The primary Ozark mountain range in Missouri are found in the southeast of the state and are known as the Saint Francois Mountains, of which Taum Sauk is the highest point of both the Saint Francois mountains and of the state of Missouri. Other areas of the Ozark Highlands in Missouri include the Osage-Glasconade Hills, Salem plateau, Springfield plateau, and the River Hills ecoregions.

In the State of Arkansas, the entire northern section of the state have large areas that are included in the Ozark Highlands which include the Springfield Plateau, Salem Plateau and River Hills ecoregions.

The Springfield plateau covers parts of three states. First, in southwest Missouri the western plateau includes the areas around the communities of Springfield, Monett, Aurora and Joplin as well as the south side of the White river in Missouri including the community of Branson.

The second state is Oklahoma in which the Ozark plateau crosses into northeast Oklahoma and includes the Tahleguah and the areas to the north.

Finally, the western plateau of the Ozark Highlands is in northwest Arkansas and includes the communities of Fayetteville and Harrison and surrounding areas of Missouri, as well as along the south side of White river in Missouri including those communities of Diamond City, Bull Shoals, and Mountain Home down to Batesville.