Median Income
$45,223
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$90,800
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
53/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$757
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.7%
27% higher than US avg
How Bernie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,772
Median Age48.4 yrs
Density1,353/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$45,223
Per Capita$22,624
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty15.7%
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$90,800
Rent$757
Ownership68.4%
Zillow$109,197
Housing Units805
Rent Burden25.4%
Crime
F
Violent53/100K
Property1,221/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault53/100K
Burglary212/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured13.0%
Smoking24.4%
Depression28.7%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain48.2 in/yr
Sunny Days248/yr
Elevation305 ft (93 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+74.8%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband80.3%
EV Stations3
Is Bernie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bernie receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bernie has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bernie is $45,223, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. The poverty rate of 15.7% 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 Bernie is $90,800, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $757 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bernie is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,221 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Bernie enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 248 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bernie has a population of 1,772 with a density of 1,353 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 48.4 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (89.8%), with 2.5% Hispanic, 1.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.4yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Bernie is $45,223, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,624 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.7% 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). 0.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,223 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,624 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.7% |
The median home value in Bernie is $90,800, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $109,197, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $757 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 805 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. 25.4% 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 Values
| Census Median | $90,800 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $109,197 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $757 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.6% |
| Housing Units | 805 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
In Bernie, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 35.6% have high blood pressure. 24.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.3% report binge drinking. 36.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. 13.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Bernie vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.6% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 10.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.4% |
| 74% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.0% |
| Depression | 28.7% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 17.5% |
| Short Sleep | 42.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.8% |
| Uninsured | 13.0% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 43.2% |
Food & Exercise
Bernie has a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 53.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,221 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 955, burglary at 212, vehicle theft at 53 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Bernie receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bernie vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 53.1/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 53.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,220.8/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| Burglary | 212.3/100K |
| Theft | 955.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 53.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bernie enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 248 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 305 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.6°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 248 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 305 ft (93 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,353/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.6689°N, 89.9687°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Malden Regional (MAW) 5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.2"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.24"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
415 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
62 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
17 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
104 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
94 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
104 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
73 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
81 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
90 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
54 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
92 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
103 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
68 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
120 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
82 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
56 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
128 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
76 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
94 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
577 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 140 fatalities, 1,149 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
77 km |
57 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
89 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
70 km |
17 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
100 km |
2 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
32 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
73 km |
16 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2002 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
125 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WYLIE KING 1 (6,077 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
58 km |
| 2024 |
BRIDGES RX |
4,781 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
62 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,313 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
56 km |
| 2005 |
MCKENZIE HILL |
2,722 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
CHILTON SOUTH RX |
1,649 |
95 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
99 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
BRAWLEY HOLLOW |
1,575 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
ESSMAN SPRING RX |
1,495 |
59 km |
| 2012 |
12 LONGBAY |
1,432 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
06 CHILTON SOUTH |
1,400 |
95 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
LONG BAY RX |
1,261 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
BIG SPRING RIDGE RX |
1,237 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,232 |
61 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
1,147 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Bernie has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 33°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.2") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Bernie. 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 Bernie
What is the population of Bernie?
Bernie has a population of 1,772 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,353 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Bernie expensive to live in?
Bernie 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 $45,223, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $90,800 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $757 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bernie safe?
Bernie is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,221 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bernie receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bernie?
Bernie enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 248 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 48.2 inches, with 3.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Bernie?
The job market in Bernie is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 0.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bernie?
The median home value in Bernie is $90,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $109,197. For renters, the median monthly rent is $757. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.4%.
How are the schools in Bernie?
Schools in Bernie score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.9% of adults in Bernie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.8% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bernie?
The obesity rate in Bernie is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.4% of adults are smokers. 36.0% are physically inactive. 28.7% of residents report depression. 13.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Bernie?
The average commute in Bernie is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bernie?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bernie is 89.8% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 24.1% of residents have a disability. 84.8% have health insurance coverage.