Missouri vs. Memphis: Geographic Relationship

Missouri (MO) is northwest of Memphis, Tennessee — not west.

Relative Positions

• Memphis: 35.1°N, 90.1°W (SW Tennessee, on Mississippi River)
• Missouri bootheel: Extends south to 36°N — directly north of Memphis
• St. Louis, MO: 280 mi NNW of Memphis
• Cape Girardeau, MO: 130 mi N of Memphis (closest MO city)

Directional Precision

• Due west: Arkansas (West Memphis, AR — literally across river)
• Northwest: Missouri
• North: Missouri bootheel / Kentucky
• East: Mississippi River → Arkansas/Mississippi
• South: Mississippi, Tennessee (rural)

Metro Context

Memphis MSA includes: Shelby Co. (TN), DeSoto/Tate/Tunica (MS), Crittenden (AR). Missouri not in MSA but close economic ties (transport, logistics).