Median Income
$55,208
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,800
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
252/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.8%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$825
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.1%
54% higher than US avg
How Berger Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population188
Median Age43.5 yrs
Density588/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$55,208
Per Capita$28,286
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty19.1%
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,800
Rent$825
Ownership79.3%
Zillow$293,462
Housing Units113
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
F
Violent252/100K
Property1,807/100K
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking16.4%
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days265/yr
Elevation551 ft (168 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.8%
High School+91.6%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute23 min
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations5
Is Berger a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Berger receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Berger offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Berger is $55,208, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. The poverty rate of 19.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Berger is $86,800, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Berger is below the national average at 252 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,807 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Berger experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 265 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches, including 6.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Berger has a population of 188 with a density of 588 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 43.5 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (85.1%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.5yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Berger is $55,208, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,286 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,208 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,286 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.1% |
| 54% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Berger is $86,800, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $293,462, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $825 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 113 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,800 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $293,462 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $825 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.7% |
| Housing Units | 113 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
In Berger, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 19.0% report binge drinking. 27.5% are physically inactive. 28.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Berger vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.5% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
Food & Exercise
Berger has a violent crime rate of 252 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,807 per 100,000, 8% below the U.S. average. Overall, Berger receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Berger vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 252.2/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,807.5/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Berger experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 265 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. The area receives 6.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 551 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 265 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 551 ft (168 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 588/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6742°N, 91.3388°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Columbia Regional (COU)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
23 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
77 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
120 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
102 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
103 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
63 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
99 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
75 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
83 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Jul 22, 1998 |
12 km NE of Mine La Motte, Missouri |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| Nov 12, 1996 |
15 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M2.7 |
111 km |
| Jul 15, 1990 |
7 km SW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.7 |
99 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
79 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
8 km NE of Bonne Terre, Missouri |
M2.6 |
108 km |
| Feb 3, 2014 |
18 km NW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.6 |
77 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
60 km |
| Jun 6, 2017 |
8 km ENE of Bonne Terre, Missouri |
M2.6 |
111 km |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
6 km NNE of Bonne Terre, Missouri |
M2.6 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
424 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 42 fatalities, 884 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
83 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
69 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
66 km |
21 |
| Feb 24, 1956 |
EF4 |
44 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1998 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
19 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SMITH MILL HOLLOW (3,978 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
SMITH MILL HOLLOW |
3,978 |
85 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,688 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
BEAR PAW |
2,080 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
BEAR PAW RX |
2,067 |
100 km |
| 2004 |
CICERO CREEK |
1,846 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
BERRYMAN BLOCK B AND C |
1,728 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
HARMON SPRING RX |
1,330 |
80 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
80 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,196 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
KK RANCH ROAD |
1,112 |
79 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
820 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
FLATWOODS RX |
796 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
NORTH KOFFER HOLLOW |
783 |
81 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
600 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
PIGEON ROOST |
583 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
555 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
84 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
533 |
71 km |
| 1997 |
FLATWOODS |
530 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Berger has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 28°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Berger. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Berger
What is the population of Berger?
Berger has a population of 188 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 588 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
Is Berger expensive to live in?
Berger is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $55,208, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,800 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Berger safe?
Berger is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 252 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,807 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Berger receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Berger?
Berger has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 265 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches, with 6.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Berger?
The job market in Berger is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Berger?
The median home value in Berger is $86,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $293,462. For renters, the median monthly rent is $825. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.3%.
How are the schools in Berger?
Schools in Berger score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.8% of adults in Berger hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Berger?
The obesity rate in Berger is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 27.5% are physically inactive. 28.2% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Berger?
The average commute in Berger is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Berger?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Berger is 85.1% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.4% of residents have a disability. 86.6% have health insurance coverage.
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