Median Income
$145,887
94% higher than US avg
Home Value
$336,000
19% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
49.7%
47% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Chain of Rocks Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population279
Median Age29.2 yrs
Density1,550/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$145,887
Per Capita$31,957
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$336,000
Ownership98.6%
Zillow$325,660
Housing Units72
Rent Burden27.9%
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured4.7%
Smoking17.9%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain39.8 in/yr
Elevation486 ft (148 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+49.7%
High School+92.2%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband98.6%
EV Stations4
Is Chain of Rocks a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chain of Rocks receives an overall livability score of 5.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Chain of Rocks stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chain of Rocks is $145,887, which is significantly higher than the national average / 94% above $75,149. This places Chain of Rocks among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chain of Rocks is $336,000, 19% above the national median. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 49.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Chain of Rocks enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches, including 14.8 inches of snow.
Chain of Rocks has a population of 279 with a density of 1,550 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 29.2 years, 25% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.4% female and 61.6% male. The city is predominantly White (98.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 4.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
279
Total Population
2023 Census
29.2yrs
Median Age
25% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Chain of Rocks vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Chain of Rocks vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Chain of Rocks is $145,887, which is 94% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,957 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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: Chain of Rocks vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $145,887 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,957 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 60.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.7% |
The median home value in Chain of Rocks is $336,000, 19% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $325,660. Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 98.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 72 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2001. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $336,000 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $325,660 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 98.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 98.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 1.4% |
| Housing Units | 72 |
| Median Year Built | 2001 |
Property Tax
In Chain of Rocks, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.0% report binge drinking. 27.9% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 4.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Chain of Rocks vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.9% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 4.7% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 59.1% |
Food & Exercise
Chain of Rocks enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches. The area receives 14.8 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 486 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 486 ft (148 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,550/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.9151°N, 90.8015°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Lambert International (STL)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.8"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Apr)
4.58"
Earthquake History
24 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
94 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
97 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
99 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
99 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
50 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
117 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
58 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
118 km |
| Jul 15, 1990 |
7 km SW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.7 |
115 km |
| Nov 12, 1996 |
15 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M2.7 |
108 km |
| Jul 22, 1998 |
12 km NE of Mine La Motte, Missouri |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
61 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
8 km NE of Bonne Terre, Missouri |
M2.6 |
108 km |
| Feb 3, 2014 |
18 km NW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.6 |
95 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
86 km |
| Jun 6, 2017 |
8 km ENE of Bonne Terre, Missouri |
M2.6 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
512 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 52 fatalities, 1,019 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
34 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
46 km |
21 |
| Feb 24, 1956 |
EF4 |
53 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
67 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CICERO CREEK (1,846 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
CICERO CREEK |
1,846 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
56°F (14°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Chain of Rocks has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.8 inches, with April being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Chain of Rocks. 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 Chain of Rocks
What is the population of Chain of Rocks?
Chain of Rocks has a population of 279 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,550 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.4% female and 61.6% male.
Is Chain of Rocks expensive to live in?
Chain of Rocks 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 $145,887, 94% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $336,000 (19% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Chain of Rocks?
Chain of Rocks enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 39.8 inches, with 14.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Chain of Rocks?
The job market in Chain of Rocks is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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 Chain of Rocks?
The median home value in Chain of Rocks is $336,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $325,660. The homeownership rate is 98.6%.
How are the schools in Chain of Rocks?
Schools in Chain of Rocks score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 49.7% of adults in Chain of Rocks hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chain of Rocks?
The obesity rate in Chain of Rocks is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 27.9% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 4.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
What is transportation like in Chain of Rocks?
The average commute in Chain of Rocks is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 60% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chain of Rocks?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chain of Rocks is 98.9% White. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.