Median Income
$68,629
9% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,042/100K
174% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.2%
13% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,169
1% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Fort Leonard Wood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population15,317
Median Age20.3 yrs
Density665/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Veterans10.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,629
Per Capita$21,876
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty3.1%
Commute10 min
Housing
A+
Rent$1,169
Ownership0.0%
Zillow$239,626
Housing Units2,611
Rent Burden19.9%
Crime
F
Violent1,042/100K
Property6,512/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured10.9%
Smoking15.8%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain42.7 in/yr
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation1,106 ft (337 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.2%
High School+98.9%
Graduate+12.4%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute10 min
Broadband92.7%
EV Stations2
Is Fort Leonard Wood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Leonard Wood receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Fort Leonard Wood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Leonard Wood is $68,629, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,169 per month.
Safety & Crime
With 1,042 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 6,512 per 100,000, 232% above the national average.
Education
29.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Leonard Wood enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 31°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 42.7 inches, including 5.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Fort Leonard Wood has a population of 15,317 with a density of 665 people per square mile, spread across 23.0 square miles. The median age is 20.3 years, 48% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.2% female and 60.8% male. The city is predominantly White (57.3%), with 3% Hispanic, 17.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 75.8% of residents, while 24.2% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
20.3yrs
Median Age
48% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Leonard Wood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
75.8%
3% below US avg
Spanish
24.2%
81% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Leonard Wood vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Leonard Wood is $68,629, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,876 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% 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 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.5% of workers work from home.
Income: Fort Leonard Wood vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,629 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,876 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 9.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 25.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 15.5% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,626. Monthly rent averages $1,169 (1% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 0.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,611 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,169 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 0.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.5% |
| Housing Units | 2,611 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
In Fort Leonard Wood, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 34.7% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 17.0% report binge drinking. 30.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.3% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-23)
PM2.5
4.7
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
5.0
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.4
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.5
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
175.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Fort Leonard Wood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.7% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.0% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 44.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 10.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 57.2% |
Food & Exercise
Fort Leonard Wood has a violent crime rate of 1,042 per 100,000 residents, 174% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,512 per 100,000, 232% above the U.S. average. Overall, Fort Leonard Wood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fort Leonard Wood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,041.9/100K |
| 174% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,511.6/100K |
| 232% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fort Leonard Wood enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 31°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 42.7 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 1,106 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.6°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 258 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,106 ft (337 m) |
| Area | 23.0 sq mi (59.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 665/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.7057°N, 92.1572°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Waynesville-St Robert Regional Forney Field (TBN) 3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.7"
12% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
26 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
118 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
125 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
113 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
56 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Mar 18, 1990 |
9 km W of Alton, Missouri |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Jun 27, 2025 |
12 km WSW of Grandin, Missouri |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
88 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
148 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Mar 12, 1990 |
9 km NNE of Briarcliff, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
150 km |
| Jul 15, 1990 |
7 km SW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.7 |
117 km |
| Nov 26, 1999 |
9 km NNE of Mountain Home, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
144 km |
| May 14, 2007 |
12 km NE of Alton, Missouri |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Oct 26, 1998 |
10 km NE of Van Buren, Missouri |
M2.7 |
129 km |
| Feb 14, 2019 |
11 km WSW of Mountain View, Missouri |
M2.6 |
90 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
8 km NE of Bonne Terre, Missouri |
M2.6 |
150 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
108 km |
| Feb 3, 2014 |
18 km NW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.6 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
353 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 291 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
97 km |
2 |
| Dec 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
3 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1954 |
EF4 |
43 km |
2 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
41 km |
2 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
63 km |
4 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
74 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 |
71 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
ROCK PILE |
5,067 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
BIG SPRING FIRE |
4,921 |
71 km |
| 2011 |
MINNINGHAW |
4,792 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
70 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
76 km |
| 2023 |
ELM SPRINGS RX |
4,378 |
21 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
58 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
64 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
11 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,665 |
31 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,538 |
71 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
58 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,492 |
70 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
58 km |
| 2021 |
KAINTUCK |
3,325 |
26 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,252 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,135 |
66 km |
| 2022 |
LITTLE CREEK |
3,004 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Fort Leonard Wood has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 31°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Fort Leonard Wood. 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 Fort Leonard Wood
What is the population of Fort Leonard Wood?
Fort Leonard Wood has a population of 15,317 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 665 people per square mile, spread across 23.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.2% female and 60.8% male.
Is Fort Leonard Wood expensive to live in?
Fort Leonard Wood 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 $68,629, 9% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,169 per month.
Is Fort Leonard Wood safe?
Public safety is a concern in Fort Leonard Wood, with a violent crime rate of 1,042 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 6,512 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fort Leonard Wood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fort Leonard Wood?
Fort Leonard Wood enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°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 42.7 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 Fort Leonard Wood?
The job market in Fort Leonard Wood is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 15.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Leonard Wood?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,169. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 0.0%.
How are the schools in Fort Leonard Wood?
Schools in Fort Leonard Wood score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.2% of adults in Fort Leonard Wood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.9% have completed high school. 12.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Leonard Wood?
The obesity rate in Fort Leonard Wood is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 30.0% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 10.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Fort Leonard Wood?
The average commute in Fort Leonard Wood is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 25.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Leonard Wood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Leonard Wood is 57.3% White, 17.4% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 75.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 24.2% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 8.0% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.