Median Income
$58,125
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$115,000
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.1%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$728
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.8%
200% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.9%
77% lower than US avg
How Cosby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population170
Median Age27.3 yrs
Density1,889/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$58,125
Per Capita$22,728
Unemployment10.8%
Poverty2.9%
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$115,000
Rent$728
Ownership80.0%
Zillow$365,230
Housing Units73
Rent Burden32.8%
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking14.6%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Elevation958 ft (292 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute24 min
Broadband81.7%
EV Stations1
Is Cosby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cosby receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Cosby offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cosby is $58,125, 23% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.8%, unemployment is notably high. Only 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cosby is $115,000, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $728 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Cosby experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches, including 17.9 inches of snow.
Cosby has a population of 170 with a density of 1,889 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 27.3 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.1%), with 5.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 89.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
170
Total Population
2023 Census
27.3yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Cosby is $58,125, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,728 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 10.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.9% 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 24 minutes. 21.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,125 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,728 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.8% |
| 200% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.9% |
| 77% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 21.3% |
The median home value in Cosby is $115,000, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $365,230, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $728 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 73 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. 32.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $115,000 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $365,230 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $728 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.0% |
| Housing Units | 73 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
In Cosby, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Cosby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.8% |
Food & Exercise
Cosby experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. The area receives 17.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 958 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.4°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 958 ft (292 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,889/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8642°N, 94.6783°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kansas City International (MCI)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.22"
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
113 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
72 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
75 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
85 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
97 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
114 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
529 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 357 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
37 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
89 km |
2 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
83 km |
3 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI (964 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
56 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
79 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
56 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
57 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
56 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
55 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Cosby has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Cosby. 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 Cosby
What is the population of Cosby?
Cosby has a population of 170 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,889 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is Cosby expensive to live in?
Cosby 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 $58,125, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $115,000 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $728 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Cosby?
Cosby has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches, with 17.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Cosby?
The job market in Cosby faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 21.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cosby?
The median home value in Cosby is $115,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $365,230. For renters, the median monthly rent is $728. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.0%.
How are the schools in Cosby?
Schools in Cosby score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.1% of adults in Cosby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cosby?
The obesity rate in Cosby is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Cosby?
The average commute in Cosby is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 21.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cosby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cosby is 94.1% White, 5.9% Black or African American. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 89.0% have health insurance coverage.