Columbia
RANK #771 / 996 NAT · #20 / 22 MO · POP 184,043
1YR FORECAST: +1.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +17%
Boone County, Missouri, is perhaps best known as home to the University of Missouri in Columbia, the state's flagship university and the first public university west of the Mississippi River. Located in central Missouri, the county is situated halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City, with Interstate 70 providing a direct route for commuters. The community offers a blend of urban amenities in Columbia and smaller town charm in places like Ashland and Rocheport. Outdoor recreation is accessible with areas like Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and the Katy Trail, which spans the state, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying natural scenery.
Life in Boone County appeals to a diverse population, including families, young professionals, and retirees, drawn by its educational institutions and healthcare options. Public schools in the county are generally above average, with districts like Columbia and Southern Boone County R-I noted for their performance. The economy is diverse, with education and healthcare serving as major employment sectors, anchored by the University of Missouri and large healthcare providers. Recent economic activity also includes investments in manufacturing and technology, contributing to the county's economic landscape.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
MU Combined Heat and Power Plant
Curators of the University of Missouri
|
$82M | Operating |
|
Columbia (MO) Natural Gas Power Plant
City of Columbia - (MO)
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Amazon Warehouse WMO3
Amazon
|
$50M | Operating |
|
New Residential Construction (Multiple Developments)
Various Home Builders
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 22/100, Boone County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $66,564 combined with job growth of +0.2% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Boone County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $237,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.28, with rents averaging $994/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Boone County's population is growing — up +1.0% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.2%). Home values shifted +2.4% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.55% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Boone County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.