Median Income
$50,849
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$133,500
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
257/100K
32% 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
Ownership51.7%
Zillow$231,901
Housing Units6,232
Rent Burden35.1%
Crime
F
Violent257/100K
Property3,410/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault142/100K
Burglary236/100K
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 257 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,410 per 100,000, 74% 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 11.7 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
31.0yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
70.8%
10% below US avg
Spanish
29.2%
118% above US avg
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
| 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 |
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% |
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. 51.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). 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 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
| Homeownership | 51.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.3% |
| 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).
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-23)
PM2.5
8.0
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
8.8
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.7
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.5
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
146.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
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 257 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 141.8 per 100,000, robbery at 13.5, rape at 101.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,410 per 100,000, 74% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,769, burglary at 236, vehicle theft at 405 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 | 256.6/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 101.3/100K |
| Robbery | 13.5/100K |
| Assault | 141.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,410.3/100K |
| 74% above US avg |
| Burglary | 236.4/100K |
| Theft | 2,768.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 405.2/100K |
| Arson | 6.8/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 43 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
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 |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,010 ft (308 m) |
| Area | 11.7 sq mi (30.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,282/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.1765°N, 94.3102°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN) 11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.2"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
92 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
94 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
648 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 227 fatalities, 2,295 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
29 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
76 km |
21 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
75 km |
4 |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
45 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
16 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
30 km |
7 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
58 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
48 km |
5 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
59 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,427 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
43 km |
| 2021 |
BRUSH CREEK |
2,814 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
ROUNDTPCOX |
2,248 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
EAST FORK |
2,134 |
82 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
80 km |
| 2024 |
EAST FORK RX |
1,956 |
82 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,956 |
78 km |
| 2013 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,888 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,867 |
78 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
96 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,523 |
58 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,356 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
52 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,280 |
58 km |
| 2021 |
21 TOUR ROAD NORTH |
1,203 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
HAYFIELD RECLAMATION RX07 |
1,152 |
84 km |
| 1996 |
ABOUT TIME |
1,074 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
94 km |
| 1984 |
RESIDENT |
1,048 |
38 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
953 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
Average costs for common services in Carthage. 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 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 11.7 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 257 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,410 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. The homeownership rate is 51.7%.
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.