Median Income
$17,917
76% lower than US avg
Home Value
$44,700
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.0%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$764
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
48.0%
50% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
41.6%
235% higher than US avg
How Cardwell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population846
Median Age23.7 yrs
Density1,343/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans1.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$17,917
Per Capita$13,552
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty41.6%
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$44,700
Rent$764
Ownership44.0%
Zillow$55,391
Housing Units412
Rent Burden39.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property57/100K
Health
Obesity48.0%
Uninsured15.8%
Smoking27.1%
Depression29.7%
Heart Disease8.2%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain49.0 in/yr
Sunny Days247/yr
Elevation246 ft (75 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.0%
High School+73.9%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute16 min
Broadband94.4%
Is Cardwell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cardwell receives an overall livability score of 2.8 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 an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Cardwell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cardwell is $17,917, 76% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. The poverty rate of 41.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cardwell is $44,700, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $764 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Cardwell is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 57 per 100,000, 97% below the national average.
Education
5.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Cardwell enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 247 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 49.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Cardwell has a population of 846 with a density of 1,343 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 23.7 years, 39% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (84.9%), with 5.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.4% of residents, while 10.6% speak Spanish. 1.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 76.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
23.7yrs
Median Age
39% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.4%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.6%
21% below US avg
The median household income in Cardwell is $17,917, which is 76% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,552 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 41.6% 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 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $17,917 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,552 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 41.6% |
| 235% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |
The median home value in Cardwell is $44,700, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $55,391, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $764 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 44.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 412 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. 39.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $44,700 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $55,391 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $764 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 39.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 44.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 44.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.0% |
| Housing Units | 412 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
In Cardwell, 48.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.2% of residents, above the national average. 39.8% have high blood pressure. 27.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.0% report binge drinking. 44.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.3% experience frequent mental distress. 15.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Cardwell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 48.0% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.2% |
| Heart Disease | 8.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.8% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 12.3% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 27.1% |
| 94% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 44.9% |
| Depression | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 23.3% |
| Physical Distress | 20.1% |
| Short Sleep | 41.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.1% |
| Uninsured | 15.8% |
| 84% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 42.1% |
Food & Exercise
Cardwell has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 57 per 100,000, 97% below the U.S. average. Overall, Cardwell receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Cardwell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 57.1/100K |
| 97% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Cardwell enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 247 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 49.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 246 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 59.4°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 247 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 246 ft (75 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,343/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.0495°N, 90.2931°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Arkansas International (BYH)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.0"
29% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.24"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
398 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 |
137 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
72 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
27 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
33 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
148 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
75 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
36 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
120 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
134 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
99 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
78 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
86 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
45 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
35 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
75 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
117 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
53 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
77 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
56 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
550 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 144 fatalities, 1,385 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
37 km |
8 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF4 |
22 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
87 km |
35 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
95 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
43 km |
17 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
98 km |
2 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
92 km |
4 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2020 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
70 km |
16 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
64 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 |
— |
— |
51 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WYLIE KING 1 (6,077 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
WOLF MOUNTAIN RX |
3,140 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
WOLF MTN |
2,801 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
ESSMAN SPRING RX |
1,495 |
99 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,232 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
ESSMAN 4 GOOSECREEK 1 3 4 7 8 |
823 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
VICTORY 1 |
765 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
WAPANOCCA LAKE |
725 |
78 km |
| 2021 |
WOLF HOLLOW RX |
636 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
WOLF HOLLOW RX |
619 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| December |
40°F (4°C) |
4.7 in |
|
Cardwell has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 35°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and August the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Cardwell. 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 Cardwell
What is the population of Cardwell?
Cardwell has a population of 846 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,343 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Cardwell expensive to live in?
Cardwell 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 $17,917, 76% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $44,700 (84% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $764 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cardwell safe?
Cardwell is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 57 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cardwell receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cardwell?
Cardwell enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 247 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 49.0 inches, with 3.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Cardwell?
The job market in Cardwell is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 1.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cardwell?
The median home value in Cardwell is $44,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $55,391. For renters, the median monthly rent is $764. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 44.0%.
How are the schools in Cardwell?
Schools in Cardwell score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.0% of adults in Cardwell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.9% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cardwell?
The obesity rate in Cardwell is 48.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.1% of adults are smokers. 44.9% are physically inactive. 29.7% of residents report depression. 15.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Cardwell?
The average commute in Cardwell is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cardwell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cardwell is 84.9% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino. 89.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.6% speak Spanish. 1.6% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 76.1% have health insurance coverage.
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