15 Missouri Cities You Should Never Buy Property In

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Missouri is a state of two faces, the smothering Ozark hills and the bustling streets of St. Louis. However, when it comes to property buying, not all cities are best bet. Some areas simply don’t offer bang for your buck whether it’s a struggling economy, rising crime rates, or a lack of amenities. If you’re looking to plant roots or get into real estate, you’re going to want to look before you leap.

Here, we’ll pull back the curtain on 15 Missouri cities that may have you reconsider your decision before you sign on the dotted line.

Poplar Bluff

The devil’s in the details, but Poplar Bluff might just trick you into thinking you like its small town vibe. This has been a town that’s struggled with economic stagnation and many businesses have been shuttered. Add that to the aging infrastructure and the future doesn’t look so bright for this southeastern Missouri community. The only thing that is growing here, according to locals, is the number of potholes.

Florissant

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Florissant was once a promising suburb nestled near St. Louis. Years of dwindling job opportunities, rising crime have taken their toll. A 2023 FBI crime report shows that Florissant’s crime rate is 30 percent higher than the national average. Sure, you’ll find cheap homes — but the extra costs of security and stress may well outweigh the saving.

Moberly

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These days, Moberly sports the unfortunate nickname “Magic City” sarcastically. For years, the town’s economy has been shaky, with factory closures and job outsourcing responsible for much of it. Its downtown area is often referred to as a ghost town by residents who complain there is not enough entertainment. This isn’t vibrant living if you’re looking for it.

Sedalia

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Sedalia is known for its state fair, and might be fun for a weekend visit, but is a gamble for long term investment. The area has an unstable housing market and a high poverty rate. For families looking at a move, local schools often rank below the state averages and can be a deal breaker.

Kennett

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Kennett is not winning any awards for livability: even though it sits at the heart of Missouri’s Bootheel. It has a common issue with limited economic prospects, and many residents are packing up and leaving. Property value is never good when a population decreases, and as the World Population Review reports, Kennett’s population has decreased by 5 percent since the last census.

Branson

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While it may be a tourist hotspot, for property owners, it’s another story. The streets are choked with seasonal traffic and housing prices are driven up by demand for short term rentals. If you don’t plan to stock your souvenir shop, the property market in Branson can be a headache, not a haven.

Independence

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While Independence has a rich history, it’s present is not so great. There are too many crime and unemployment rates, and many of the neighborhoods are neglected. It’s not exactly upscale, and a fixer upper here is going to cost more than it’s worth.

Ferguson

All the wrong reasons had brought Ferguson national attention. The city has also struggled to revive economically beyond its social challenges. These challenges have hurt property values and businesses are slow to return. The local market is a gamble that often doesn’t pay off for many residents.

Caruthersville

Caruthersville is a tough sell — flood prone and economically fragile. It’s a Mississippi River town repeatedly pummeled by natural disasters that have scarred its infrastructure. Here, the job market is thinner than a pancake and the opportunities for growth are distant at best.

St. Joseph

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Its present is blighted by crime and a waning housing stock but St. Joseph nevertheless has a vibrant history. The only thing moving faster than the buyers here may be the people trying to get out. It might be cheap, but there is usually a reason for that.

Neosho

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Neosho might sound picturesque if you first glance at the southwestern corner of the state. Look a little closer, however, and you will see a town faced with poverty and poor public services. When the local economy feels stuck in neutral, it’s hard to justify a purchase.

Marshall

The strong agricultural background of Marshall hasn’t translated to modern growth. Attracting and retaining residents is difficult due to limited job opportunities, and the absence of amenities. You’ll save a few bucks on a home here, but don’t expect much return on your investment.

Cape Girardeau

Another river town where the numbers don’t match the beauty: Cape Girardeau. Given the stagnant housing market and flood risks, it’s a risky proposition. Riverboat tourism can be a hit-or miss affair, with the economy wobbling on shaky ground.

Joplin

The scars of the devastating 2011 tornado are still on Joplin. Some areas have rebuilt beautifully, but some are still neglected. Low property prices can be deceiving, but rebuilding infrastructure and community trust is a time and money intensive process.

Rolla

Rolla is great for students because of its engineering school, but not so much for property investors. Rental markets are unstable because the transient population, and without an industry, long term growth isn’t really an option. Buying a home here is the equivalent of buying a ticket to a concert after the main act has left.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.