Care Homes in Missouri

Missouri is an appealing retirement destination for its lower-than-average cost of living and central location in the U.S., making it a convenient starting point for travel. In fact, that geographical advantage is why Missouri earned the nickname “Gateway to the West,” as the early American expeditionists Lewis and Clark began and ended their journey in St. Louis. The Missouri and Mississippi rivers, which flow through and around large portions of the state, also helped cement Missouri as a key supply hub for western settlers. Today, Missouri attracts many visitors with the natural beauty of its Ozarks region, where hills, forests, and lakes distinguish the area from other middle U.S. states. Popular spots include Branson, Table Rock Lake, Mark Twain National Forest, and Lake of the Ozarks. The state is also home to major metropolitan areas like St. Louis and Kansas City, for those who prefer the amenities of city living.

The median monthly cost of a care home in Missouri is about $3,500. However, the cost of living in a care home depends largely on location. Since the homes are private residences, costs are tied to real estate value and therefore may vary greatly.

Top cities in Missouri

Ballwin Blue Springs Festus Kansas City Sedalia Verona

Missouri Care Home Regulations

Each state regulates senior living communities differently. Because care homes operate similarly to assisted living communities, states may regulate care homes within their guidelines for assisted living. You can use APFM’s guide to assisted living regulations to learn more about access to facility records in Missouri.

In Missouri, care homes — sometimes called residential care homes, board and care homes, group homes, or personal care homes — are often houses in residential neighborhoods that are adapted, equipped, and staffed to care for a small number of residents, usually 10 or less. Similar to assisted living but in a smaller, more residential setting, these homes provide supervision, organized events, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). This means care homes can help with everyday routines but typically do not provide 24-hour skilled nursing assistance.

Cost of Living

Overall, the cost of living in Missouri is considered to be more affordable than the national average. All index scores are based on a scale with the national average set at 100.

Price Indexes

Cost of Living: 89
Groceries: 97
Housing: 71
Utilities: 100
Transportation: 87

Demographics

About 17% of Missouri’s population are seniors. In the 2016 presidential election, Missouri leaned conservative. However, many of its counties with larger cities, like St. Louis and Kansas City, tend to be more progressive.

2016 Presidential Election

38% voted Democratic
57% voted Republican
5% voted third party

Population

Median age: 39
Over the age of 55: 30%
2018 population: 6,126,452
2020 population: 6,162,288
Estimated 2025 population: 6,252,799

Miscellaneous

37% regularly attend a religious service
30% consider themselves atheist, agnostic, or a non-believer
The state has a total of 9,001 congregations
There are 414 Masonic lodges in the state

Climate and Weather

Most of Missouri has a humid subtropical climate, with the far northern region’s climate classified as hot-summer humid continental. Overall, Missouri has four distinct seasons, including hot summers and snowy winters, and its proximity to the country’s Great Plains region means temperatures are sometimes extreme. While it’s not quite part of Tornado Alley, Missouri still experiences extreme weather, particularly during spring and early summer months.