Median Income
$28,542
62% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,700
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
755/100K
99% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.2%
88% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$816
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.9%
133% higher than US avg
How Cobalt Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population318
Median Age37.5 yrs
Density2,120/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$28,542
Per Capita$17,721
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty28.9%
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,700
Rent$816
Ownership57.4%
Zillow$169,915
Housing Units117
Rent Burden42.1%
Crime
F
Violent755/100K
Property4,531/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking20.7%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain43.9 in/yr
Sunny Days256/yr
Elevation778 ft (237 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.2%
High School+84.3%
Graduate+1.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute17 min
Broadband80.3%
EV Stations2
Is Cobalt a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cobalt receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Cobalt has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cobalt is $28,542, 62% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. The poverty rate of 28.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cobalt is $76,700, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $816 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 755 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,531 per 100,000, 131% above the national average.
Education
4.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Cobalt experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 256 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.9 inches, including 8.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Cobalt has a population of 318 with a density of 2,120 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 37.5 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (84.9%), with 11.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.5yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Cobalt is $28,542, which is 62% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,721 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 28.9% 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 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $28,542 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,721 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.9% |
| 133% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Cobalt is $76,700, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,915, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $816 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 117 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. 42.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,700 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,915 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $816 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 42.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.6% |
| Housing Units | 117 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
In Cobalt, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 34.3% have high blood pressure. 20.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 32.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Cobalt vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.0% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 55.1% |
Food & Exercise
Cobalt has a violent crime rate of 755 per 100,000 residents, 99% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,531 per 100,000, 131% above the U.S. average. Overall, Cobalt receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cobalt vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 755.2/100K |
| 99% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,531.1/100K |
| 131% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cobalt experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 256 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.9 inches. The area receives 8.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 778 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.8°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 256 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 778 ft (237 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,120/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5461°N, 90.2873°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Farmington Regional (FAM)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.9"
16% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
234 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
74 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
116 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
99 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
136 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
149 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
80 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
139 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
107 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
133 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
118 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
133 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
91 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
121 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Sep 9, 2016 |
9 km NW of Tiptonville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Sep 26, 1994 |
4 km ENE of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
62 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
523 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 55 fatalities, 739 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
32 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2002 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
31 km |
4 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
84 km |
2 |
| Dec 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
76 km |
3 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
73 km |
11 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
40 km |
2 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2002 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: STEGALL MOUNTAIN (6,979 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
STEGALL MOUNTAIN |
6,979 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
15 STEGAL MOUNTAIN |
5,112 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
MINNINGHAW |
4,792 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
STEGAL MTN. COMPLEX |
4,717 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
75 km |
| 2022 |
SMITH MILL HOLLOW |
3,978 |
78 km |
| 1999 |
STEGALL99 |
3,415 |
96 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,313 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,252 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
78 km |
| 2021 |
COUNCIL BLUFF |
3,035 |
60 km |
| 2022 |
LITTLE CREEK |
3,004 |
94 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,963 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
HODGE HOLLOW |
2,922 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
COUNCIL BLUFF WEST RX |
2,846 |
60 km |
| 2004 |
04 RX CAMPBELL/BEAVER |
2,772 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,751 |
65 km |
| 2005 |
MCKENZIE HILL |
2,722 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Cobalt has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 30°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Cobalt. 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 Cobalt
What is the population of Cobalt?
Cobalt has a population of 318 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 2,120 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.5 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Cobalt expensive to live in?
Cobalt 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 $28,542, 62% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,700 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $816 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cobalt safe?
Public safety is a concern in Cobalt, with a violent crime rate of 755 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,531 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cobalt receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cobalt?
Cobalt 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 77°F in July. The area receives 256 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.9 inches, with 8.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Cobalt?
The job market in Cobalt is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cobalt?
The median home value in Cobalt is $76,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,915. For renters, the median monthly rent is $816. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.4%.
How are the schools in Cobalt?
Schools in Cobalt score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.2% of adults in Cobalt hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cobalt?
The obesity rate in Cobalt is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.7% of adults are smokers. 32.0% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 10.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Cobalt?
The average commute in Cobalt is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cobalt?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cobalt is 84.9% White, 11.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 29.4% of residents have a disability. 82.2% have health insurance coverage.
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