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Jennings, MO

Missouri

Jennings is a small city in Missouri with a population of 12,900. Residents earn $37,356 per year, which is 50% below the national average.

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
12,900 Population 3,458/sq mi density
$37,356 Median Income $19,961 per capita
$62,300 Home Value $71,031 Zillow
$944 Median Rent 37.7% income on rent
58°F Avg Temperature 293 sunny days/yr
1,450 Violent Crime/100K 4,952 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.6 / 5.0
$37,356 median income, 5.4% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$62,300 home value, $944/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
1,450 violent crimes/100K (281% above avg)
D
Education
1.8 / 5.0
9.9% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $37,356
50% lower than US avg
Home Value $62,300
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 1,450/100K
281% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 9.9%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent $944
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 48.2%
50% higher than US avg
Unemployment 5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 19.3%
56% higher than US avg

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

People

Population12,900
Median Age38.5 yrs
Density3,458/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 5%
Veterans7.0%

Economy

C+
Median Income$37,356
Per Capita$19,961
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty19.3%
Commute27 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$62,300
Rent$944
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$71,031
Housing Units7,546
Rent Burden37.7%

Crime

F
Violent1,450/100K
Property4,952/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault996/100K
Burglary1,673/100K

Health

Obesity48.2%
Uninsured14.8%
Smoking27.1%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease7.6%

Climate

Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation515 ft (157 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+9.9%
High School+80.6%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute27 min
Broadband86.2%

Is Jennings a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Jennings receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Jennings has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Jennings is $37,356, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 19.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Jennings is $62,300, 78% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $944 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

With 1,450 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 4,952 per 100,000, 153% above the national average.

Education

9.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Jennings 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.

Jennings has a population of 12,900 with a density of 3,458 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age is 38.5 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.8% female and 43.2% male. The city is predominantly Black (91.1%), with 4.7% White, 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 23.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

12,900
Total Population
3,458
People / sq mi
38.5yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
3.7mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 43.2%
Female 56.8%

Race & Ethnicity

Jennings vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish2.8%
79% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Jennings vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Jennings is $37,356, which is 50% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,961 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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. 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Jennings vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$37,356
50% below US avg
Per Capita Income$19,961

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.4%
50% above US avg
Poverty Rate19.3%
56% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time26.8 min
Drive Alone65.5%
Public Transit13.5%
Work from Home4.5%

Walkability

The median home value in Jennings is $62,300, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $71,031, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $944 (19% below 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 7,546 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. 37.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$62,300
78% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$71,031
Median List Price$84,000

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$84,000
$/Sq Ft$51
Homes Sold11
Sale-to-List Ratio92.2%
Price Drops18.9%
Inventory53

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$944
19% below US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)$1,224
Rent Burden37.7%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied43.0%
Housing Units7,546
Median Year Built1955

Property Tax

In Jennings, 48.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 20.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 49.6% have high blood pressure. 27.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.5% report binge drinking. 45.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.7% report depression. 23.4% experience frequent mental distress. 14.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity48.2%
50% above US avg
Diabetes20.1%
Heart Disease7.6%
High Blood Pressure49.6%
Asthma14.3%
COPD11.0%
Cancer4.5%
Stroke6.2%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking27.1%
94% above US avg
Binge Drinking11.5%
Physical Inactivity45.7%
Depression22.7%
Mental Distress23.4%
Physical Distress18.9%
Short Sleep47.7%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate88.0%
Uninsured14.8%
72% above US avg
Checkup Rate80.9%
Dental Visits41.0%

Food & Exercise

Jennings has a violent crime rate of 1,450 per 100,000 residents, 281% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 995.8 per 100,000, robbery at 311.6, rape at 142.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,952 per 100,000, 153% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,825, burglary at 1,673, vehicle theft at 454 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Jennings receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Jennings vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent1,449.7/100K
281% above US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape142.3/100K
Robbery311.6/100K
Assault995.8/100K

Property Crime

Total Property4,951.9/100K
153% above US avg
Burglary1,673.2/100K
Theft2,824.8/100K
Vehicle Theft453.9/100K
Arson47.4/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Jennings 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 515 feet.

Temperature

38°F Jan (3°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average58.2°F
8% above US avg
January Average38°F (3°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days293 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall45.6 inches
20% above US avg
Snowfall7.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation515 ft (157 m)
Area3.7 sq mi (9.7 km²)
Population Density3,458/sq mi
Coordinates38.7192°N, 90.2604°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 38°F (3°C) 2.0 in Driest
February 34°F (1°C) 2.2 in
March 45°F (7°C) 3.5 in
April 56°F (13°C) 3.7 in
May 66°F (19°C) 4.1 in Wettest
June 75°F (24°C) 3.7 in
July 78°F (26°C) 3.8 in Warmest
August 77°F (25°C) 3.2 in
September 70°F (21°C) 3.2 in
October 58°F (14°C) 2.8 in
November 45°F (7°C) 3.4 in
December 34°F (1°C) 3.0 in Coldest

Jennings has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F — from 34°F in December to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.0").

9.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 71% below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. 2.8% 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. 86.2% of households have broadband internet access. 65.5% of workers drive alone to work, while 13.5% use public transit.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+9.9%
71% below US avg
High School+80.6%
Graduate Degree+2.8%
School Test Score5.51
D Education Grade (1.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density3,458/sq mi
Total Area3.7 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access86.2%

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute26.8 min
Drive Alone65.5%
Public Transit13.5%
Work from Home4.5%

Frequently Asked Questions About Jennings

What is the population of Jennings?

Jennings has a population of 12,900 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 3,458 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.5 years. The population is 56.8% female and 43.2% male.

Is Jennings expensive to live in?

Jennings 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 $37,356, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $62,300 (78% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $944 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Jennings safe?

Public safety is a concern in Jennings, with a violent crime rate of 1,450 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 4,952 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Jennings receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Jennings?

Jennings 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 Jennings?

The unemployment rate in Jennings is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Jennings?

The median home value in Jennings is $62,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $71,031. For renters, the median monthly rent is $944. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Jennings?

Schools in Jennings score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.9% of adults in Jennings hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Jennings?

The obesity rate in Jennings is 48.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.1% of adults are smokers. 45.7% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 14.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Jennings?

The average commute in Jennings is 27 minutes. 65.5% of workers drive alone to work, 13.5% use public transit, and 4.5% work from home.

What are the demographics of Jennings?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Jennings is 4.7% White, 91.1% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 23.7% of residents have a disability. 88.0% have health insurance coverage.

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