Median Income
$47,647
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$132,700
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
101/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.1%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$717
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.2%
15% higher than US avg
How Dexter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,906
Median Age38.0 yrs
Density1,097/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans13.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$47,647
Per Capita$23,357
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty14.2%
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$132,700
Rent$717
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$159,666
Housing Units3,954
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
F
Violent101/100K
Property3,294/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault101/100K
Burglary516/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured11.5%
Smoking22.9%
Depression28.4%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain48.2 in/yr
Sunny Days248/yr
Elevation384 ft (117 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.1%
High School+87.5%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute21 min
Broadband83.5%
EV Stations3
Is Dexter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dexter receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Dexter offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dexter is $47,647, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. 14.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dexter is $132,700, 53% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $717 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Dexter is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 101 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,294 per 100,000, 68% above the national average.
Education
17.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Dexter enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 248 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Dexter has a population of 7,906 with a density of 1,097 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 square miles. The median age is 38.0 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93.2%), with 2.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 13.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.0yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 99.4% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.6% |
| 96% below US avg |
The median household income in Dexter is $47,647, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,357 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,647 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,357 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.2% |
| 15% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Dexter is $132,700, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,666, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $717 (38% 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 3,954 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $132,700 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $159,666 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $717 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Owner-Occupied | 56.4% |
| Housing Units | 3,954 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
In Dexter, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 22.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.7% report binge drinking. 34.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 11.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Dexter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.3% |
| Depression | 28.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 41.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 11.5% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 49.3% |
Food & Exercise
Dexter has a violent crime rate of 101 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 100.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,294 per 100,000, 68% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,641, burglary at 516, vehicle theft at 138 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Dexter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dexter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 100.6/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 100.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,294.4/100K |
| 68% above US avg |
| Burglary | 515.5/100K |
| Theft | 2,640.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 138.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dexter enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 248 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 384 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.6°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 248 days/yr |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 48.2 inches |
| 27% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 3.2 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 384 ft (117 m) |
| Area | 7.2 sq mi (18.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,097/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7959°N, 89.9579°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Dexter has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F — from 33°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.2") and October the driest (3.0").
Frequently Asked Questions About Dexter
What is the population of Dexter?
Dexter has a population of 7,906 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,097 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.0 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is Dexter expensive to live in?
Dexter 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 $47,647, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $132,700 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $717 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dexter safe?
Dexter is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 101 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,294 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dexter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dexter?
Dexter enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 248 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 48.2 inches, with 3.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Dexter?
The job market in Dexter is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dexter?
The median home value in Dexter is $132,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,666. For renters, the median monthly rent is $717. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How are the schools in Dexter?
Schools in Dexter score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.1% of adults in Dexter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dexter?
The obesity rate in Dexter is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.9% of adults are smokers. 34.3% are physically inactive. 28.4% of residents report depression. 11.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Dexter?
The average commute in Dexter is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dexter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dexter is 93.2% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 13.2% of the population are military veterans. 22.9% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.