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Berkeley, MO

Missouri

Berkeley is a small city in Missouri with a population of 8,149. Residents earn $40,654 per year, which is 46% below the national average.

2.7 /5.0
C+ Fair
8,149 Population 1,643/sq mi density
$40,654 Median Income $21,450 per capita
$80,000 Home Value $94,937 Zillow
$1,075 Median Rent 38.2% income on rent
56°F Avg Temperature 266 sunny days/yr
473 Violent Crime/100K 5,125 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.7 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.6 / 5.0
$40,654 median income, 1.7% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$80,000 home value, $1,075/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
473 violent crimes/100K (24% above avg)
C
Education
2.2 / 5.0
15.1% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $40,654
46% lower than US avg
Home Value $80,000
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 473/100K
24% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 15.1%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,075
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 44.8%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment 1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 31.9%
157% higher than US avg

How Berkeley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population8,149
Median Age28.4 yrs
Density1,643/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 6%
Veterans11.6%

Economy

C+
Median Income$40,654
Per Capita$21,450
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty31.9%
Commute22 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$80,000
Rent$1,075
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$94,937
Housing Units3,556
Rent Burden38.2%

Crime

F
Violent473/100K
Property5,125/100K
Murder11.0/100K
Assault209/100K
Burglary2,189/100K

Health

Obesity44.8%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking23.5%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease7.0%

Climate

Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days266/yr
Elevation538 ft (164 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+15.1%
High School+85.9%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband89.9%
EV Stations4

Is Berkeley a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Berkeley receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Berkeley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Berkeley is $40,654, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. The poverty rate of 31.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Berkeley is $80,000, 72% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,075 per month. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

The violent crime rate of 473 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,125 per 100,000, 161% above the national average.

Education

15.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Berkeley enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 266 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches, including 7.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Berkeley has a population of 8,149 with a density of 1,643 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age is 28.4 years, 27% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly Black (85%), with 6.3% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92% of residents, while 8% speak Spanish. 11.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 90.4% have health insurance coverage.

Population

8,149
Total Population
1,643
People / sq mi
28.4yrs
Median Age
27% below US avg
5.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 52.2%
Female 47.8%

Race & Ethnicity

Berkeley vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only92.0%
17% above US avg
Spanish8.0%
40% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Berkeley vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Berkeley is $40,654, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,450 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 31.9% 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 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.2% of workers work from home.

Income: Berkeley vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$40,654
46% below US avg
Per Capita Income$21,450

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.7%
53% below US avg
Poverty Rate31.9%
157% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time22.2 min
Drive Alone58.3%
Public Transit3.8%
Work from Home15.2%

Walkability

The median home value in Berkeley is $80,000, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $94,937, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.5% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,075 (8% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 3,556 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. 38.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$80,000
72% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$94,937
Median List Price$100,500

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$100,500
$/Sq Ft$117
Homes Sold4
Sale-to-List Ratio97.5%
Price Drops10.0%
Inventory20

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,075
8% below US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)$1,316
Rent Burden38.2%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied50.3%
Housing Units3,556
Median Year Built1957

Property Tax

In Berkeley, 44.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 45.8% have high blood pressure. 23.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.6% report binge drinking. 41.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.7% report depression. 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Berkeley vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity44.8%
40% above US avg
Diabetes17.8%
Heart Disease7.0%
High Blood Pressure45.8%
Asthma13.5%
COPD9.6%
Cancer4.8%
Stroke5.4%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking23.5%
68% above US avg
Binge Drinking12.6%
Physical Inactivity41.2%
Depression22.7%
Mental Distress21.9%
Physical Distress17.4%
Short Sleep45.8%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate90.4%
Uninsured13.7%
59% above US avg
Checkup Rate80.0%
Dental Visits43.4%

Food & Exercise

Berkeley has a violent crime rate of 473 per 100,000 residents, 24% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 209.0 per 100,000, robbery at 231.0, rape at 22.0. The murder rate is 11.0 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 5,125 per 100,000, 161% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,584, burglary at 2,189, vehicle theft at 352 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Berkeley receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Berkeley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent472.9/100K
24% above US avg
Murder11.0/100K
75% above US avg
Rape22.0/100K
Robbery231.0/100K
Assault209.0/100K

Property Crime

Total Property5,124.8/100K
161% above US avg
Burglary2,188.5/100K
Theft2,584.4/100K
Vehicle Theft351.9/100K
Arson66.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Berkeley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 266 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 38.4 inches. The area receives 7.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 538 feet.

Temperature

29°F Jan (-2°C) 79°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average55.5°F
3% above US avg
January Average29°F (-2°C)
July Average79°F (26°C)
Sunny Days266 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall38.4 inches
1% above US avg
Snowfall7.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation538 ft (164 m)
Area5.0 sq mi (12.8 km²)
Population Density1,643/sq mi
Coordinates38.7545°N, 90.3312°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 29°F (-2°C) 2.0 in Coldest, Driest
February 34°F (1°C) 2.2 in
March 45°F (7°C) 3.5 in
April 56°F (13°C) 3.7 in
May 66°F (19°C) 4.1 in Wettest
June 75°F (24°C) 3.7 in
July 79°F (26°C) 3.8 in Warmest
August 77°F (25°C) 3.2 in
September 70°F (21°C) 3.2 in
October 58°F (14°C) 2.8 in
November 45°F (7°C) 3.4 in
December 34°F (1°C) 3.0 in

Berkeley has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F — from 29°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.0").

15.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 55% below the national average of 33.7%. 85.9% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 89.9% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 4 EV charging stations. 58.3% of workers drive alone to work, while 3.8% use public transit.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+15.1%
55% below US avg
High School+85.9%
Graduate Degree+5.0%
School Test Score5.51
C Education Grade (2.2/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,643/sq mi
Total Area5.0 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access89.9%
EV Charging Stations4
Alt Fuel Stations4

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute22.2 min
Drive Alone58.3%
Public Transit3.8%
Work from Home15.2%

Frequently Asked Questions About Berkeley

What is the population of Berkeley?

Berkeley has a population of 8,149 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,643 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.

Is Berkeley expensive to live in?

Berkeley 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 $40,654, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $80,000 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,075 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Berkeley safe?

The violent crime rate in Berkeley is 473 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,125 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Berkeley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Berkeley?

Berkeley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 266 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches, with 7.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Berkeley?

The job market in Berkeley is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 15.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Berkeley?

The median home value in Berkeley is $80,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $94,937. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,075. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Berkeley?

Schools in Berkeley score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.1% of adults in Berkeley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.9% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Berkeley?

The obesity rate in Berkeley is 44.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.5% of adults are smokers. 41.2% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Berkeley?

The average commute in Berkeley is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 58.3% of workers drive alone to work, 3.8% use public transit, and 15.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Berkeley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Berkeley is 6.3% White, 85% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 92% of residents speak only English at home, while 8% speak Spanish. 11.6% of the population are military veterans. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 90.4% have health insurance coverage.

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