Missouri Sinkhole Maps By County
Use These Maps to Avoid Buying a Sinkhole House in MO
Missouri Sinkhole Maps By County
Use These Maps to Avoid Buying a Sinkhole House in MO
A-E County Maps
F-L County Maps
M-S County Maps
T-Z County Maps
Missouri Sinkholes: Maps & Guide for Homeowners & Buyers
Missouri’s landscape hides thousands of sinkholes beneath its surface, earning its nickname as “The Cave State.” With over 16,000 documented sinkholes and more forming each year, property owners face unique challenges. This guide provides essential information about Missouri sinkholes, their causes, and practical steps to protect your property. Our interactive county maps empower you to research potential risks before buying or to understand the geology affecting your current home.
Check Your Property’s Sinkhole Risk
Use our interactive county maps to see documented sinkholes near your property or potential home purchase.
Why Sinkholes Are So Common in Missouri: The Karst Landscape
Missouri ranks among the top states for sinkhole formation due to its unique geological makeup. The state’s bedrock consists primarily of limestone and dolomite—soluble rocks that gradually dissolve when exposed to slightly acidic groundwater. This dissolution process creates what geologists call a “karst landscape,” characterized by caves, springs, and sinkholes.
Natural Sinkhole Formation
Most Missouri sinkholes form through a natural process that has been occurring for millions of years:
- Rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and soil, creating a weak carbonic acid
- This acidic water seeps into cracks in limestone and dolomite bedrock
- Over time, the rock dissolves, creating underground cavities
- When the cavity grows large enough, the surface layer can no longer support itself and collapses
Human-Influenced Sinkholes
Human activities can accelerate or trigger sinkhole formation:
- Water main breaks and leaking pipes that erode subsurface materials
- Altered drainage patterns from development and construction
- Excessive groundwater pumping that lowers water tables
- Weight of new structures on vulnerable karst terrain
- Old mines and quarries that create artificial underground voids
The Missouri Geological Survey has documented approximately 16,000 sinkholes across the state, with the highest concentrations in the southern and central regions. Springfield, West Plains, and the Lake of the Ozarks areas show particularly high sinkhole density. Even urban areas like St. Louis contain numerous sinkholes related to the city’s historic cave systems, once used by breweries for natural refrigeration.
Distribution of documented sinkholes across Missouri counties, with highest concentrations in the southern Ozarks region
Home Buyer & Property Owner Concerns: Risk, Inspection, and Insurance
For Missouri property owners and potential buyers, sinkholes present unique challenges that require careful consideration and proactive measures. Understanding your risk factors, insurance options, and warning signs can help protect your investment.
5 Warning Signs of Potential Sinkhole Activity
- Circular depressions forming in your yard or nearby ground
- New cracks in foundations, walls, or floors that progressively widen
- Doors and windows that suddenly become difficult to open or close
- Unexplained settling of fence posts, decks, or other structures
- Vegetation that wilts or dies in a circular pattern due to water drainage changes
Researching Property Before Buying
Before purchasing property in Missouri, especially in known karst regions, take these important steps:
Researching potential sinkhole risks should be part of your due diligence when buying property in Missouri
- Use our county sinkhole maps to check for documented sinkholes near the property
- Request geological surveys or sinkhole investigations if the property is in a high-risk area
- Review the property’s history for any previous sinkhole repairs or claims
- Consult with the Missouri Geological Survey for additional information about the area
- Consider having a geotechnical engineer inspect the property if initial research raises concerns
Missouri Sinkhole Insurance: What You Need to Know
Standard homeowners’ insurance policies in Missouri typically exclude coverage for earth movement, including sinkholes. However, there are options available to protect your property:
| Insurance Option | Coverage Details | Availability | Cost Considerations |
| Missouri FAIR Plan | Standalone sinkhole coverage for properties that might otherwise be uninsurable | Available statewide, especially important in high-risk areas | More affordable than many private options |
| Catastrophic Ground Collapse | Covers severe damage that makes the home uninhabitable | Offered by some standard insurers as an endorsement | Less expensive than comprehensive coverage |
| Comprehensive Sinkhole Coverage | Covers both structural damage and stabilization of the land | Limited availability, may require specialized insurers | Most expensive option, often requires geological assessment |
Recent Missouri Sinkhole News & Trends (2023-2025)
Recent years have seen several significant sinkhole events across Missouri, highlighting the ongoing geological activity beneath the state’s surface. These incidents provide valuable insights into current trends and government responses.
