Carthage, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $50,849

32% lower than US avg

Home Value $133,500

53% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 190/100K

50% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 23.0%

32% lower than US avg

Median Rent $897

23% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 43.4%

35% higher than US avg

Unemployment 1.2%

67% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 27.8%

124% higher than US avg

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

People

Population15,513

Median Age31.0 yrs

Density1,282/mi²

Male / Female46% / 54%

Largest GroupWhite 77%

Veterans5.8%

Economy

C+

Median Income$50,849

Per Capita$21,524

Unemployment1.2%

Poverty27.8%

Commute16 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$133,500

Rent$897

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$231,901

Housing Units6,232

Rent Burden35.1%

Crime

Violent190/100K

Property3,849/100K

Murder0.0/100K

Assault92/100K

Burglary501/100K

Health

Obesity43.4%

Uninsured18.8%

Smoking21.6%

Depression25.8%

Heart Disease7.3%

Climate

Avg Temp56°F (14°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain45.2 in/yr

Sunny Days254/yr

Elevation1,010 ft (308 m)

Education

C+

Bachelor's+23.0%

High School+75.4%

Graduate+7.2%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute16 min

Broadband83.8%

EV Stations1

Is Carthage a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Carthage 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 an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Carthage has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Carthage is $50,849, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. The poverty rate of 27.8% 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 Carthage is $133,500, 53% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $897 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Violent crime in Carthage is below the national average at 190 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,849 per 100,000, 96% above the national average.

Education

23.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Carthage enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 254 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Carthage has a population of 15,513 with a density of 1,282 people per square mile, spread across 12.1 square miles. The median age is 31.0 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (76.9%), with 3.7% Hispanic, 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 70.8% of residents, while 29.2% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 81.2% have health insurance coverage.

Population

15,513

Total Population

1,282

People / sq mi

31.0yrs

Median Age

20% below US avg

12.1mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 46.3%

Female 53.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Carthage vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	70.8%
	10% below US avg
Spanish	29.2%
	118% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Carthage vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Carthage is $50,849, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,524 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 27.8% 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). 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Carthage vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$50,849
	32% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$21,524

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	1.2%
	67% below US avg
Poverty Rate	27.8%
	124% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	15.7 min
Drive Alone	74.1%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	8.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Carthage is $133,500, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,901, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $897 (23% 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 6,232 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. 35.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$133,500
	53% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$231,901
Median List Price	$199,900

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price	$199,900
$/Sq Ft	$140
Homes Sold	13
Sale-to-List Ratio	0.0%
Price Drops	23.3%
Inventory	43

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$897
	23% below US avg
Rent Burden	35.1%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	51.7%
Housing Units	6,232
Median Year Built	1971

Property Tax

In Carthage, 43.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 37.0% have high blood pressure. 21.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.3% report binge drinking. 39.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 18.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	43.4%
	35% above US avg
Diabetes	14.2%
Heart Disease	7.3%
High Blood Pressure	37.0%
Asthma	10.9%
COPD	10.1%
Cancer	6.9%
Stroke	4.0%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	21.6%
	54% above US avg
Binge Drinking	15.3%
Physical Inactivity	39.0%
Depression	25.8%
Mental Distress	20.5%
Physical Distress	17.7%
Short Sleep	42.8%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	81.2%
Uninsured	18.8%
	119% above US avg
Checkup Rate	75.1%
Dental Visits	46.8%

Food & Exercise

Carthage has a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 91.7 per 100,000, robbery at 56.4, rape at 42.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,849 per 100,000, 96% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,172, burglary at 501, vehicle theft at 176 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Carthage receives a safety grade of F.

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

Violent Crime

Total Violent	190.3/100K
	50% below US avg
Murder	0.0/100K
	100% below US avg
Rape	42.3/100K
Robbery	56.4/100K
Assault	91.7/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	3,849.1/100K
	96% above US avg
Burglary	500.5/100K
Theft	3,172.4/100K
Vehicle Theft	176.2/100K
Arson	21.2/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety Grade	F
Safety Score	1.0 / 5.0

Carthage enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 254 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 45.2 inches. The area receives 1.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,010 feet.

Temperature

31°F Jan (-0°C) 79°F Jul (26°C)

Annual Average	56.4°F
	4% above US avg
January Average	31°F (-0°C)
July Average	79°F (26°C)
Sunny Days	254 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	45.2 inches
	19% above US avg
Snowfall	1.8 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	1,010 ft (308 m)
Area	12.1 sq mi (31.3 km²)
Population Density	1,282/sq mi
Coordinates	37.1765°N, 94.3102°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	31°F (-0°C)	1.8 in	Coldest, Driest
February	37°F (3°C)	2.1 in
March	47°F (8°C)	3.7 in
April	56°F (14°C)	4.2 in
May	65°F (18°C)	5.0 in
June	74°F (23°C)	5.3 in	Wettest
July	79°F (26°C)	3.4 in	Warmest
August	78°F (25°C)	3.8 in
September	70°F (21°C)	5.2 in
October	59°F (15°C)	3.9 in
November	46°F (8°C)	4.0 in
December	36°F (2°C)	2.8 in

Carthage has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F — from 31°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.8").

23.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 32% below the national average of 33.7%. 75.4% have completed high school. 7.2% 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. 83.8% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 1 EV charging stations. 74.1% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	23.0%
	32% below US avg
High School+	75.4%
Graduate Degree+	7.2%
School Test Score	5.51

C+ Education Grade (2.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	1,282/sq mi
Total Area	12.1 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	83.8%
EV Charging Stations	1
Alt Fuel Stations	1

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	15.7 min
Drive Alone	74.1%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	8.1%

Frequently Asked Questions About Carthage

What is the population of Carthage?

Carthage has a population of 15,513 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,282 people per square mile, spread across 12.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.

Is Carthage expensive to live in?

Carthage 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 $50,849, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $133,500 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $897 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Carthage safe?

Carthage is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,849 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Carthage receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Carthage?

Carthage enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 254 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.2 inches, with 1.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Carthage?

The job market in Carthage is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Carthage?

The median home value in Carthage is $133,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,901. For renters, the median monthly rent is $897. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Carthage?

Schools in Carthage score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.0% of adults in Carthage hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.4% have completed high school. 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Carthage?

The obesity rate in Carthage is 43.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.6% of adults are smokers. 39.0% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 18.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Carthage?

The average commute in Carthage is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Carthage?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carthage is 76.9% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. 70.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 29.2% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 81.2% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Carterville, MO 1,978 pop · 7.5 mi Duenweg, MO 1,707 pop · 8.6 mi Webb City, MO 13,139 pop · 8.7 mi Oronogo, MO 2,685 pop · 8.8 mi Duquesne, MO 2,216 pop · 10.7 mi Joplin, MO 52,218 pop · 12.9 mi Sarcoxie, MO 1,344 pop · 13.0 mi Carl Junction, MO 8,257 pop · 14.1 mi Granby, MO 2,345 pop · 18.0 mi Galena, KS 2,752 pop · 19.2 mi Loma Linda, MO 1,070 pop · 19.9 mi Neosho, MO 12,857 pop · 21.5 mi Lamar, MO 4,290 pop · 22.1 mi Pierce City, MO 1,472 pop · 23.4 mi

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