Home Value
$31,300
89% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
180/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.3%
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.5%
219% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
54.2%
337% higher than US avg
How Hepler Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population118
Median Age17.3 yrs
Density118/mi²
Male / Female37% / 63%
Largest GroupWhite 49%
Veterans55.0%
Economy
Per Capita$11,511
Unemployment11.5%
Poverty54.2%
County GDP$2,158M
Commute23 min
Housing
Home Value$31,300
Ownership93.9%
Zillow$216,158
Housing Units52
Rent Burden30.5%
Crime
F
Violent180/100K
Property1,621/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured12.7%
Smoking17.3%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation998 ft (304 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.3%
High School+74.1%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score5.65
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute23 min
Broadband33.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Hepler a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hepler receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Hepler faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 11.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 54.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hepler is $31,300, 89% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hepler is below the national average at 180 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,621 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
9.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Hepler enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches, including 6.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Hepler has a population of 118 with a density of 118 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 17.3 years, 56% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 62.7% female and 37.3% male. The city is predominantly White (49.2%), with 15.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 55.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 74.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
17.3yrs
Median Age
56% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $11,511 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $869, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 54.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,084 business establishments, including 101 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $11,511 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $869 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,070 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.5% |
| 219% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 54.2% |
| 337% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,084 |
| County GDP | $2,158M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 101 |
| Healthcare | 133 |
| Retail | 137 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 13.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Hepler is $31,300, 89% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,158, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 52 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $31,300 |
| 89% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $216,158 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.1% |
| Housing Units | 52 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 13.74% |
In Hepler, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.5% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 12.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,504. The dentist ratio is 1:1,776. 75.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hepler vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 74.8% |
| Uninsured | 12.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,504 |
| Dentists | 1:1,776 |
| Mental Health | 1:352 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 56.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,703/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 133 |
Hepler has a violent crime rate of 180 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,621 per 100,000, 17% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hepler receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hepler vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 180.1/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,621.0/100K |
| 17% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hepler enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 305 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 45.6 inches. The area receives 6.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 998 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.6°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 998 ft (304 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 118/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6634°N, 94.9700°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crawford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.6"
20% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.55"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Jan 14, 2016.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
512 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 259 fatalities, 2,186 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
76 km |
158 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
99 km |
44 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
75 km |
21 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
29 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
99 km |
3 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
59 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
76 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
65 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
41 km |
5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
15 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (20,760 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
20,760 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
95 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
13,265 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
8,678 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
92 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
88 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
17 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,823 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
VOLZ FIRE |
1,662 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
69 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
16 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
15 km |
| 1984 |
RESIDENT |
1,048 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
802 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
56°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Hepler has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 32°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.6") and January the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Hepler. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hepler
What is the population of Hepler?
Hepler has a population of 118 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 118 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 17.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 62.7% female and 37.3% male.
Is Hepler expensive to live in?
Hepler is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $31,300 (89% below the U.S. median).
Is Hepler safe?
Hepler is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 180 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,621 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hepler receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hepler?
Hepler enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.6 inches, with 6.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Hepler?
The job market in Hepler faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $869. There are 1,084 business establishments in the area, including 101 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hepler?
The median home value in Hepler is $31,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,158. The homeownership rate is 93.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,300.
How are the schools in Hepler?
Schools in Hepler score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.3% of adults in Hepler hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.1% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hepler?
The obesity rate in Hepler is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 12.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 75.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,504.
What is transportation like in Hepler?
The average commute in Hepler is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hepler?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hepler is 49.2% White, 15.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 55.0% of the population are military veterans. 21.6% of residents have a disability. 74.8% have health insurance coverage.
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