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Festus, MO

Missouri

Festus is a small city in Missouri with a population of 12,965. Residents earn $70,085 per year, which is 7% below the national average.

3.2 /5.0
B Good
12,965 Population 2,194/sq mi density
$70,085 Median Income $29,657 per capita
$206,200 Home Value $294,002 Zillow
$935 Median Rent 20.7% income on rent
55°F Avg Temperature 265 sunny days/yr
513 Violent Crime/100K 2,045 property/100K
B
Overall
3.2 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.9 / 5.0
$70,085 median income, 3.7% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$206,200 home value, $935/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
513 violent crimes/100K (35% above avg)
C+
Education
2.7 / 5.0
21.6% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $70,085
7% lower than US avg
Home Value $206,200
27% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 513/100K
35% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 21.6%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent $935
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 41.4%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment 3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 9.9%
20% lower than US avg

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

People

Population12,965
Median Age35.4 yrs
Density2,194/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans8.7%

Economy

B+
Median Income$70,085
Per Capita$29,657
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty9.9%
Commute26 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$206,200
Rent$935
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$294,002
Housing Units5,408
Rent Burden20.7%

Crime

F
Violent513/100K
Property2,045/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault438/100K
Burglary311/100K

Health

Obesity41.4%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking18.2%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.9%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days265/yr
Elevation430 ft (131 m)

Education

C+
Bachelor's+21.6%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+8.9%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute26 min
Broadband85.6%
EV Stations7

Is Festus a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Festus receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Festus offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Festus is $70,085, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Festus is $206,200, 27% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $935 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

The violent crime rate of 513 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,045 per 100,000, near the national average.

Education

21.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Festus experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 265 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches, including 7.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Festus has a population of 12,965 with a density of 2,194 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age is 35.4 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (87.5%), with 3.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.4% have health insurance coverage.

Population

12,965
Total Population
2,194
People / sq mi
35.4yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
5.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.4%
Female 50.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Festus vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish1.4%
90% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Festus vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Festus is $70,085, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,657 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.9% 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 26 minutes. 9.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Festus vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$70,085
7% below US avg
Per Capita Income$29,657

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.7%
3% above US avg
Poverty Rate9.9%
20% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time26.1 min
Drive Alone83.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home9.3%

Walkability

The median home value in Festus is $206,200, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,002, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $935 (20% 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 5,408 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. 20.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$206,200
27% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$294,002
Median List Price$300,000

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$300,000
$/Sq Ft$208
Homes Sold17
Sale-to-List Ratio97.3%
Price Drops15.4%
Inventory26

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$935
20% below US avg
Rent Burden20.7%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied56.5%
Housing Units5,408
Median Year Built1981

Property Tax

In Festus, 41.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance.

Health Metrics: Festus vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity41.4%
29% above US avg
Diabetes10.3%
Heart Disease5.9%
High Blood Pressure32.9%
Asthma11.1%
COPD7.7%
Cancer7.5%
Stroke3.2%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking18.2%
30% above US avg
Binge Drinking16.9%
Physical Inactivity28.9%
Depression25.6%
Mental Distress19.5%
Physical Distress14.2%
Short Sleep38.0%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate91.4%
Uninsured9.0%
5% above US avg
Checkup Rate76.7%
Dental Visits57.6%

Food & Exercise

Festus has a violent crime rate of 513 per 100,000 residents, 35% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 437.6 per 100,000, robbery at 50.5, rape at 25.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,045 per 100,000, 4% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,607, burglary at 311, vehicle theft at 126 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Festus receives a safety grade of F.

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

Violent Crime

Total Violent513.3/100K
35% above US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape25.3/100K
Robbery50.5/100K
Assault437.6/100K

Property Crime

Total Property2,044.9/100K
4% above US avg
Burglary311.4/100K
Theft1,607.3/100K
Vehicle Theft126.2/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Festus experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 265 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. The area receives 7.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 430 feet.

Temperature

30°F Jan (-1°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average55.3°F
2% above US avg
January Average30°F (-1°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days265 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall39.2 inches
3% above US avg
Snowfall7.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation430 ft (131 m)
Area5.9 sq mi (15.3 km²)
Population Density2,194/sq mi
Coordinates38.2206°N, 90.3960°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 30°F (-1°C) 2.1 in Coldest, Driest
February 35°F (2°C) 2.2 in
March 45°F (7°C) 3.8 in
April 56°F (13°C) 3.7 in
May 65°F (18°C) 4.1 in Wettest
June 73°F (23°C) 3.4 in
July 78°F (26°C) 3.4 in Warmest
August 76°F (25°C) 3.4 in
September 69°F (20°C) 3.4 in
October 57°F (14°C) 2.8 in
November 45°F (7°C) 3.7 in
December 35°F (1°C) 3.3 in

Festus has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F — from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.1").

21.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 36% below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 8.9% 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. 85.6% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 7 EV charging stations. 83.2% 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+21.6%
36% below US avg
High School+88.0%
Graduate Degree+8.9%
School Test Score5.51
C+ Education Grade (2.7/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density2,194/sq mi
Total Area5.9 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access85.6%
EV Charging Stations7
Alt Fuel Stations8

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute26.1 min
Drive Alone83.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home9.3%

Frequently Asked Questions About Festus

What is the population of Festus?

Festus has a population of 12,965 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 2,194 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.

Is Festus expensive to live in?

Festus 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 $70,085, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $206,200 (27% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $935 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Festus safe?

The violent crime rate in Festus is 513 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,045 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Festus receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Festus?

Festus has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 265 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches, with 7.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Festus?

Festus has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 9.3% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Festus?

The median home value in Festus is $206,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,002. For renters, the median monthly rent is $935. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Festus?

Schools in Festus score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.6% of adults in Festus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Festus?

The obesity rate in Festus is 41.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance.

What is transportation like in Festus?

The average commute in Festus is 26 minutes. 83.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.3% work from home.

What are the demographics of Festus?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Festus is 87.5% White, 3.2% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Crystal City, MO 4,721 pop · 0.9 mi Herculaneum, MO 4,925 pop · 3.4 mi Pevely, MO 6,037 pop · 4.3 mi Valmeyer, IL 1,109 pop · 7.9 mi Barnhart, MO 6,036 pop · 8.5 mi Hillsboro, MO 3,483 pop · 9.1 mi De Soto, MO 6,452 pop · 10.3 mi Imperial, MO 5,617 pop · 10.4 mi Raintree Plantation, MO 2,006 pop · 11.4 mi Summer Set, MO 1,222 pop · 13.3 mi Arnold, MO 20,884 pop · 14.7 mi Waterloo, IL 11,055 pop · 15.6 mi Cedar Hill, MO 1,568 pop · 15.9 mi Bloomsdale, MO 1,123 pop · 17.5 mi
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