How Does Missouri Compare?

map How Missouri Compares to the Nation and its Neighboring States

Missouri ranks 48th nationally in revenue per mile, primarily because the state’s large system – the nation’s seventh largest with 33,811 miles of highways – is funded with one of the lowest fuel taxes in the country. This ranking will be updated in subsequent years to reflect the increase in motor fuel tax. Missouri also ranks sixth nationally in the number of bridges with 10,392. This does not include the city and county system of roads and bridges, which includes an additional 98,000 miles of county roads and city streets, and just over 14,000 bridges. 

data Missouri Lags Behind

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Summary

Missouri has one of the lower fuel tax rates compared to its neighbors. Yet it has a larger state-maintained highway system than any of them.

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Missouri’s revenue per mile is $61,233, while the national average is $272,593. By contrast, New Jersey’s revenue per mile of $1,725,919 ranks first, although its state highway system includes only 2,330 miles and 2,407 bridges. When compared to its eight surrounding states, Missouri has the largest highway system and the lowest revenue per mile. As of July 1, 2024, the rate increased 2.5 cents to 27 cents per gallon. Several of Missouri’s surrounding states also benefit from additional revenue sources for transportation like tolling and general sales taxes.

The 2021 enactment of SB262 raises Missouri’s motor fuel tax 12.5 cents. 

The motor fuel tax will increase gradually as follows: 

  • 2.5 cent increase Oct. 1, 2021.
  • 2.5 cent increase each July 1 through 2025.
  • Totaling 29.5 cents per gallon when fully implemented in 2025.