Median Income
$50,313
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,000
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
602/100K
58% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.4%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$660
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How Hale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population535
Median Age42.5 yrs
Density973/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,313
Per Capita$27,882
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty6.7%
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,000
Rent$660
Ownership74.7%
Zillow$233,691
Housing Units251
Rent Burden27.7%
Crime
F
Violent602/100K
Property1,083/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking19.9%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days267/yr
Elevation771 ft (235 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.4%
High School+87.5%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute28 min
Broadband78.1%
EV Stations2
Is Hale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hale receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Hale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hale is $50,313, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hale is $76,000, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $660 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 602 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 1,083 per 100,000, 45% below the national average.
Education
13.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Hale experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 267 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Hale has a population of 535 with a density of 973 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 42.5 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.8% female and 49.2% male. The city is predominantly White (91.2%), with 6.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 19.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.5yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Hale is $50,313, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,882 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.7% 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 28 minutes. 9.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,313 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,882 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.9% |
The median home value in Hale is $76,000, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,691, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $660 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 251 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,000 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $233,691 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $660 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.3% |
| Housing Units | 251 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
In Hale, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 19.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.8% report binge drinking. 31.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Hale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.9% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.8% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 39.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 57.0% |
Food & Exercise
Hale has a violent crime rate of 602 per 100,000 residents, 58% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,083 per 100,000, 45% below the U.S. average. Overall, Hale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 601.7/100K |
| 58% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,083.0/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hale experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 267 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. The area receives 4.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 771 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.0°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 267 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 771 ft (235 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 973/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6036°N, 93.3424°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kirksville Regional (IRK)
54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
130 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
4 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
353 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 141 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
84 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
58 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
81 km |
4 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HIGHWAY E (897 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Hale has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Hale. 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 Hale
What is the population of Hale?
Hale has a population of 535 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 973 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
Is Hale expensive to live in?
Hale 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 $50,313, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,000 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $660 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hale safe?
Public safety is a concern in Hale, with a violent crime rate of 602 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 1,083 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hale?
Hale has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 267 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches, with 4.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Hale?
The job market in Hale is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 9.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hale?
The median home value in Hale is $76,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,691. For renters, the median monthly rent is $660. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.7%.
How are the schools in Hale?
Schools in Hale score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.4% of adults in Hale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hale?
The obesity rate in Hale is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.9% of adults are smokers. 31.8% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Hale?
The average commute in Hale is 28 minutes. 84.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hale is 91.2% White, 6.9% Black or African American. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 19.2% of residents have a disability. 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
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