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Fordland, MO

Missouri

Fordland is a small town in Missouri with a population of 681. Residents earn $49,167 per year, which is 35% below the national average.

3.0 /5.0
B Good
681 Population 614/sq mi density
$49,167 Median Income $22,619 per capita
$119,600 Home Value $271,135 Zillow
$719 Median Rent 21.3% income on rent
55°F Avg Temperature 257 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.0 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.2 / 5.0
$49,167 median income, 2.6% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$119,600 home value, $719/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
0 violent crimes/100K (100% below avg)
F
Education
1.5 / 5.0
5.8% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $49,167
35% lower than US avg
Home Value $119,600
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 5.8%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent $719
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 42.8%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment 2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 18.7%
51% higher than US avg

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

People

Population681
Median Age35.3 yrs
Density614/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans10.3%

Economy

B
Median Income$49,167
Per Capita$22,619
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty18.7%
Commute27 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$119,600
Rent$719
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$271,135
Housing Units288
Rent Burden21.3%

Crime

C+
Violent0/100K
Property874/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary499/100K

Health

Obesity42.8%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking21.9%
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease6.7%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain43.7 in/yr
Sunny Days257/yr
Elevation1,604 ft (489 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+5.8%
High School+87.3%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute27 min
Broadband82.1%

Is Fordland a Good Place to Live?

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

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Fordland is $49,167, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. The poverty rate of 18.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Fordland is $119,600, 58% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Fordland is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 874 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.

Education

5.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Fordland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 257 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.7 inches, including 5.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Fordland has a population of 681 with a density of 614 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 35.3 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (98.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.4% have health insurance coverage.

Population

681
Total Population
614
People / sq mi
35.3yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
1.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.5%
Female 50.5%

Race & Ethnicity

Fordland vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish1.3%
90% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Fordland vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Fordland is $49,167, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,619 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.7% 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 27 minutes. 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Fordland vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$49,167
35% below US avg
Per Capita Income$22,619

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.6%
28% below US avg
Poverty Rate18.7%
51% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time26.7 min
Drive Alone72.7%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home5.7%

Walkability

The median home value in Fordland is $119,600, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,135, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $719 (38% 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 288 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. 21.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$119,600
58% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$271,135

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$719
38% below US avg
Rent Burden21.3%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied57.6%
Housing Units288
Median Year Built1974

Property Tax

In Fordland, 42.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 34.8% have high blood pressure. 21.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 32.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity42.8%
33% above US avg
Diabetes11.2%
Heart Disease6.7%
High Blood Pressure34.8%
Asthma11.4%
COPD9.4%
Cancer7.3%
Stroke3.6%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking21.9%
56% above US avg
Binge Drinking17.3%
Physical Inactivity32.6%
Depression28.2%
Mental Distress21.4%
Physical Distress16.3%
Short Sleep40.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate89.4%
Uninsured10.6%
23% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.3%
Dental Visits53.8%

Food & Exercise

Fordland has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 874 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 375, burglary at 499, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Fordland receives a safety grade of C+.

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

Violent Crime

Total Violent0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape0.0/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault0.0/100K

Property Crime

Total Property873.9/100K
55% below US avg
Burglary499.4/100K
Theft374.5/100K
Vehicle Theft0.0/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
Fordland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 257 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.7 inches. The area receives 5.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,604 feet.

Temperature

31°F Jan (-1°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)
Annual Average55.0°F
2% above US avg
January Average31°F (-1°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days257 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall43.7 inches
15% above US avg
Snowfall5.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,604 ft (489 m)
Area1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²)
Population Density614/sq mi
Coordinates37.1576°N, 92.9407°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 31°F (-1°C) 1.9 in Coldest, Driest
February 36°F (2°C) 2.2 in
March 46°F (8°C) 4.0 in
April 55°F (13°C) 4.1 in
May 63°F (17°C) 4.8 in Wettest
June 71°F (22°C) 4.3 in
July 77°F (25°C) 3.5 in Warmest
August 75°F (24°C) 3.5 in
September 68°F (20°C) 4.5 in
October 57°F (14°C) 3.9 in
November 45°F (7°C) 3.8 in
December 35°F (2°C) 3.2 in

Fordland has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F — from 31°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (1.9").

5.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 83% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. 1.6% 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. 82.1% of households have broadband internet access. 72.7% 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+5.8%
83% below US avg
High School+87.3%
Graduate Degree+1.6%
School Test Score5.51
F Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density614/sq mi
Total Area1.1 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access82.1%
Alt Fuel Stations1

Safety & Disasters

C+ Safety Grade (2.5/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute26.7 min
Drive Alone72.7%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home5.7%

Frequently Asked Questions About Fordland

What is the population of Fordland?

Fordland has a population of 681 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 614 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.

Is Fordland expensive to live in?

Fordland 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 $49,167, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $119,600 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Fordland safe?

Fordland is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 874 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fordland receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Fordland?

Fordland has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 257 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.7 inches, with 5.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Fordland?

The job market in Fordland is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Fordland?

The median home value in Fordland is $119,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,135. For renters, the median monthly rent is $719. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Fordland?

Schools in Fordland score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.8% of adults in Fordland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Fordland?

The obesity rate in Fordland is 42.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.9% of adults are smokers. 32.6% are physically inactive. 28.2% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Fordland?

The average commute in Fordland is 27 minutes. 72.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.

What are the demographics of Fordland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Fordland is 98.2% White. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.

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