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Overall Rating: 82/100 · 430,000 veterans (9.1% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against Missouri veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your Missouri Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
100% exempt from state income tax
1.1% average effective rate
POW-only exemption; else income-tested credit
Full exemption ONLY for former POWs at 100% P&T. Other disabled vets get only the income-tested MO Property Tax Credit (≤$1,100). A tiered exemption is NOT law (pending possible Nov-2026 ballot).
Source ↗No general sales tax exemptions for veterans; prescription medications and medical equipment exempt for all residents
$60,120
VA Medical Center
1500 North Westwood Boulevard, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
(573) 686-4151
Primary care, mental health, emergency department, surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, neurology, women's health, dental, PTSD treatment, substance abuse treatment
State Tuition Reimbursement
Served after 9/11/2001, honorable discharge, Missouri resident 12+ months, enrolled at participating institution, completed degree/certificate
Median Home
$230,000
1BR Rent
$800/mo
COL Index
88.3
Unemployment
3.8%
Major employers: Boeing Defense (15,000+), BJC HealthCare, Emerson Electric, General Motors Wentzville, Express Scripts, Mastercard, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Pros: Best VA medical access in Missouri (Jefferson Barracks - 356 beds), strong aerospace/defense job market, affordable housing, cultural amenities, free museums, MLB Cardinals, NHL Blues, Scott Air Force Base nearby
Cons: Higher crime in certain city neighborhoods, hot humid summers, some aging infrastructure, property taxes higher in some counties
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$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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Honorably discharged veterans, disabled veterans, and their surviving/eligible spouses receive preference in the selection process for Missouri state employment when equally qualified. Current and former Missouri National Guard members on the register of eligibles are guaranteed an interview.
Official source ↗Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability of 60% or greater, or who were prisoners of war, may hunt most wildlife (excluding bear, deer, elk, and turkey) without a permit while carrying a VA certified statement of eligibility.
Official source ↗Service members, veterans, and family members of active-duty service members are eligible for a $2 per night discount on camping fees year-round at Missouri State Parks.
Official source ↗Missouri-resident veterans honorably discharged from the Armed Forces may obtain Disabled Veteran license plates by submitting Form 4601 and a VA letter (no more than one year old) certifying a service-connected disability.
Official source ↗Honorably discharged veterans can add a 'VETERAN' designation to a Missouri driver license or ID card by providing discharge documents; there is no added cost beyond standard transaction and processing fees.
Official source ↗The Missouri Veterans Commission operates seven long-term skilled nursing homes in Cameron, Cape Girardeau, Mexico, Mount Vernon, St. James, St. Louis, and Warrensburg. Eligibility requires a discharge other than dishonorable, 180 consecutive days of Missouri residency prior to application, and a physician's documentation of the need for skilled nursing care.
Official source ↗Provides up to 25 education grants annually to spouses and children of Missouri veterans who died or became disabled from combat-related service on or after September 11, 2001, covering tuition up to the University of Missouri-Columbia resident rate plus a room-and-board allowance.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your Missouri Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.