Where Is Missouri Located in the United States?

Missouri sits squarely in the Midwestern United States, a transitional zone where eastern woodlands meet western plains, and northern industry meets southern culture.

Bordering States (8 Total)

• North: Iowa (Des Moines River forms part of boundary)
• East: Illinois (Mississippi River), Kentucky (Mississippi River)
• South: Arkansas
• West: Oklahoma, Kansas
• Northwest: Nebraska (Missouri River)

Only Tennessee and Missouri each border eight states—more than any other.

Key Geographic Features

• Rivers: Mississippi (eastern border), Missouri (crosses state west-to-east), Osage, Gasconade, Current, White.
• Regions: Northern Plains, Ozark Plateau (south), Bootheel (southeast lowlands), Mississippi Alluvial Plain.
• Major Cities: Kansas City (west), St. Louis (east), Springfield (southwest), Columbia (central), Jefferson City (capital, central).

Strategic Position

Missouri's centrality made it a historic gateway: Gateway Arch (St. Louis) symbolizes westward expansion. Major rail/hub (Kansas City), interstate crossroads (I-70, I-44, I-55, I-35, I-29), and agricultural powerhouse (soy, corn, cattle, hogs).

Time Zone: Central (CT) statewide. No DST exceptions.