Guide to Independent Living in Missouri

Approximately 17.3% of Missouri’s 6.1 million residents are aged 65 and older, which is above the national median of 16.5%. The state has an average cost of living index that’s about 14 points below the national average of 100, suggesting the typical Missourian gets more for their money than most Americans. Missouri taxes Social Security but it doesn’t kick in until the senior earns $85,000 annually, and there are also reasonably generous private and public pension exemptions. 

Missourians who choose independent living are relatively capable seniors who like residing in communities that have been designed with the needs of older residents in mind. Some live in apartments, others in duplexes or single-family homes that have been purpose-built or adapted for seniors, including features such as ramps, grab rails and smaller rooms that make cleaning easier. Neighbors often meet in their community’s clubhouse, which typically has at least one restaurant and multiple rooms for games, leisure programs and fitness classes. Some communities also have spas.

This guide looks at the costs of independent living in Missouri and some surrounding states. It also considers the costs of other types of care and lists some senior-friendly resources.

How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Missouri?

Note:There currently isn’t authoritative data on the average cost of Independent Living Facilities nationwide, so instead, we use the cost of Assisted Living to estimate it. Since the cost of Independent Living is typically 30-40% lower than the cost of Assisted Living, the numbers below were calculated by subtracting 35% from the cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.

Missouri’s average fee for independent living is $1,950, which is almost $1,000 below the national average and the most affordable in the Midwest. In Arkansas, the typical senior should expect to pay another $490 per month, while in Iowa, they would need an additional $399 on top of that. Costs rise further still in Illinois, where the average is $2,917, and Kansas, where $2,977 is the norm.

The Cost of Independent Living in Missouri’s Top Cities

The most affordable fees for independent living in Missouri are in Jefferson City, where $1,349 is the average. Costs in Joplin and Columbia are also below the state median, at $1,823 and $1,820, respectively. Among the more costly cities are Springfield, at $2,113, St. Louis, at $2,665, and Kansas City, at $2,980 — which is also the most expensive in the state.

The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care

Seniors who need more care than an independent living facility can offer may wish to consider assisted living. For an additional $1,050 per month, these communities provide similar homelike and community experiences but also include personal care services. Those who need 24/7 care from skilled nurses may need to give thought to a nursing home facility, which will usually charge around $5,262 for a semiprivate room — the most affordable option available. Seniors who prefer to be cared for at home will need to consider their existing home costs and the additional care fees, which average $4,767 for homemaker and home health aide services, despite the latter also providing basic medical care. The most affordable option is adult day health care, which typically charges fees of $1,950 for support that usually involves wider staff-to-senior ratios and will require daily transportation to and from the center.

Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Missouri?

The short answer is no, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in an independent living community. That being said, those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), may be able to take advantage of financial assistance programs in Missouri to partially or fully cover the cost of care in Assisted Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need help with ADLs, read our guide to Assisted Living in Missouri.

For more information about other ways to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc, read the section below.

How to Make Independent Living More Affordable in Missouri

All state and most private health care insurances don’t pay for independent living, so considering alternatives is prudent. They include:

• Long-Term Care Insurance: This can cover costs up to the policy’s value. Seniors should carefully consider the coverage provided and the affordability of premiums.
• Reverse Mortgages: This is a home equity loan paid either by a lump sum or installments that may cover independent living fees. The balance is only paid when the home is sold.
• Life Insurance: Various products can pay some or all independent living costs, such as Accelerated Death Benefits and combinations of life and long-term care insurance.
• Annuities: In return for a lump sum or regular payments, an insurance company sends the senior an annuity over a pre-established period of time.

Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Missouri

There are many resources in Missouri that help seniors cope with some of the challenges that come with aging. This list includes organizations that can advise on tax and legal matters, support veterans struggling to get benefits and arrange free transportation for those unable to access other means of travel. 

COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Missouri Independent Living Communities

The following rules and guidelines were obtained from dph.illinois.gov/covid19, as well as other state-level government sites. Among others, these rules apply to independent living communities and assisted living facilities.

This data has been most recently updated on 2/7/2022, but keep in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, so all of the below information can change at any time. For additional questions and up-to-date information, you can contact your loved one’s senior living facility or your local Area Agency on Aging.

Visiting Loved Ones

*NOTE: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.

Outings and Group Activities

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Safety Measures for Residents