Median Income
$68,324
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$132,400
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
129/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$812
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
40% lower than US avg
How Holden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,936
Median Age45.1 yrs
Density803/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,324
Per Capita$30,165
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty7.5%
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$132,400
Rent$812
Ownership58.9%
Zillow$180,772
Housing Units954
Rent Burden20.5%
Crime
F
Violent129/100K
Property5,109/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault129/100K
Burglary1,030/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking17.7%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Sunny Days263/yr
Elevation860 ft (262 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute30 min
Broadband86.1%
EV Stations2
Is Holden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Holden receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Holden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Holden is $68,324, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Holden is $132,400, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $812 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Holden is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 129 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,109 per 100,000, 161% above the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Holden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 263 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Holden has a population of 1,936 with a density of 803 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (87.9%), with 3.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.1% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 83.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.1yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.1%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.9%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Holden is $68,324, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,165 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.5% 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 30 minutes. 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,324 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,165 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.5% |
| 40% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Holden is $132,400, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,772, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $812 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 954 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. 20.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $132,400 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $180,772 |
| Median List Price | $239,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $239,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $175 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 14 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $812 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.1% |
| Housing Units | 954 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
In Holden, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Holden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 59.6% |
Food & Exercise
Holden has a violent crime rate of 129 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 128.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 5,109 per 100,000, 161% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,864, burglary at 1,030, vehicle theft at 215 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Holden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Holden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 128.8/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 128.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,109.5/100K |
| 161% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,030.5/100K |
| Theft | 3,864.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 214.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Holden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 263 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 40.4 inches. The area receives 4.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 860 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.3°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 263 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 860 ft (262 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 803/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.7142°N, 93.9913°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sedalia Regional (DMO)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.88"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
8 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 |
28 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
110 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
104 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
140 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
75 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
45 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
480 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 328 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
83 km |
2 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
58 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
32 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,763 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,089 |
43 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,840 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
78 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,356 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,305 |
74 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,294 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,282 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,045 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
940 |
87 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
938 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
93 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
864 |
92 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
860 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
840 |
87 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
802 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
REYNOLDS HOLLOW |
728 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
SALT CREEK MARSH |
720 |
78 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
644 |
88 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
636 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Holden has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 27°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Holden. 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 Holden
What is the population of Holden?
Holden has a population of 1,936 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 803 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Holden expensive to live in?
Holden 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 $68,324, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $132,400 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $812 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Holden safe?
Holden is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 129 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,109 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Holden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Holden?
Holden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 263 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches, with 4.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Holden?
The job market in Holden is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Holden?
The median home value in Holden is $132,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,772. For renters, the median monthly rent is $812. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.9%.
How are the schools in Holden?
Schools in Holden score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Holden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Holden?
The obesity rate in Holden is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Holden?
The average commute in Holden is 30 minutes. 72.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Holden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Holden is 87.9% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino. 95.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.9% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 83.2% have health insurance coverage.
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