annie Gunn’s Restaurant, EdgeWild Restaurant & Winery, and Bishop’s Post. If you love the arts and entertainment scene, be sure to check out The Factory.

#5: Columbia, MO

Median sale price: $247,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $925
Columbia, MO homes for sale
Columbia, MO apartments for rent

Looking for a new city to call home? Consider living in Columbia. The city is best known for being the home of the University of Missouri and is the fifth fastest-growing city in Missouri. Its population increased by 4% to about 126,850 residents. 

If you want to know what there’s to do in Columbia, be sure to set up a picnic at Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area or go for a job at Cosmo-Bethel Park.s Spend a day at the Boone County History & Culture Center, watch a show at The Blue Note, Rose Music Hall, Missouri Theatre, or eat a delicious meal at Cafe Poland, Room 38 Restaurant & Lounge, or Sycamore Restaurant. 

#6: Independence, MO

Median sale price: $205,564
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $840
Independence, MO homes for sale
Independence, MO apartments for rent

Coming in at sixth, Independence, MO is known for being the home of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States. There are many wonderful things to do in Independence, such as eating at a local restaurant like Vivilore or Salvatore’s, exploring a museum such as the National Frontier Trails Museum, Vaile Mansion, and Historic Truman Courthouse, reading a book at McCoy Park or Santa Fe Park, or watching a show at City Theatre of Independence.

The city saw a 4% increase since 2017 to its current population of about 122,100.

#7: Kansas City, MO

Median sale price: $275,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,427
Kansas City, MO homes for sale
Kansas City, MO apartments for rent

Considering living in Kansas City? The city is known for its 200 fountains, barbecue, and jazz. Jazz music is the heart and soul of the city, with more than 40 jazz and fine-dining venues. Kansas City currently has a population of nearly 508,400, a 4% increase since 2017.

You may be curious about what activities there are in Kansas City, MO. There are many things to do, from visiting museums like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, The National WWI Museum and Memorial, and The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures to lounging at Penn Valley Park, Jacob L. Loose Park, and The Concourse Park. Be sure to taste the local cuisine at La Bodega, Char Bar, and Q39, and afterward, catch a show at KC Live, RecordBar, and Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

#8: Joplin, MO

Median sale price: $210,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment:$899
Joplin, MO homes for sale
Joplin, MO apartments for rent

Eighth on our list of the fastest-growing cities in Missouri is Joplin, MO, which is best known for its music scene and has been called the “town that rocks” and the “live music capital of the four-state area.” It saw an increase of 3% to its current population of around 51,850. 

If you are looking for something to do in Joplin, MO, be sure to check out one of the many great parks such as Cunningham Park, Schifferdeck Park, and Parr Hill Park, and venues like Joplin Little Theatre and The Coda Concert House. Grab a quick bite at Mythos, Club 609, and Red Onion Cafe for a taste of what the city has to offer, and later on, visit Joplin History & Mineral Museum.

#9: St. Peters, MO

Median sale price: $298,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,970
St. Peters, MO homes for sale
St. Peters, MO apartments for rent

Known for its affordable housing and first-rate facilities and services, St. Peters, MO comes in ninth on our list. 58,150 people call this city home, which is a 1.66% increase. 

Curious about what to do while living in inSt. Peters? You can read a book at City Centre Park, Laurel Park, and Spencer Creek Park. If you love to try new restaurants, be sure to swing by Hobos At The Legion, Erio’s Ristorante, and Casa Mia Mexican Kitchen. If arts and entertainment are your things make sure you pay a visit to Diamond Music Hall and Heritage Museum.

#10: Springfield, MO

Median sale price: $110,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $805
Springfield, MO homes for sale
Springfield, MO apartments for rent

Rounding off our list of the fastest-growing cities in Missouri at number ten is Springfield, MO. Springfield is well known for its Ozark mountain scenery, its outdoor recreation opportunities, and its vibrant live music scene. The population of Springfield is about 169,750, which was a 1.56% increase. 

There are many things to do in Springfield, MO. From parks like Sequiota Park, Nathanael Greene Park, and Phelps Grove Park to museums like Springfield Art Museum, Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, and Route 66 Car Museum, you’ll never get tired of the city. If you’re feeling hungry, make sure to visit Civil Kitchen, Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes, and Bambinos Cafe on Delmar. Afterward, you can watch a show at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, The Landers Theatre, and The Outland.

Methodology: Population growth was calculated over a 5-year span (2017 vs. 2021). Only cities with a population of over 50,000 were used, as anything smaller is considered a town. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. 

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