Howard County Route 5 Collapse (2023)
In mid-2023, a section of Route 5 in Howard County collapsed due to sinkhole activity following heavy spring rains. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) implemented emergency repairs that included not only filling the visible sinkhole but also addressing the underlying karst features to prevent future collapses. This approach represents the evolving understanding of how to manage infrastructure in karst-prone areas.
Columbia Business Loop 70 Sinkholes (2024)
A series of sinkholes along Business Loop 70 in Columbia disrupted traffic and businesses throughout 2024. Geological investigations revealed these sinkholes were connected to an underground stream system that had been gradually eroding subsurface materials. The city implemented a comprehensive drainage improvement project to address both the immediate sinkholes and prevent future occurrences.
St. Louis Urban Sinkholes (April 2025)
April 2025 saw a cluster of sinkholes emerge in several St. Louis neighborhoods, affecting streets, sidewalks, and some residential properties. Investigations linked these sinkholes to a combination of aging infrastructure and the city’s unique geology, including historic cave systems. The incidents prompted the city to launch a new mapping initiative to better document subsurface conditions in urban areas.
Clay County Quarry Area Issues (2024-2025)
Residential areas near former quarry operations in Clay County experienced multiple sinkhole formations between 2024-2025. These incidents highlighted the increased risk in areas with both natural karst features and human-modified landscapes. County officials responded by implementing new development regulations requiring more thorough geological assessments before construction approval.
Emerging Trend: Recent sinkhole events show an increasing connection between aging infrastructure and natural karst features, particularly in urban and suburban areas. State and local governments are responding with more sophisticated mapping, monitoring, and mitigation strategies.
Missouri’s Notable Sinkholes: Historic & Geographic Cases
Throughout Missouri’s history, several sinkholes have gained notoriety due to their size, impact, or historical significance. Understanding these cases provides perspective on the state’s geological activity and helps contextualize the actual risks to property owners.
Rocheport Sinkhole
Missouri’s largest sinkhole spans approximately 700 acres in Boone County, reaching about a mile in width and 100 feet in depth. Despite its massive size, many people drive through it without realizing they’re in a sinkhole, as it has developed gradually over thousands of years rather than through sudden collapse.
Slaughter Sink
Located in Perry County, Slaughter Sink is notable for its connection to Crevice Cave, Missouri’s longest cave system. This relationship demonstrates how sinkholes often serve as entry points to extensive underground cave networks. The sinkhole has been studied extensively by geologists to understand the interconnected nature of karst systems.
Battle of the Sinkhole
This historic 1815 conflict between settlers and Native Americans took place at a large sinkhole in Lincoln County. The site demonstrates how these geological features have played roles in human history, serving as natural fortifications and landmarks long before their geological significance was understood.
Urban Sinkhole History
Cities like St. Louis have their own unique sinkhole histories, often intertwined with urban development:
Historic St. Louis brewery caves, which have contributed to urban sinkhole formation as they deteriorate over time
- St. Louis 1849 Health Crisis: Sinkholes in early St. Louis became impromptu waste disposal sites, contributing to the cholera epidemic of 1849. This led to some of the first urban regulations addressing sinkholes.
- Joplin Mining-Era Collapse (1902): Mining activities in the Joplin area created artificial underground voids that resulted in several significant collapses, including a 1902 incident that swallowed several buildings.
- Brewery Cave Systems: St. Louis’ famous breweries utilized natural cave systems for refrigeration, many of which have deteriorated over time and contributed to urban sinkhole formation.
Important Perspective: While Missouri has thousands of documented sinkholes, catastrophic collapses that cause significant property damage or pose safety risks are relatively rare. Most sinkholes form gradually over years or decades, providing warning signs before major collapse occurs.
Prevention, Inspection, and What To Do
While you can’t prevent the natural geological processes that create sinkholes, property owners can take practical steps to minimize risks, identify potential problems early, and respond appropriately when issues arise.
