Choose Country

Fair Play, MO

Missouri

Fair Play is a small town in Missouri with a population of 470. Residents earn $37,125 per year, which is 51% below the national average.

2.4 /5.0
C Fair
470 Population 1,093/sq mi density
$37,125 Median Income $21,363 per capita
$73,800 Home Value $255,738 Zillow
$938 Median Rent 51.0% income on rent
56°F Avg Temperature 258 sunny days/yr
644 Violent Crime/100K 215 property/100K
C
Overall
2.4 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.1 / 5.0
$37,125 median income, 5.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$73,800 home value, $938/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
644 violent crimes/100K (69% above avg)
D
Education
1.6 / 5.0
6.9% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $37,125
51% lower than US avg
Home Value $73,800
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 644/100K
69% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 6.9%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent $938
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment 5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 35.0%
182% higher than US avg

How Fair Play Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population470
Median Age46.8 yrs
Density1,093/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans9.2%

Economy

C
Median Income$37,125
Per Capita$21,363
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty35.0%
Commute31 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$73,800
Rent$938
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$255,738
Housing Units294
Rent Burden51.0%

Crime

F
Violent644/100K
Property215/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault429/100K
Burglary215/100K

Health

Obesity40.6%
Uninsured11.4%
Smoking21.9%
Depression27.6%
Heart Disease7.0%

Climate

Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain43.0 in/yr
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation984 ft (300 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+6.9%
High School+83.7%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute31 min
Broadband55.2%
EV Stations1

Is Fair Play a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Fair Play receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Fair Play has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Fair Play is $37,125, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 35.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Fair Play is $73,800, 74% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $938 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

With 644 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 215 per 100,000, 89% below the national average.

Education

6.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Fair Play enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Fair Play has a population of 470 with a density of 1,093 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 46.8 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (98.3%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 33.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.2% have health insurance coverage.

Population

470
Total Population
1,093
People / sq mi
46.8yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
0.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 52.6%
Female 47.4%

Race & Ethnicity

Fair Play vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish2.0%
85% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Fair Play vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Fair Play is $37,125, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,363 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 35.0% 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 31 minutes. 1.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Fair Play vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$37,125
51% below US avg
Per Capita Income$21,363

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.0%
39% above US avg
Poverty Rate35.0%
182% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time31.0 min
Drive Alone86.9%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home1.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Fair Play is $73,800, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,738, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $938 (19% 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 294 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. 51.0% 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 2x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$73,800
74% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$255,738

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$938
19% below US avg
Rent Burden51.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied50.2%
Housing Units294
Median Year Built1969

Property Tax

In Fair Play, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 35.6% have high blood pressure. 21.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 34.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 11.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Fair Play vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity40.6%
26% above US avg
Diabetes11.9%
Heart Disease7.0%
High Blood Pressure35.6%
Asthma11.3%
COPD9.7%
Cancer7.4%
Stroke3.7%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking21.9%
56% above US avg
Binge Drinking17.4%
Physical Inactivity34.2%
Depression27.6%
Mental Distress20.9%
Physical Distress16.2%
Short Sleep41.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate86.2%
Uninsured11.4%
33% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.9%
Dental Visits49.6%

Food & Exercise

Fair Play has a violent crime rate of 644 per 100,000 residents, 69% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 429.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 214.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 215 per 100,000, 89% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 215, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Fair Play receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Fair Play vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent643.8/100K
69% above US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape214.6/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault429.2/100K

Property Crime

Total Property214.6/100K
89% below US avg
Burglary214.6/100K
Theft0.0/100K
Vehicle Theft0.0/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Fair Play enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.0 inches. The area receives 4.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 984 feet.

Temperature

30°F Jan (-1°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average55.6°F
3% above US avg
January Average30°F (-1°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days258 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall43.0 inches
13% above US avg
Snowfall4.3 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation984 ft (300 m)
Area0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²)
Population Density1,093/sq mi
Coordinates37.6300°N, 93.5733°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 30°F (-1°C) 1.7 in Coldest, Driest
February 36°F (2°C) 2.1 in
March 46°F (8°C) 3.6 in
April 55°F (13°C) 4.1 in
May 64°F (18°C) 4.9 in
June 73°F (23°C) 4.9 in Wettest
July 78°F (26°C) 3.3 in Warmest
August 77°F (25°C) 3.7 in
September 69°F (21°C) 4.7 in
October 58°F (14°C) 3.9 in
November 46°F (8°C) 3.5 in
December 36°F (2°C) 2.7 in

Fair Play has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F — from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (1.7").

6.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 80% below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. 2.2% 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. 55.2% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). The area has 1 EV charging stations. 86.9% 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+6.9%
80% below US avg
High School+83.7%
Graduate Degree+2.2%
School Test Score5.51
D Education Grade (1.6/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,093/sq mi
Total Area0.4 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access55.2%
EV Charging Stations1
Alt Fuel Stations1

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute31.0 min
Drive Alone86.9%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home1.1%

Frequently Asked Questions About Fair Play

What is the population of Fair Play?

Fair Play has a population of 470 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,093 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.

Is Fair Play expensive to live in?

Fair Play 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 $37,125, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,800 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $938 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.

Is Fair Play safe?

Public safety is a concern in Fair Play, with a violent crime rate of 644 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 215 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fair Play receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Fair Play?

Fair Play enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.0 inches, with 4.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Fair Play?

The unemployment rate in Fair Play is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 1.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Fair Play?

The median home value in Fair Play is $73,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,738. For renters, the median monthly rent is $938. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Fair Play?

Schools in Fair Play score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.9% of adults in Fair Play hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Fair Play?

The obesity rate in Fair Play is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.9% of adults are smokers. 34.2% are physically inactive. 27.6% of residents report depression. 11.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Fair Play?

The average commute in Fair Play is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Fair Play?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Fair Play is 98.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 33.6% of residents have a disability. 86.2% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Compare Fair Play with another city: