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East Prairie, MO

Missouri

East Prairie is a small town in Missouri with a population of 2,930. Residents earn $31,159 per year, which is 59% below the national average.

3.0 /5.0
B Good
2,930 Population 2,344/sq mi density
$31,159 Median Income $19,643 per capita
$58,000 Home Value $112,124 Zillow
$825 Median Rent 29.0% income on rent
58°F Avg Temperature 247 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.0 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.4 / 5.0
$31,159 median income, 2.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$58,000 home value, $825/mo rent
D
Education
1.7 / 5.0
9.3% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $31,159
59% lower than US avg
Home Value $58,000
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 9.3%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent $825
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 48.1%
50% higher than US avg
Unemployment 2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 30.6%
147% higher than US avg

How East Prairie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population2,930
Median Age40.6 yrs
Density2,344/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans5.3%

Economy

C
Median Income$31,159
Per Capita$19,643
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty30.6%
Commute20 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$58,000
Rent$825
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$112,124
Housing Units1,493
Rent Burden29.0%

Health

Obesity48.1%
Uninsured14.6%
Smoking28.4%
Depression30.3%
Heart Disease8.4%

Climate

Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain48.9 in/yr
Sunny Days247/yr
Elevation312 ft (95 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+9.3%
High School+72.6%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute20 min
Broadband84.0%

Is East Prairie a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, East Prairie receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. East Prairie offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in East Prairie is $31,159, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. The poverty rate of 30.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in East Prairie is $58,000, 79% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

9.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

East Prairie 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 247 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 48.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

East Prairie has a population of 2,930 with a density of 2,344 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 40.6 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.1%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 43.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.9% have health insurance coverage.

Population

2,930
Total Population
2,344
People / sq mi
40.6yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
1.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50.5%
Female 49.5%

Race & Ethnicity

East Prairie vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish0.0%
100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

East Prairie vs U.S. Average

The median household income in East Prairie is $31,159, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,643 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 30.6% 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 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: East Prairie vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$31,159
59% below US avg
Per Capita Income$19,643

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.0%
44% below US avg
Poverty Rate30.6%
147% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time19.5 min
Drive Alone74.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home5.4%

Walkability

The median home value in East Prairie is $58,000, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,124, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $825 (29% 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 1,493 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. 29.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$58,000
79% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$112,124

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$825
29% below US avg
Rent Burden29.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied42.5%
Housing Units1,493
Median Year Built1972

Property Tax

In East Prairie, 48.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.4% of residents, above the national average. 39.4% have high blood pressure. 28.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.3% report binge drinking. 43.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.6% experience frequent mental distress. 14.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: East Prairie vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity48.1%
50% above US avg
Diabetes14.5%
Heart Disease8.4%
High Blood Pressure39.4%
Asthma12.5%
COPD13.4%
Cancer7.2%
Stroke4.7%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking28.4%
103% above US avg
Binge Drinking15.3%
Physical Inactivity43.0%
Depression30.3%
Mental Distress23.6%
Physical Distress20.1%
Short Sleep43.5%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate85.9%
Uninsured14.6%
70% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.6%
Dental Visits39.5%

Food & Exercise

East Prairie enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 247 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 48.9 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 312 feet.

Temperature

33°F Jan (1°C) 80°F Jul (27°C)
Annual Average58.1°F
8% above US avg
January Average33°F (1°C)
July Average80°F (27°C)
Sunny Days247 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall48.9 inches
29% above US avg
Snowfall3.2 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation312 ft (95 m)
Area1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²)
Population Density2,344/sq mi
Coordinates36.7798°N, 89.3856°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 33°F (1°C) 3.2 in Coldest, Driest
February 38°F (3°C) 3.7 in
March 48°F (9°C) 5.0 in
April 58°F (14°C) 4.8 in
May 67°F (20°C) 5.2 in Wettest
June 76°F (25°C) 3.9 in
July 80°F (27°C) 3.9 in Warmest
August 78°F (25°C) 3.4 in
September 71°F (22°C) 3.8 in
October 60°F (16°C) 3.2 in
November 49°F (9°C) 4.4 in
December 39°F (4°C) 4.6 in

East Prairie has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F — from 33°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (3.2").

9.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 72% below the national average of 33.7%. 72.6% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 84.0% of households have broadband internet access. 74.4% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+9.3%
72% below US avg
High School+72.6%
Graduate Degree+0.7%
School Test Score5.51
D Education Grade (1.7/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density2,344/sq mi
Total Area1.3 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access84.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute19.5 min
Drive Alone74.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home5.4%

Frequently Asked Questions About East Prairie

What is the population of East Prairie?

East Prairie has a population of 2,930 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 2,344 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.6 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.

Is East Prairie expensive to live in?

East Prairie 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 $31,159, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $58,000 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in East Prairie?

East Prairie enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 247 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 48.9 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 East Prairie?

The job market in East Prairie is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 5.4% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in East Prairie?

The median home value in East Prairie is $58,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,124. For renters, the median monthly rent is $825. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in East Prairie?

Schools in East Prairie score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.3% of adults in East Prairie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.6% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is East Prairie?

The obesity rate in East Prairie is 48.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.4% of adults are smokers. 43.0% are physically inactive. 30.3% of residents report depression. 14.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in East Prairie?

The average commute in East Prairie is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.4% work from home.

What are the demographics of East Prairie?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Prairie is 94.1% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 43.7% of residents have a disability. 85.9% have health insurance coverage.

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