A professional geotechnical inspection can identify potential sinkhole risks before they become serious problems
Preventative Measures
- Maintain proper drainage around your property to prevent water from pooling
- Repair plumbing leaks promptly to prevent subsurface erosion
- Consider a geological assessment before major construction projects
- Monitor your property regularly for early warning signs
- Maintain appropriate sinkhole insurance coverage
What Not To Do
- Don’t fill sinkholes with trash or debris that can contaminate groundwater
- Avoid attempting DIY repairs on significant sinkholes
- Don’t ignore warning signs like new cracks or depressions
- Don’t build new structures over known sinkholes without professional guidance
- Avoid excessive water usage that might accelerate subsurface erosion
If You Suspect Sinkhole Activity
- Document the area with photographs and measurements to track changes over time
- Contact your insurance company to report potential sinkhole activity
- Consult with a licensed geotechnical engineer or geologist for professional assessment
- For sinkholes affecting public property or roads, contact your local public works department
- Consider reporting the sinkhole to the Missouri Geological Survey to help with statewide documentation
Professional sinkhole remediation often involves specialized equipment and techniques to stabilize the ground
Sinkhole Remediation Options
If a professional confirms sinkhole activity on your property, several remediation approaches might be recommended:
| Remediation Method | Best For | Process | Considerations |
| Compaction Grouting | Smaller sinkholes under or near structures | Injecting cement grout under pressure to fill voids and stabilize soil | Effective but can be costly; requires professional implementation |
| Underpinning | Buildings showing settlement from sinkhole activity | Extending foundation support to more stable soil or bedrock | Addresses structural issues but not necessarily the sinkhole itself |
| Chemical Grouting | Areas with fine-grained soils | Injecting chemical solutions that solidify to stabilize soil | Less invasive but may have environmental considerations |
| Excavation and Filling | Surface depressions away from structures | Removing loose material and filling with engineered materials | Most straightforward approach for simple cases |
Trusted Missouri Resources for Sinkhole Information
Access these authoritative sources for additional information about Missouri sinkholes, insurance options, and professional assistance.
Government Resources
- Missouri Geological Survey – Official state resource for geological information, including sinkhole documentation and mapping
https://dnr.mo.gov/geology/geosrv/geores/sinkhlndx.htm - Missouri Department of Natural Resources – Provides information on karst landscapes and environmental considerations
https://dnr.mo.gov - Missouri Department of Insurance – Guidance on insurance options and consumer protection
https://insurance.mo.gov - County Emergency Management Agencies – Local resources for immediate sinkhole hazards
Example for St. Louis County: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/office-of-emergency-management/
(For other counties, search “[County Name] Missouri emergency management.”)
Insurance Resources
- Missouri FAIR Plan – Provides sinkhole coverage options for properties that might otherwise be uninsurable
https://www.mofairplan.com/ - Missouri Insurance Information Service – Industry association providing consumer information
https://moinsuranceinfo.org/ - National Flood Insurance Program – While focused on floods, provides relevant information for other ground hazards
https://www.floodsmart.gov/ - Independent Insurance Agents of Missouri – Help finding specialized coverage
https://www.iamo.com/
Professional Services
- Association of Missouri Geologists – Directory of qualified geological professionals
https://www.missourigeologists.org/ - Missouri Society of Professional Engineers – Finding qualified geotechnical engineers
https://www.mspe.org/ - Missouri Realtors Association – Resources for property buyers and sellers
https://missourirealtor.org/ - Missouri Speleological Survey – Information on caves and related karst features
https://mospeleo.org/
Understanding Missouri’s Unique Landscape
Missouri’s thousands of sinkholes reflect the state’s fascinating geological history and ongoing natural processes. While sinkholes present real challenges for property owners, understanding the science behind them and taking proactive measures can significantly reduce risks. The interactive maps and resources provided on this site offer valuable tools for researching property locations, identifying potential hazards, and making informed decisions about your home or investment.
Remember that catastrophic sinkholes are relatively rare, and most develop slowly enough to provide warning signs. By staying informed, monitoring your property, and knowing when to seek professional assistance, you can confidently navigate the unique challenges of owning property in Missouri’s karst landscape.
Missouri FAQs
What causes sinkholes to form in Missouri, and why are they more common in certain areas of the state?
Sinkholes form when underground water dissolves soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, or salt. Missouri’s geology makes it vulnerable to sinkhole activity, with certain areas such as the Ozarks and the St. Francois Mountains having more limestone and dolomite formations and therefore a higher risk of sinkholes.
How can I determine if my property is at risk of sinkhole activity, and what should I do if I suspect a sinkhole is forming?
You can check the Missouri Geological Survey’s online database of known sinkholes to see if there are any reported sinkholes in your area. If you suspect a sinkhole is forming, it is important to contact a licensed geologist or engineer to assess the situation and recommend appropriate action.
Are sinkholes covered by my homeowner’s insurance policy, and what types of damages are typically covered?
Sinkhole coverage is typically not included in Missouri homeowner’s insurance policies, but it can be purchased as an additional endorsement. Coverage amounts and specific terms can vary, so it is important to review your policy and speak with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage.