West Plains, MO, United States

Capital City

Living in West Plains, MO means facing a heavy tax burden and persistent bureaucratic headaches. The city's population of 12,184 is spread across 13.33 square miles, with a median household income of just $37,154. West Plains was largely burned to the ground during the Civil War, and over 90% of the population fled, leaving a legacy of turbulence. The climate is humid and subtropical, with over 44 days per year topping 90°F. While the downtown area has been revitalized, the city's troubled history and harsh weather make it a poor fit for those seeking an easy, carefree life abroad.