Median Income
$38,500
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$81,700
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$707
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.2%
15% higher than US avg
How Golden City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population644
Median Age49.6 yrs
Density619/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$38,500
Per Capita$25,294
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty14.2%
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$81,700
Rent$707
Ownership67.6%
Zillow$164,170
Housing Units365
Rent Burden25.4%
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking24.0%
Depression27.6%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain47.3 in/yr
Elevation1,063 ft (324 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+90.3%
Graduate+7.2%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband77.4%
EV Stations1
Is Golden City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Golden City receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Golden City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Golden City is $38,500, 49% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Golden City is $81,700, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $707 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Golden City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.3 inches, including 12.8 inches of snow.
Golden City has a population of 644 with a density of 619 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 49.6 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (91.9%), with 3.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 26.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
644
Total Population
2023 Census
49.6yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Golden City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Golden City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Golden City is $38,500, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,294 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Golden City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,500 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,294 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.2% |
| 15% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
The median home value in Golden City is $81,700, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,170, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $707 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 365 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. 25.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $81,700 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,170 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $707 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.4% |
| Housing Units | 365 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
In Golden City, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 36.5% have high blood pressure. 24.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.1% report binge drinking. 35.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Golden City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.5% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 10.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.0% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.5% |
| Depression | 27.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 17.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 48.8% |
Food & Exercise
Golden City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 12.8 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,063 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.3°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,063 ft (324 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 619/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3931°N, 94.0938°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.3"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
6.24"
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
150 km |
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
118 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
112 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
145 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
131 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
149 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
580 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 208 fatalities, 1,834 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
58 km |
158 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
89 km |
4 |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
78 km |
2 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
76 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
16 km |
3 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
83 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
42 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
53 km |
7 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
64 km |
2 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,427 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
EAST FORK |
2,134 |
91 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
EAST FORK RX |
1,956 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,956 |
89 km |
| 2013 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,888 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,867 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
97 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,523 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,356 |
59 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
24 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,305 |
77 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,280 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
96 km |
| 1984 |
RESIDENT |
1,048 |
68 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,045 |
100 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
953 |
92 km |
| 2022 |
BEAN HOLLOW |
952 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
BEAN HOLLOW RX |
926 |
92 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
912 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Golden City has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 33°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.2") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Golden City. 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 Golden City
What is the population of Golden City?
Golden City has a population of 644 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 619 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Golden City expensive to live in?
Golden City 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 $38,500, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,700 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $707 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Golden City?
Golden City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 47.3 inches, with 12.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Golden City?
Golden City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 7.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Golden City?
The median home value in Golden City is $81,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,170. For renters, the median monthly rent is $707. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.6%.
How are the schools in Golden City?
Schools in Golden City score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.2% of adults in Golden City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Golden City?
The obesity rate in Golden City is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.0% of adults are smokers. 35.5% are physically inactive. 27.6% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Golden City?
The average commute in Golden City is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Golden City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Golden City is 91.9% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 26.9% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.