Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Missouri
Missouri ranks #41 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 29.3. Chesterfield is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 68.1.
- Missouri, all states
- #41 of 50
- Population
- 49,574
What Outdoor Enthusiasts Should Know About Missouri
Missouri ranks #41 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, which may surprise given its reputation. The outdoor access score of 15/100 indicates limited public outdoor infrastructure compared to western and northeastern states. 5.4% public land offers some options, though dedicated outdoor enthusiasts may find themselves driving to reach prime terrain.
Environmental quality matters when you spend significant time outdoors. Missouri's environment score of 25/100 is a concern for outdoor athletes and those with respiratory sensitivity — air quality (AQI: 42) and environmental protections lag behind top-ranked states. Moderate natural disaster risk means seasonal awareness is important — check local conditions before heading out.
The practical side: affordable living (index: 90.8) means more budget for gear, trips, and experiences. Safety (58/100) is worth researching at the local level, and the overall health infrastructure (44/100) is adequate, though access to specialized sports medicine may be limited outside metros.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts score | Overall | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Chesterfield | A+ | 68.1 | 70.5 | 50 | 93 | 49,574 |
| 2Lee's Summit | A | 65.9 | 65.0 | 62 | 86 | 103,656 |
| 3O'Fallon | A | 64.1 | 67.0 | 45 | 97 | 93,801 |
| 4Columbia | B | 63.6 | 57.8 | 67 | 70 | 128,548 |
| 5University City | A | 63.5 | 63.2 | 50 | 75 | 34,685 |
| 6Wentzville | A | 63.0 | 66.0 | 45 | 93 | 47,061 |
| 7Blue Springs | B+ | 62.9 | 61.0 | 62 | 80 | 59,965 |
| 8St. Peters | A | 62.3 | 63.9 | 45 | 90 | 59,092 |
| 9St. Charles | A | 61.8 | 63.0 | 45 | 89 | 71,508 |
| 10Florissant | B | 59.9 | 57.2 | 50 | 82 | 51,773 |
| 11Jefferson City | B | 59.9 | 56.4 | 54 | 72 | 42,488 |
| 12Wildwood | A+ | 59.6 | 67.6 | 50 | — | 35,133 |
| 13Oakville | B+ | 58.1 | 61.4 | 50 | — | 35,333 |
| 14St. Joseph | D | 54.6 | 47.8 | 67 | 49 | 71,236 |
| 15Independence | C | 54.4 | 50.8 | 62 | 50 | 121,740 |
| 16Joplin | D | 53.0 | 47.5 | 58 | 45 | 52,593 |
| 17Cape Girardeau | C | 49.4 | 49.4 | 18 | 65 | 40,344 |
| 18Springfield | D | 48.7 | 46.4 | 67 | 16 | 169,954 |
| 19Kansas City | C | 48.4 | 50.3 | 62 | 15 | 510,612 |
| 20St. Louis | D | 40.0 | 45.0 | 27 | 7 | 288,512 |
City outdoor enthusiasts scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Outdoor Enthusiasts Rankings
Also See: Missouri for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missouri a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
Missouri ranks #41 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 29.3/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (80/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (15/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in Missouri?
Chesterfield ranks #1 in Missouri for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 68.1/100, followed by Lee's Summit and O'Fallon.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in Missouri?
Rankings weighted toward outdoor access (parks, public land, recreation), environmental quality, safety, health infrastructure, and affordable housing — for those who prioritize access to nature and an active lifestyle.