The Plains

Experience the heartland's wide-open spaces and community spirit. The Plains region offers a grounded lifestyle with a blend of urban and rural charms.

The Plains region, stretching across the heartland of America, is a testament to the country’s agricultural heritage and resilient spirit. Life moves at a different pace in the plains, where wide-open spaces under vast skies offer a sense of freedom and connection to the land.

Cities like Kansas City, Omaha, and Minneapolis are cultural and economic hubs, providing a contrast to the region’s sprawling farmlands and prairies. The Plains are home to a close-knit community vibe, where neighbors come together, embodying the true meaning of hospitality.

With its distinct seasons, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities year-round, from summer festivals to winter sports. For those seeking a grounded lifestyle close to the roots of American culture, the Plains region is a nurturing place to call home.

Total Population

21689816

Households

8,507,758

Land Area sqmi

507609

Explore Plains States

Learn more about living in each unique Plains state

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Find Your Place in The Plains

The top cities, towns, and metros in categories movers care about

South Dakota

Eden

Missouri

Ladue

Missouri

Westwood village

Missouri

Country Life Acres village

South Dakota

Glendale Colony

Kansas

Mission Hills

Median Household Income

66,771

US Average $74,580

Cost of Living Score

92.4

How does the Southwest compare?

The Best Places For Your Lifestyle

The best cities and towns for families, retirees, and singles

Min Hourly Wage

8.88

Living Wage

16.20

Moving advice

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Compare The Cost of Living in The Plains

What’s the true cost to live in a Plains states
#3

Kansas

Cost of Living Index 87.5

Minimum Hourly Wage $7.25

Living Wage $16.38

#6

Missouri

Cost of Living Index 89.1

Minimum Hourly Wage $11.15

Living Wage $16.29

#7

Iowa

Cost of Living Index 89.2

Minimum Hourly Wage $7.25

Living Wage $16.18

#12

Nebraska

Cost of Living Index 91.9

Minimum Hourly Wage $9

Living Wage $16.6

#21

South Dakota

Cost of Living Index 94.5

Minimum Hourly Wage $9.95

Living Wage $14.85

#25

North Dakota

Cost of Living Index 97.1

Minimum Hourly Wage $7.25

Living Wage $15.37

#26

Minnesota

Cost of Living Index 97.5

Minimum Hourly Wage $10.33

Living Wage $17.74

Top Rated Schools

Find where students are excelling in The Plains

A+

A+

A+

A+

A+

A+

A+

A+

C-

A

C-

B

A-

B+

B-

B-

School Districts

Find the best school districts in the Plains states

Omaha Public School District

Schools

111

Students

51,626

Teacher Ratio

14.98

St. Paul Public School District

Schools

103

Students

33,475

Teacher Ratio

13.6

Minneapolis Public School District

Schools

97

Students

30,115

Teacher Ratio

14.32

Wichita School District

Schools

88

Students

46,657

Teacher Ratio

10.19

Lincoln Public School District

Schools

74

Students

41,747

Teacher Ratio

13.47

St. Louis City School District

Schools

67

Students

18,747

Teacher Ratio

12.44

Des Moines Independent Comm School District

Schools

59

Students

31,323

Teacher Ratio

14.66

Springfield R-Xii School District

Schools

55

Students

22,644

Teacher Ratio

12

Anoka-Hennepin Public . School District

Schools

52

Students

38,230

Teacher Ratio

15.22

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