Why one study is calling Missouri one of the worst states to live in 2026
Missouri is listed as one of the worst states in the country to live in, according to a 2026 study.
CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business study released in June, analyzing each state based on 10 categories ranging from education and economy to infrastructure and quality of life.
The national business news website used its quality of life data to rank the best and worst states to live in 2026. The study considered these factors and more when putting together its rankings:
- Per capita crime rates
- Environmental quality
- Healthcare
- Childcare affordability
- Worker protections
- Inclusiveness of state laws
- Reproductive rights
Using these factors and data collected from the likes of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of the Treasury and other sources, CNBC found that Missouri is one of the bottom 10 worst states to live in 2026, coming in at No. 44.
Missouri received a D- rating in the quality of life category with a score of 98/290 points. It’s a five-spot drop from 2025, where the state ranked 39th, just outside the bottom 10. Missouri placed 38th overall in CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business study.
CNBC cited that Missouri is among one of the most violent states in the country with 462 violent offenses per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to FBI crime statistics. The state also ranked in the top 10 for firearm deaths in 2025, CNBC said.
A bill signed by Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe in June was aimed at lowering these statistics. CNBC says the bill includes “tougher sentences, a greater ability to charge juveniles as adults and several new offenses involving cyberstalking and the use of drones.”
For comparison, Kansas didn’t rank in the bottom 10 states, but it wasn’t too far off. The Sunflower State received a D+ quality of life rating with a score of 122/290 points. Kansas placed 37th in CNBC’s overall study.
Some of Missouri’s strengths include its ratings in air quality and worker protections, while other weaknesses include its ratings in health and inclusiveness.
Here are the states that ranked worse than Missouri on CNBC’s list:
- Utah
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Indiana
- Texas
- Tennessee
This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 3:18 PM.
