Median Income
$44,091
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$208,000
26% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
347/100K
9% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.0%
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.1%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
1% higher than US avg
How Golden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population277
Median Age58.7 yrs
Density52/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$44,091
Per Capita$56,194
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty12.5%
Commute27 min
Housing
A
Home Value$208,000
Ownership69.6%
Zillow$296,559
Housing Units284
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent347/100K
Property1,950/100K
Health
Obesity31.1%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking15.9%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain43.6 in/yr
Sunny Days257/yr
Elevation1,165 ft (355 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.0%
High School+77.6%
Graduate+25.3%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute27 min
Broadband78.9%
EV Stations1
Is Golden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Golden receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Golden has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Golden is $44,091, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 12.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Golden is $208,000, 26% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 4.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Golden is below the national average at 347 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,950 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
26.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Golden enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 257 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Golden has a population of 277 with a density of 52 people per square mile, spread across 5.7 square miles. The median age is 58.7 years, 51% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.2% female and 40.8% male. The city is predominantly White (81.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.7yrs
Median Age
51% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Golden is $44,091, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $56,194 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.5% 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 27 minutes. 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,091 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $56,194 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Golden is $208,000, 26% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,559, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 284 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $208,000 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $296,559 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.4% |
| Housing Units | 284 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
In Golden, 31.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 17.2% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 21.5% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Golden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.1% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 66.8% |
| Dental Visits | 53.0% |
Food & Exercise
Golden has a violent crime rate of 347 per 100,000 residents, 9% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,950 per 100,000, 1% below the U.S. average. Overall, Golden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Golden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 346.6/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,949.7/100K |
| 1% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Golden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 257 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.6 inches. The area receives 2.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,165 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.1°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 257 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,165 ft (355 m) |
| Area | 5.7 sq mi (14.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 52/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5246°N, 93.6540°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Northwest Arkansas Ntl (XNA)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.6"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
62 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| Jun 27, 2000 |
15 km WSW of Marshall, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
109 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
61 km |
| Mar 12, 1990 |
9 km NNE of Briarcliff, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Apr 3, 2013 |
10 km WSW of Clinton, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Jul 28, 2016 |
4 km ENE of Dover, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Nov 26, 1999 |
9 km NNE of Mountain Home, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
117 km |
| Jan 7, 2009 |
10 km WSW of Clinton, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
144 km |
| Jul 3, 2014 |
6 km S of Yellville, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
96 km |
| Sep 5, 2013 |
17 km W of Dennard, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
122 km |
| Jul 22, 2017 |
14 km SW of Mountain View, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
150 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
62 km |
| Mar 10, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
116 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
133 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| May 13, 2015 |
8 km E of Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
76 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
61 km |
| Jan 4, 2024 |
13 km E of South Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
81 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
510 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 41 fatalities, 689 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
71 km |
2 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
89 km |
3 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
66 km |
4 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
95 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
66 km |
7 |
| Apr 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Nov 18, 1985 |
EF3 |
96 km |
3 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Dec 14, 1971 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 1970 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (14,993 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
14,993 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
14,774 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
9,368 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
7,919 |
88 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,804 |
88 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
7,415 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
7,344 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,931 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,686 |
77 km |
| 2010 |
BRUSHY/CLAYTON |
6,401 |
78 km |
| 2020 |
BIG CREEK |
6,399 |
77 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
6,354 |
96 km |
| 2010 |
SPUD ROCK CENTRAL |
6,117 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
LITTLE PINEY |
5,782 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,537 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
5,504 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,900 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,818 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,724 |
91 km |
| 2010 |
SARAH HOLLOW RX |
4,700 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
47°F (9°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
38°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Golden has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 34°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Golden. 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
What is the population of Golden?
Golden has a population of 277 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 52 people per square mile, spread across 5.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.2% female and 40.8% male.
Is Golden expensive to live in?
Golden 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 $44,091, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $208,000 (26% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Golden safe?
Golden is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 347 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,950 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Golden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Golden?
Golden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 257 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.6 inches, with 2.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Golden?
The job market in Golden is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Golden?
The median home value in Golden is $208,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,559. The homeownership rate is 69.6%.
How are the schools in Golden?
Schools in Golden score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.0% of adults in Golden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.6% have completed high school. 25.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Golden?
The obesity rate in Golden is 31.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Golden?
The average commute in Golden is 27 minutes. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Golden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Golden is 81.2% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
