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
Ownership56.5%
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 5.7 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
35.4yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
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
| Median HH Income | $70,085 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,657 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.3% |
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. 56.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). 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 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 Sold | 17 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.3% |
| Price Drops | 15.4% |
| Inventory | 26 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $935 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.5% |
| Housing Units | 5,408 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
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.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-27)
PM2.5
12.2
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
12.6
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
7.0
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
2.2
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
167.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Festus vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.4% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 57.6% |
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 Violent | 513.3/100K |
| 35% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 25.3/100K |
| Robbery | 50.5/100K |
| Assault | 437.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,044.9/100K |
| 4% above US avg |
| Burglary | 311.4/100K |
| Theft | 1,607.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 126.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 238 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 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 Average | 55.3°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 265 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 430 ft (131 m) |
| Area | 5.7 sq mi (14.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,194/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.2206°N, 90.3960°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Farmington Regional (FAM) 29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
59 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
137 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
142 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
47 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
15 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
104 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| Dec 27, 1992 |
2 km E of Pocahontas, Missouri |
M3.2 |
105 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Mar 12, 2002 |
6 km S of Marble Hill, Missouri |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Jan 23, 1991 |
3 km WSW of Logan, Illinois |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Feb 28, 1994 |
5 km NW of Harrison, Illinois |
M3.0 |
99 km |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
6 km E of Grand Tower, Illinois |
M3.0 |
108 km |
| Mar 1, 2006 |
2 km N of Buncombe, Illinois |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
119 km |
| May 21, 2012 |
6 km SW of Williamsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
80 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
22 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
36 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
570 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 90 fatalities, 1,431 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
56 km |
4 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
69 km |
2 |
| Dec 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
88 km |
3 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
53 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
39 km |
21 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
99 km |
11 |
| Feb 24, 1956 |
EF4 |
52 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
67 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SMITH MILL HOLLOW (3,978 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
SMITH MILL HOLLOW |
3,978 |
61 km |
| 2021 |
COUNCIL BLUFF |
3,035 |
74 km |
| 2024 |
COUNCIL BLUFF WEST RX |
2,846 |
74 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,751 |
70 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,688 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
COUNCIL BLUFF LAKE |
2,651 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
BEAR PAW |
2,080 |
71 km |
| 2024 |
BEAR PAW RX |
2,067 |
71 km |
| 2004 |
CICERO CREEK |
1,846 |
58 km |
| 2021 |
BERRYMAN BLOCK B AND C |
1,728 |
66 km |
| 2015 |
CARTY |
1,674 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,586 |
70 km |
| 2010 |
DELBRIDGE SOUTH |
1,574 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,552 |
67 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,483 |
67 km |
| 2024 |
HARMON SPRING RX |
1,330 |
64 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
64 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,260 |
80 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
Average costs for common services in Festus. 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 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 5.7 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. The homeownership rate is 56.5%.
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.