Median Income
$49,167
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$119,600
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
235/100K
38% 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
Ownership57.6%
Zillow$271,135
Housing Units288
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
F
Violent235/100K
Property1,765/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault235/100K
Burglary235/100K
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%
EV Stations3
Is Fordland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fordland receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. 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 has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
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
Violent crime in Fordland is below the national average at 235 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,765 per 100,000, near 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
35.3yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
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
| Median HH Income | $49,167 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,619 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.7% |
| 51% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
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. 57.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). 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 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 Burden | 21.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.4% |
| Housing Units | 288 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
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
| Obesity | 42.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.8% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.9% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.6% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Short Sleep | 40.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 53.8% |
Food & Exercise
Fordland has a violent crime rate of 235 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 235.3 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 1,765 per 100,000, 10% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,412, burglary at 235, vehicle theft at 118 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Fordland receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fordland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 235.3/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 235.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,764.7/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
| Burglary | 235.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,411.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 117.7/100K |
| Arson | 235.3/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 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 Average | 55.0°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 257 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,604 ft (489 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 614/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.1576°N, 92.9407°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Waynesville-St Robert Regional Forney Field (TBN)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.7"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
21 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
133 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
126 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
124 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
87 km |
| Jun 27, 2000 |
15 km WSW of Marshall, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
93 km |
| Mar 18, 1990 |
9 km W of Alton, Missouri |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
87 km |
| Mar 12, 1990 |
9 km NNE of Briarcliff, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
108 km |
| Jul 3, 2014 |
6 km S of Yellville, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Nov 26, 1999 |
9 km NNE of Mountain Home, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
97 km |
| Feb 14, 2019 |
11 km WSW of Mountain View, Missouri |
M2.6 |
103 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
43 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
52 km |
| May 13, 2015 |
8 km E of Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
81 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
87 km |
| Jan 4, 2024 |
13 km E of South Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
84 km |
| May 2, 2001 |
10 km NW of Bakersfield, Missouri |
M2.5 |
90 km |
| Sep 2, 2013 |
10 km S of Koshkonong, Missouri |
M2.5 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
475 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 25 fatalities, 527 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
33 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF4 |
92 km |
2 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1954 |
EF4 |
66 km |
2 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
24 km |
3 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
83 km |
4 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
100 km |
3 |
| Mar 24, 1954 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2019 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,388 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,388 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,931 |
51 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,686 |
56 km |
| 2010 |
BRUSHY/CLAYTON |
6,401 |
50 km |
| 2020 |
BIG CREEK |
6,399 |
56 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
ROCK PILE |
5,067 |
84 km |
| 2006 |
BIG SPRING FIRE |
4,921 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
73 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
70 km |
| 2016 |
BIG CREEK |
4,031 |
59 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,665 |
86 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,538 |
86 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
67 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,492 |
74 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
83 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,135 |
74 km |
| 2012 |
KINFOLK RD |
2,883 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
Average costs for common services in Fordland. 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 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 safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 235 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,765 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fordland receives a safety grade of F 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. The homeownership rate is 57.6%.
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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