Happy Birthday, Missouri!
Missouri, the “Show-Me State,” was the 24th state admitted into the United States on August 10, 1821. In 2018, the state’s population was estimated at 6,126,452, which is the 18th most populated state in America. Missouri borders eight states, which is the highest number, besides Tennessee which also borders eight states. The state capital, Jefferson City, is not the state’s most populous city and has only 42,895 people as of 2019. The largest urban areas are St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and Columbia.
Missouri has consistently received an “C” grade from Truth in Accounting for its financial condition according to their Financial State of the States. Earning a “C” means that the state has a consistently low Taxpayer Burden of $0-$4,900. In 2017, the state’s burden was $4,100. It has received “C”s for its financial state every year since 2009.
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In 2017, Missouri ranked 20th best of the 50 states for its financial condition.
Missouri’s employment rate is one of the highest in the country at 61.7 percent. However, the average weekly earnings amount is $833.40, which is well under the 50 state average of $902.30. According to State Data Lab, the weekly earnings averages represent the average amount of weekly total compensation earned by all workers in the private sector in a state/city, before taxes and other deductions are considered. This measure also includes any overtime pay, commissions, or tips received during the job. The state with the highest weekly earnings average is Washington earning $1,139.35.
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One of the most populous cities in Missouri, Kansas City, has been consistently growing due to its recent booming arts and social culture. Kansas City’s population has increased by more than 30,000 people just in the last eight years. According to flatlandkc.org, the downtown housing demand [in Kansas City] has, in turn, fueled greater interest from companies — particularly those in high-tech or creative fields — looking to locate where their workforce wants to live.
You can learn more interesting facts about Missouri and the rest of the 50 states by making your own charts using State Data Lab. Happy 198th birthday, Missouri!
Georgia Evans is a social media and analytics intern for Truth in Accounting, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Chicago that researches government financial data.
