Strategic Relocation Briefing: Steer Clear of These Major Nuclear Targets
Joel Skousen
August 15th, 2014
SHTFPlan.com
Missouri is one of three Midwestern states that have access to the rugged hill country commonly known as the Ozarks—one of the nation’s best known retreat areas. However, there are many other parcels of rural farmland in Missouri which qualify for good retreat sites because of Missouri’s mix of hilly forested terrain and cultivated farmland offering relatively low population densities, deep fertile soil and topographical privacy. The land has good productivity with a growing season of 150 to 210 days, with average rainfall of about 38 inches per year. There is deep soil everywhere except in the Ozarks region, providing good basement potential in most areas of the state.
The Midwestern climate, however, is not for everyone. Missouri has a humid continental climate 3/4ths of the year (hot and muggy) and the winters are cold and breezy. The state also gets its share of tornados each year (27 on average), but that has the side benefit of giving preppers an excuse to build a safe room and call it a tornado shelter on the plans as contractors and inspectors don’t blink an eye over that.
The region has a very low population density in many of the outlying rural counties. The cost of living (ranking the 5th least expensive state) is low in Missouri and even lower in the countryside as compared to the two major metro areas. As for taxes, Missouri ranks about average—32 out of 50 in high taxes, with an effective rate is 9.2% of income paid to the state. There is income tax, and property taxes are average ranking 23rd in nation. The sales tax of 4.3% is well below average.
Permits are required for all construction, though there is some variance at the local level. Missouri does have comprehensive planning and zoning laws, and all cities, towns, and villages are authorized to plan and adopt zoning regulations, which must be in accordance with a comprehensive plan. However, the statute does not require that smaller jurisdictions adopt a comprehensive plan, and many of the small towns have not.
Overall, the land in Missouri is better than its leaders. Missouri is getting more bureaucratic and intrusive with its regulations (as are other states). The good ol’ boys network is powerful in this state, so if you choose to retreat here you need to keep a low profile—especially in light of this state’s many connections to the dark side of government. It is not as concentrated as in Washington DC and Denver, but federal connections and influence with state and local law enforcement allow the ones that are corrupt or bullish to act with some impunity.
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