Missouri is more than just the “Show-Me State”; it is a landscape of quiet, rural traditions, boasting the seventh-largest Amish population in the United States. With over 18,000 Amish residents spread across more than 60 settlements, the state offers a unique window into a lifestyle defined by simplicity and craftsmanship.
If you are planning a journey through these serene regions, here is a guide to Missouri’s ten largest Amish communities, ranked by current population estimates.
1. Seymour (Webster County)
- Population: 4,325
- Founded: 1968
- The Vibe: As Missouri’s largest settlement, Seymour is a significant hub in the Ozarks. With 21 church districts, it ranks as the 10th-largest Amish community in all of North America.
- Traveler’s Insight: This is a “Swiss Amish” community with roots in Berne, Indiana. Keep an eye out for distinct open-top buggies and family names like Hilty and Graber that highlight their unique heritage.
2. Clark (Audrain & Monroe Counties)
- Population: 1,730
- Founded: 1953
- The Vibe: Born from an exodus of Iowa families seeking educational freedom, Clark is an established, peaceful settlement.
- Traveler’s Insight: While less “touristy” than other areas, it is a fantastic place for functional shopping. Look for local leather goods, handmade rugs, and check the schedule for the local Amish-run produce auction.
3. Jamesport (Daviess, Grundy & Livingston Counties)
- Population: 1,090
- Founded: 1953
- The Vibe: If you only have time to visit one, make it Jamesport. It is widely considered the state’s most visitor-friendly community.
- Traveler’s Insight: This town has embraced tourism with open arms. You’ll find a wealth of bakeries, furniture workshops, greenhouses, and even organized home tours that provide a respectful glimpse into the local lifestyle.
4. Spickard/Princeton (Grundy County)
- Population: 645
- Founded: 1997
- The Vibe: Tucked away in north-central Missouri near the Iowa border, this community has steadily grown into five church districts over the last three decades. It offers a quiet, authentic look at modern Amish agricultural life.
5. Windsor (Benton, Henry, Johnson & Pettis Counties)
- Population: 500
- Founded: 1975
- The Vibe: Spanning a vast four-county area, the Windsor settlement is characterized by its expansive, rural feel. It’s an ideal drive if you enjoy scenic countryside roads.
6. Greentop (Adair & Schuyler Counties)
- Population: 490
- Founded: 2003
- The Vibe: Like Seymour, Greentop is a Swiss Amish community, though its roots trace back to the Swiss settlements in Allen County, Indiana. It sits in the far north, near the Iowa line.
7. Bowling Green (Pike County)
- Population: 450
- Founded: 1947
- The Vibe: History buffs take note: this is the oldest Amish settlement in Missouri. Located just 90 minutes from St. Louis, it is a testament to longevity. While it hasn’t expanded as rapidly as others, it remains a pillar of the state’s Amish history.
8. Licking (Texas County)
- Population: 440
- Founded: 2009
- The Vibe: Located in the beautiful south-central Ozarks, Licking has seen quick growth, reaching five church districts in just under two decades.
9. Verona (Lawrence County)
- Population: 430
- Founded: 1990
- The Vibe: A 40-minute drive from Springfield, Verona offers easy access for those touring the southwest corner of the state.
10. Stanberry (Gentry County)
- Population: 420
- Founded: 2000
- The Vibe: Rounding out our list in the northwest corner, Stanberry is a steady, three-district community that reflects the persistent, hardworking spirit found throughout Missouri’s Amish settlements.
Travel Tips for Visiting
- Respect the Lifestyle: Amish communities are not theme parks; they are homes. Please drive carefully (watch for buggies!), do not take photos of individuals without permission, and always respect their privacy and Sunday worship observances.
- Shop Local: The best way to support these communities is to purchase items directly from their roadside stands and shops. Cash is usually preferred and often required.
Statistics provided by the Young Center for Anabaptist & Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College.