Median Income
$31,159
59% lower than US avg
Home Value
$58,000
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
996/100K
162% higher 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
Ownership42.5%
Zillow$112,124
Housing Units1,493
Rent Burden29.0%
Crime
F
Violent996/100K
Property2,397/100K
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%
EV Stations1
Is East Prairie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, East Prairie receives an overall livability score of 2.5 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, a high uninsured rate. East Prairie has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
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.
Safety & Crime
With 996 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 2,397 per 100,000, 22% above the national average.
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
40.6yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
East Prairie vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
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.
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,159 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,643 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.6% |
| 147% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.4% |
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. 42.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). 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 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 Burden | 29.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 42.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 42.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 57.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,493 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
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
| Obesity | 48.1% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.5% |
| Heart Disease | 8.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.4% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 13.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.4% |
| 103% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 43.0% |
| Depression | 30.3% |
| Mental Distress | 23.6% |
| Physical Distress | 20.1% |
| Short Sleep | 43.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.9% |
| Uninsured | 14.6% |
| 70% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 39.5% |
Food & Exercise
East Prairie has a violent crime rate of 996 per 100,000 residents, 162% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,397 per 100,000, 22% above the U.S. average. Overall, East Prairie receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: East Prairie vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 996.0/100K |
| 162% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,397.0/100K |
| 22% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
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 Average | 58.1°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 247 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 312 ft (95 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,344/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7798°N, 89.3856°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Cairo Regional (CIR)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.9"
29% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
390 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
46 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
45 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
125 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
68 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
137 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
104 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
70 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
36 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
11 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
145 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
107 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
65 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
3 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
72 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
90 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
38 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
612 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 156 fatalities, 1,507 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
40 km |
57 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
63 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1971 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1968 |
EF4 |
98 km |
2 |
| Mar 4, 1964 |
EF4 |
84 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
76 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
90 km |
17 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
86 km |
2 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
57 km |
3 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
85 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,627 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
70 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
70 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
49 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
60 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
60 km |
| 2024 |
PINE HOLLOW RX |
1,038 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
BEAN RIDGE RX |
955 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
MILL CREEK RX |
898 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
DEAN EAST RX |
753 |
91 km |
| 2024 |
WOLF CREEK (OLIVE BR) RX |
691 |
47 km |
| 2021 |
CONDRO RX |
670 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
WOLF CREEK SOUTH RX |
648 |
47 km |
| 2021 |
WOLF HOLLOW RX |
636 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
WOLF HOLLOW RX |
619 |
95 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
578 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
CACHE RIVER-BOULDER SLOPE RX |
575 |
76 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
559 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
PINE HILLS RX |
542 |
84 km |
| 2024 |
CRAZY CHAIN RX |
538 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
SIMPSON RX |
535 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
Average costs for common services in East Prairie. 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 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.
Is East Prairie safe?
Public safety is a concern in East Prairie, with a violent crime rate of 996 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 2,397 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, East Prairie receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
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. The homeownership rate is 42.5%.
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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