Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Missouri
What Outdoor Enthusiasts Should Know About Missouri
Missouri ranks #42 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: 92) means more budget for gear, trips, and experiences. Safety (41/100) is worth researching at the local level, and the overall health infrastructure (31/100) 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 | Outdoor Access | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chesterfield | A+ | 48.9 | 66.8 | 15 | 25 | 94 | 49,591 |
| 2 | O'Fallon | A | 46.6 | 63.1 | 15 | 25 | 96 | 94,073 |
| 3 | Lee's Summit | A | 45.4 | 61.5 | 15 | 25 | 81 | 104,352 |
| 4 | St. Peters | B+ | 45.4 | 58.9 | 15 | 25 | 82 | 58,200 |
| 5 | Wentzville | A | 44.8 | 61.8 | 15 | 25 | 86 | 45,734 |
| 6 | St. Charles | B+ | 44.4 | 57.9 | 15 | 25 | 87 | 71,802 |
| 7 | St. Louis | C+ | 42.4 | 50.5 | 15 | 25 | 90 | 281,754 |
| 8 | Blue Springs | B | 42.3 | 56.2 | 15 | 25 | 78 | 59,416 |
| 9 | Columbia | B | 41.9 | 53.0 | 15 | 25 | 64 | 129,328 |
| 10 | University City | B | 41.6 | 54.0 | 15 | 25 | 73 | 34,655 |
| 11 | Jefferson City | C+ | 41.4 | 52.2 | 15 | 25 | 71 | 42,565 |
| 12 | Independence | C+ | 41.1 | 50.5 | 15 | 25 | 81 | 120,931 |
| 13 | Florissant | C+ | 40.3 | 50.9 | 15 | 25 | 73 | 51,915 |
| 14 | Wildwood | A | 39.9 | 60.8 | 15 | 25 | 41 | 35,168 |
| 15 | Oakville | C+ | 38.1 | 51.1 | 15 | 25 | 41 | 35,166 |
| 16 | Cape Girardeau | C | 37.4 | 45.6 | 15 | 25 | 48 | 40,047 |
| 17 | Kansas City | C | 35.8 | 48.2 | 15 | 25 | 41 | 510,671 |
| 18 | Joplin | D | 35.2 | 42.9 | 15 | 25 | 38 | 52,218 |
| 19 | St. Joseph | D | 33.3 | 42.4 | 15 | 25 | 31 | 70,702 |
| 20 | Springfield | D | 31.5 | 42.0 | 15 | 25 | 13 | 170,178 |