Median Income
$44,603
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$188,700
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
270/100K
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.5%
24% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$833
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
1% lower than US avg
How Bolivar Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,996
Median Age33.4 yrs
Density1,336/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$44,603
Per Capita$24,723
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty12.3%
Commute23 min
Housing
A
Home Value$188,700
Rent$833
Ownership54.4%
Zillow$249,926
Housing Units4,358
Rent Burden33.3%
Crime
F
Violent270/100K
Property3,738/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault153/100K
Burglary404/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking20.4%
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain42.8 in/yr
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation1,060 ft (323 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.5%
High School+88.9%
Graduate+9.3%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute23 min
Broadband83.9%
EV Stations4
Is Bolivar a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bolivar 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bolivar offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bolivar is $44,603, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 12.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bolivar is $188,700, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $833 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bolivar is below the national average at 270 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,738 per 100,000, 91% above the national average.
Education
25.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Bolivar experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bolivar has a population of 10,996 with a density of 1,336 people per square mile, spread across 8.2 square miles. The median age is 33.4 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.4yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
The median household income in Bolivar is $44,603, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,723 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. 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). 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,603 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,723 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.3% |
| 1% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Bolivar is $188,700, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,926, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $833 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,358 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. 33.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $188,700 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $249,926 |
| Median List Price | $274,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $274,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $145 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 19.1% |
| Inventory | 42 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $833 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $888 |
| Rent Burden | 33.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.6% |
| Housing Units | 4,358 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
In Bolivar, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 34.7% have high blood pressure. 20.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 32.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-25)
PM2.5
4.2
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
4.8
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.2
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
127.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Bolivar vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.7% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.4% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.9% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.4% |
| Uninsured | 10.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Dental Visits | 54.1% |
Food & Exercise
Bolivar has a violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 residents, 29% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 152.8 per 100,000, robbery at 35.9, rape at 80.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,738 per 100,000, 91% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,136, burglary at 404, vehicle theft at 198 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Bolivar receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bolivar vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 269.6/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 80.9/100K |
| Robbery | 35.9/100K |
| Assault | 152.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,738.0/100K |
| 91% above US avg |
| Burglary | 404.4/100K |
| Theft | 3,136.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 197.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bolivar experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.8 inches. The area receives 4.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,060 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.4°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 258 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,060 ft (323 m) |
| Area | 8.2 sq mi (21.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,336/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6145°N, 93.4105°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN)
66 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.8"
13% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
143 km |
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
106 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
36 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
78 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
88 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
92 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
69 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
143 km |
| May 13, 2015 |
8 km E of Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
142 km |
| Jan 4, 2024 |
13 km E of South Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
472 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 405 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
58 km |
2 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
80 km |
3 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
43 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
60 km |
4 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
98 km |
5 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2019 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,388 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,388 |
54 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
BIG SPRING FIRE |
4,921 |
52 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
56 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
57 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
50 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,538 |
56 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
54 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,492 |
47 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
63 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,135 |
52 km |
| 2012 |
KINFOLK RD |
2,883 |
57 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
52 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,590 |
55 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,575 |
56 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,569 |
60 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,418 |
61 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,369 |
63 km |
| 2019 |
SWAN CREEK |
2,365 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Bolivar has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Bolivar. 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 Bolivar
What is the population of Bolivar?
Bolivar has a population of 10,996 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,336 people per square mile, spread across 8.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Bolivar expensive to live in?
Bolivar 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 $44,603, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $188,700 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $833 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bolivar safe?
Bolivar is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,738 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bolivar receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bolivar?
Bolivar has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.8 inches, with 4.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Bolivar?
The job market in Bolivar is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bolivar?
The median home value in Bolivar is $188,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,926. For renters, the median monthly rent is $833. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.4%.
How are the schools in Bolivar?
Schools in Bolivar score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.5% of adults in Bolivar hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. 9.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bolivar?
The obesity rate in Bolivar is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.4% of adults are smokers. 32.9% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 10.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Bolivar?
The average commute in Bolivar is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bolivar?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bolivar is 93% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability. 87.4% have health insurance coverage.
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