According to the U.S. Census, the population center of the United States is located in central Missouri. This fact, combined with Missouri's geographical location and demographic diversity make it an interesting place to study in relation to the economy and the real estate market. Prices for land for sale in Missouri can tell us a lot about the economic climate around the world, real estate prices and interest rates to volume based statistics that can tell us a lot about how an average cross-section of the population is choosing to spend its money.



As a very diverse state in many ways - those in the northern part of the state are generally considered Midwesterners, while those in the southern part are "southerners" - Missouri provides a virtual rainbow of real estate statistics. The large cities of St. Louis and Kansas City vary greatly from the more rural areas across the state, while the southeastern Ozarks provide a completely unique experience from the North Western Mississippi River plains. Those looking for land for sale in Missouri have a huge selection of people, landscapes, and demographics by which to base their decisions.

In 2005, for instance, Lees Summit, Missouri was named in by CNN as one of the top 100 places to live. At that time, the average home price in Lees Summit was just under $180,000. However, since the second fiscal quarter of 2007, home sales in Lees Summit have plummeted and the average price has fallen dramatically to barely exceed $140,000. It is worth noting as well, that home prices stayed had been very steady for two years prior to the drop off in 2007. This is the sort of information that can help market watchers determine the "cause and effect" issues with the economy and the real estate crunch.

Lees Summit is only one example of the measure stick that Missouri land for sale can provide for the current - and future - state of our economy and real estate market. As economic advisors and watch groups continue to look towards our economic future, it would be wise for them to look at Missouri - a central state with a diverse economy and divers demographics - to help them see the present and future of our real estate market as a whole. We all hope that we are on the tail end of this recession - that our markets will soon rebound, and that real estate will soon thrive again. But, until then we need to do research, and work hard toward finding a solution.