Missouri County Map

Missouri is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is bordered by eight states including Iowa to the north, Illinois to the east, Tennessee to the south, Arkansas to the south and west, Oklahoma to the west, Kansas to the west, and Nebraska to the northwest. The state of Missouri is comprised of 114 counties, each with its own unique geography, history, and economy. In this essay, we will focus on the top 20 counties in Missouri, as determined by population, and provide detailed information about each county, including its location, history, economy, and notable features.

1. St. Louis County St. Louis County is located in the eastern part of Missouri and is the largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 1 million people, St. Louis County is a hub for commerce, industry, and cultural activities. The county is home to several major corporations and a thriving business community, as well as several museums, cultural attractions, and parks.
2. Jackson County Jackson County is located in western Missouri and is the second largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 700,000 people, Jackson County is a major center for commerce and industry, with a strong and diverse economy that includes healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. The county is also home to several notable attractions, including the Kansas City Zoo, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Country Club Plaza shopping district.
3. St. Charles County St. Charles County is located in eastern Missouri and is the third largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 400,000 people, St. Charles County is known for its high quality of life, strong schools, and growing economy. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Katy Trail State Park, the Missouri River, and the St. Charles Historic District.
4. Greene County Greene County is located in southwestern Missouri and is the fourth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 300,000 people, Greene County is known for its natural beauty, strong economy, and diverse cultural attractions. The county is home to several notable attractions, including Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, the Springfield Art Museum, and the Springfield Botanical Gardens.
5. Jefferson County Jefferson County is located in eastern Missouri and is the fifth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 220,000 people, Jefferson County is known for its strong schools, quality of life, and thriving economy. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, the Jefferson County Park, and the Arnold Historic District.
6. Clay County Clay County is located in northwestern Missouri and is the sixth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 220,000 people, Clay County is known for its strong economy, high quality of life, and excellent schools. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Liberty Memorial, the National World War I Museum, and the Missouri Town 1855 living history museum.
7. Boone County Boone County is located in central Missouri and is the seventh largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 180,000 people, Boone County is known for its strong economy, excellent schools, and vibrant cultural scene. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Columbia Art League, the Columbia Farmers Market, and the MKT Trail.
8. Franklin County Franklin County is located in eastern Missouri and is the eighth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 100,000 people, Franklin County is known for its strong economy, quality of life, and vibrant cultural scene. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Meramec Caverns, the St. Clair Square shopping mall, and the Peine Ridge Conservation Area.

9. Lancaster County Lancaster County is located in northwestern Missouri and is the ninth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 40,000 people, Lancaster County is known for its strong agricultural industry and quality of life. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, the Mark Twain Lake State Park, and the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse.
10. Platte County Platte County is located in northwestern Missouri and is the tenth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 85,000 people, Platte County is known for its strong economy and quality of life. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Zona Rosa shopping district, the KCI Expo Center, and the Paradise Pointe Golf Complex.
11. Cass County Cass County is located in western Missouri and is the eleventh largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 75,000 people, Cass County is known for its strong economy and quality of life. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Belton Farmer’s Market, the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center, and the Cassandra Smith Memorial Wildlife Preserve.
12. Christian County Christian County is located in southwestern Missouri and is the twelfth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 75,000 people, Christian County is known for its strong economy and quality of life. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the Fantastic Caverns, and the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association.
13. Lafayette County Lafayette County is located in western Missouri and is the thirteenth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 35,000 people, Lafayette County is known for its strong economy and quality of life. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Jesse James Bank Museum, the Ha Ha Tonka State Park, and the Katy Trail State Park.
14. St. Francois County St. Francois County is located in southeastern Missouri and is the fourteenth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 65,000 people, St. Francois County is known for its strong economy and quality of life. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the St. Joe State Park, the Lead Belt Fairgrounds, and the Lead Belt Golf Course.
15. Cole County Cole County is located in central Missouri and is the fifteenth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 75,000 people, Cole County is known for its strong economy and quality of life. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Jefferson City Farmers Market, the Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds, and the Katy Trail State Park.
16. Jasper County Jasper County is located in southwestern Missouri and is the sixteenth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 50,000 people, Jasper County is known for its strong economy and quality of life. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Tri-Lakes YMCA, the Kansas City Southern Railroad Museum, and the Lakeside Park and Marina.
17. Buchanan County Buchanan County is located in northwestern Missouri and is the seventeenth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 80,000 people, Buchanan County is known for its strong economy and quality of life. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Missouri Riverfront Trail, the St. Joseph Art District, and the Jesse James Home Museum.

18. Johnson County Johnson County is located in western Missouri and is the eighteenth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 150,000 people, Johnson County is known for its strong economy and quality of life. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Mid-Continent Public Library, the Battle of Westport Museum, and the Shoal Creek Living History Museum.
19. Jackson County Jackson County is located in western Missouri and is the nineteenth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 700,000 people, Jackson County is known for its strong economy and quality of life. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Kauffman Stadium, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the American Jazz Museum.
20. Greene County Greene County is located in southwestern Missouri and is the twentieth largest county in the state by population. With an estimated population of over 300,000 people, Greene County is known for its strong economy and quality of life. The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, and the Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park.

In conclusion, the Missouri County Map showcases the diversity and richness of the state, from its bustling cities to its charming rural communities. The top 20 counties in Missouri offer a variety of attractions and opportunities for residents and visitors alike, and are a testament to the state’s strong economy and quality of life. Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors, experience the arts, or simply enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, there’s something for everyone in Missouri.