Imperial, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $87,949

17% higher than US avg

Home Value $221,900

21% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 19.3%

43% lower than US avg

Median Rent $1,255

8% higher than US avg

Obesity Rate 39.8%

24% higher than US avg

Unemployment 3.4%

6% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 5.1%

59% lower than US avg

How Imperial Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population5,617

Median Age37.5 yrs

Density1,072/mi²

Male / Female52% / 48%

Largest GroupWhite 90%

Veterans5.3%

Economy

A+

Median Income$87,949

Per Capita$33,886

Unemployment3.4%

Poverty5.1%

Commute27 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$221,900

Rent$1,255

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$319,898

Housing Units2,034

Rent Burden36.3%

Health

Obesity39.8%

Uninsured8.2%

Smoking16.7%

Depression24.8%

Heart Disease5.7%

Climate

Avg Temp58°F (15°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain45.6 in/yr

Sunny Days293/yr

Elevation446 ft (136 m)

Education

C+

Bachelor's+19.3%

High School+93.4%

Graduate+5.3%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute27 min

Broadband95.2%

Is Imperial a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Imperial receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Imperial stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Imperial is $87,949, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Imperial is $221,900, 21% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,255 per month. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Imperial enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches, including 7.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Imperial has a population of 5,617 with a density of 1,072 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age is 37.5 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%), with 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.

Population

5,617

Total Population

1,072

People / sq mi

37.5yrs

Median Age

4% below US avg

5.2mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 52.3%

Female 47.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Imperial vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	95.2%
	21% above US avg
Spanish	4.8%
	64% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Imperial vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Imperial is $87,949, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,886 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.1% 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 27 minutes. 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Imperial vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$87,949
	17% above US avg
Per Capita Income	$33,886

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	3.4%
	6% below US avg
Poverty Rate	5.1%
	59% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	27.1 min
Drive Alone	85.7%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	7.7%

Walkability

The median home value in Imperial is $221,900, 21% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,898, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.3% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,255 (8% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 2,034 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. 36.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$221,900
	21% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$319,898
Median List Price	$375,000

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price	$375,000
$/Sq Ft	$198
Homes Sold	4
Sale-to-List Ratio	100.3%
Price Drops	100.0%
Inventory	5

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$1,255
	8% above US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)	$1,275
Rent Burden	36.3%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$732
1 Bedroom	$775
2 Bedrooms	$970
3 Bedrooms	$1,265
4 Bedrooms	$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	90.5%
Housing Units	2,034
Median Year Built	1988

Property Tax

In Imperial, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 17.8% report binge drinking. 26.6% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance.

Health Metrics: Imperial vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	39.8%
	24% above US avg
Diabetes	9.6%
Heart Disease	5.7%
High Blood Pressure	31.8%
Asthma	10.6%
COPD	7.0%
Cancer	7.6%
Stroke	3.0%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	16.7%
	19% above US avg
Binge Drinking	17.8%
Physical Inactivity	26.6%
Depression	24.8%
Mental Distress	18.7%
Physical Distress	13.3%
Short Sleep	37.6%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	94.1%
Uninsured	8.2%
	5% below US avg
Checkup Rate	76.4%
Dental Visits	59.8%

Food & Exercise

Imperial enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 293 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 7.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 446 feet.

Temperature

38°F Jan (3°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)

Annual Average	58.2°F
	8% above US avg
January Average	38°F (3°C)
July Average	78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days	293 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	45.6 inches
	20% above US avg
Snowfall	7.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	446 ft (136 m)
Area	5.2 sq mi (13.6 km²)
Population Density	1,072/sq mi
Coordinates	38.3698°N, 90.3785°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	38°F (3°C)	2.1 in	Driest
February	35°F (2°C)	2.2 in
March	45°F (7°C)	3.7 in
April	55°F (13°C)	3.7 in
May	65°F (18°C)	4.1 in	Wettest
June	73°F (23°C)	3.5 in
July	78°F (26°C)	3.5 in	Warmest
August	76°F (25°C)	3.2 in
September	69°F (20°C)	3.3 in
October	57°F (14°C)	2.8 in
November	45°F (7°C)	3.6 in
December	35°F (1°C)	3.1 in	Coldest

Imperial has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F — from 35°F in December to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.1").

19.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 43% below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 95.2% of households have broadband internet access. 85.7% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	19.3%
	43% below US avg
High School+	93.4%
Graduate Degree+	5.3%
School Test Score	5.51

C+ Education Grade (2.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	1,072/sq mi
Total Area	5.2 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	95.2%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	27.1 min
Drive Alone	85.7%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	7.7%

Frequently Asked Questions About Imperial

What is the population of Imperial?

Imperial has a population of 5,617 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,072 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.5 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.

Is Imperial expensive to live in?

Imperial 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 $87,949, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $221,900 (21% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,255 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Imperial?

Imperial enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.6 inches, with 7.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Imperial?

Imperial has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Imperial?

The median home value in Imperial is $221,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,898. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,255. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Imperial?

Schools in Imperial score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in Imperial hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Imperial?

The obesity rate in Imperial is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 26.6% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance.

What is transportation like in Imperial?

The average commute in Imperial is 27 minutes. 85.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.

What are the demographics of Imperial?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Imperial is 90.2% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Barnhart, MO 6,036 pop · 1.9 mi Arnold, MO 20,884 pop · 4.4 mi Pevely, MO 6,037 pop · 6.0 mi Valmeyer, IL 1,109 pop · 6.2 mi Herculaneum, MO 4,925 pop · 7.0 mi Oakville, MO 35,166 pop · 8.0 mi Mehlville, MO 29,089 pop · 10.0 mi Murphy, MO 8,566 pop · 10.2 mi Crystal City, MO 4,721 pop · 10.3 mi Festus, MO 12,965 pop · 10.4 mi Fenton, MO 4,087 pop · 10.4 mi High Ridge, MO 4,209 pop · 10.5 mi Columbia, IL 11,063 pop · 10.7 mi Green Park, MO 2,688 pop · 10.9 mi

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