Regions
Missouri’s five major land regions are the Dissected Till Plain, Ozark Plateau, Western Plain, Coastal Plain, and Till Plain.
Agriculture
Agriculture continues to be an important industry, generating $88 billion in revenue for the Show-Me State. There are approximately 95,000 farms in the state, covering 27.8 million acres. The average size farm comprises 291 acres. Agriculture makes a significant contribution to all 114 counties.
Missouri’s most valuable crops are soybeans and corn. The state also grows substantial quantities of hay, rice, and cotton. Most of the cropland is found in the Ozark Plateau region, located in the southern half of the state.
Wildlife
Missouri wildlife is abundant within the state on both land and water. Its primary wildlife includes black bear, white-tailed deer, elk, bison, and wild boar. Diverse fishing opportunities include black crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and paddlefish.
Missouri is committed to conserving, restoring, and regulating its land, wildlife population, and fisheries.
Major Rivers and Lakes
Missouri’s three longest rivers are the Missouri River, Mississippi River, and White River. Their main tributaries include the Cheyenne River, Kansas River, Niobrara River, Osage River, Platte River, and Yellowstone River.
Lake Oahe, the largest lake in Missouri, has a surface area of approximately 369,920 acres (578 square miles). Other significant lakes include Bull Shoals Lake and Table Rock Lake Reservoir, which exceed 88,250 surface area acres.
State and National Parks
Missouri has 92 state parks and 6 national parks.
National Parks:
- Harry S. Truman National Historic Site
- Gateway Arch National Park
- George Washington Carver National Monument
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways
- Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
- Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
| State Summary | |
| Nickname | The Show-Me State |
| Neighboring States | Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska |
| Regions | Dissected Till Plain, Ozark Plateau, Western Plain, Coastal Plain, and Till Plain |
| State Flower | Hawthorn Blossom |
| State Bird | Eastern Bluebird |
| Big Game | Bear, deer, and elk |
| Small Game | Dove, quail, teal, and waterfowl |
| Freshwater Fish | Black crappie, catfish, largemouth bass, and paddlefish |
| Saltwater Fish | N/A |
| Hunting Information | https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping |
| Total Acreage | 44.2 million |
| Total Public Land Acreage | 11.2% |
| Average Annual Rainfall | 41 inches |
| Farmland by Acreage | 27.8 million |
| Woodlands by Acreage | 14 million |
| Coastline | N/A |
| Conservation Program | https://mdc.mo.gov/ |
| Primary Crops | Corn and Soybeans |
| Main Rivers | Missouri River, Mississippi River, and White River |
| Largest Lake | Oahe Lake |
| Other Lakes | Bull Shoals Lake and Table Rock lake |
| Other Tributaries | Cheyenne River, Kansas River, Niobrara River, Osage River, Platte River, and Yellowstone River |
Our Rural Real Estate Offices
Mossy Oak Properties Missouri began with the goal of becoming a trusted resource for folks looking to buy or sell rural land for sale in Missouri. Our land brokers and agents understand what people are looking for in rural property because we share the same lifestyle and love for the land as you do. We understand the importance of honor and integrity and that buying or selling land is an emotional and life-changing experience for consumers.
Only Mossy Oak Properties Missouri can provide the powerful combination of brand strength, local expertise, quality service, and national exposure. Whether you want to buy or sell rural real estate, a Mossy Oak Properties land specialist is a must-have on your team.
Find a Missouri land real estate agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Missouri one of the most popular states for land buyers?
Missouri sits right where great farm land meets some of the best deer hunting in the country. The northern counties have deep and rich soils that grow fantastic corn and soybeans for less money than similar land in Iowa and Illinois. Down in the Ozark region, the rolling wooded hills offer incredible deer and turkey hunting, plus great smallmouth bass fishing. According to the 2026 Missouri Department of Conservation rules, Missouri lets out-of-state hunters buy deer tags right over the counter without a strict lottery cap. The state also has affordable living costs, no inheritance tax and very friendly business rules. Because you get great hunting and farming at a lower price than in nearby states, buyers flock here from all over the country.
What are typical land prices in Missouri by region?
Based on the 2026 Missouri Farmland Values Opinion Survey published by the University of Missouri Extension, land prices are much cheaper here than in Iowa or Illinois. The survey shows that good crop land up north runs about 4000 to 7000 dollars per acre. Down in the Ozarks, timber and hunting land usually runs around 1000 to 2500 dollars per acre. The absolute best farm and hunting land sits in the northeast along the Mississippi River, where buyers pay top dollar up to 8000 dollars per acre to hunt big deer. Central Missouri river bottom land sells for 3000 to 6000 dollars per acre. Overall, Missouri land consistently costs 20 to 40 percent less than similar land in neighboring states.
What should buyers know about Missouri non-resident hunting access?
According to the 2026 hunting regulations from the Missouri Department of Conservation, the state does not use the strict yearly limits or long waiting periods that Iowa forces on out-of-state hunters. If you do not live in Missouri, you can still buy your deer hunting tags right over the counter every single season. This makes the state incredibly attractive to buyers who want to purchase a farm and hunt it right away instead of waiting years to win a lottery draw. While this easy access means the woods see more hunters, if you buy land with thick woods and keep it private, you will consistently see huge mature deer. Buying land here gives you access to Midwest trophy deer without the Iowa headaches.
