How many counties are there in Missouri?

Missouri has a total of 114 counties, making this the correct answer. Each county serves as a local level of government and plays a crucial role in administering state laws, providing services to residents, and managing local issues such as zoning and public health.

The number of counties is significant for understanding the political and administrative structure of the state, including representation in the state legislature and the allocation of state resources. This structure reflects Missouri's commitment to local governance and the ability of communities to address their unique needs.

The other options, while providing numbers that may seem plausible, fall short of the actual count. Missouri's count of 114 counties positions it among states with a broad array of local governance, facilitating a closer connection between residents and their local officials. This number helps contextualize discussions about county-level issues, state funding, and local policy-making within Missouri.