Kelso, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $54,853

27% lower than US avg

Home Value $213,800

24% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 28.8%

15% lower than US avg

Median Rent $810

30% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 35.6%

11% higher than US avg

Unemployment 0.4%

89% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 9.5%

23% lower than US avg

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

People

Population593

Median Age32.8 yrs

Density1,913/mi²

Male / Female46% / 54%

Largest GroupWhite 99%

Veterans3.5%

Economy

B+

Median Income$54,853

Per Capita$32,867

Unemployment0.4%

Poverty9.5%

Commute23 min

Housing

Home Value$213,800

Rent$810

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$191,271

Housing Units283

Rent Burden14.6%

Health

Obesity35.6%

Uninsured8.6%

Smoking17.6%

Depression26.7%

Heart Disease5.6%

Climate

Avg Temp57°F (14°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain47.0 in/yr

Sunny Days251/yr

Elevation440 ft (134 m)

Education

Bachelor's+28.8%

High School+96.8%

Graduate+5.8%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute23 min

Broadband83.2%

Is Kelso a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Kelso receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Kelso offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Kelso is $54,853, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. 9.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Kelso is $213,800, 24% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Education

28.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Kelso enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Kelso has a population of 593 with a density of 1,913 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 32.8 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (98.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.2% have health insurance coverage.

Population

593

Total Population

1,913

People / sq mi

32.8yrs

Median Age

16% below US avg

0.3mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 46.4%

Female 53.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Kelso vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	96.9%
	23% above US avg
Spanish	3.1%
	77% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Kelso vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Kelso is $54,853, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,867 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.5% 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 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Kelso vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$54,853
	27% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$32,867

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	0.4%
	89% below US avg
Poverty Rate	9.5%
	23% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	22.9 min
Drive Alone	89.1%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	2.9%

Walkability

The median home value in Kelso is $213,800, 24% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,271, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $810 (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. There are 283 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. 14.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$213,800
	24% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$191,271

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

$/Sq Ft	$140
Homes Sold	1
Sale-to-List Ratio	92.6%
Price Drops	0.0%
Inventory	1

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$810
	30% below US avg
Rent Burden	14.6%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	66.4%
Housing Units	283
Median Year Built	1981

Property Tax

In Kelso, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 30.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance.

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	35.6%
	11% above US avg
Diabetes	9.5%
Heart Disease	5.6%
High Blood Pressure	32.1%
Asthma	10.9%
COPD	7.4%
Cancer	7.6%
Stroke	3.0%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	17.6%
	26% above US avg
Binge Drinking	17.4%
Physical Inactivity	30.9%
Depression	26.7%
Mental Distress	19.1%
Physical Distress	13.7%
Short Sleep	37.7%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	98.2%
Uninsured	8.6%
	0% below US avg
Checkup Rate	76.6%
Dental Visits	61.9%

Food & Exercise

Kelso enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 47.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 440 feet.

Temperature

32°F Jan (-0°C) 79°F Jul (26°C)

Annual Average	56.9°F
	5% above US avg
January Average	32°F (-0°C)
July Average	79°F (26°C)
Sunny Days	251 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	47.0 inches
	24% above US avg
Snowfall	3.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	440 ft (134 m)
Area	0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²)
Population Density	1,913/sq mi
Coordinates	37.1906°N, 89.5495°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	32°F (-0°C)	3.0 in	Coldest, Driest
February	37°F (3°C)	3.3 in
March	47°F (8°C)	4.8 in
April	57°F (14°C)	4.5 in
May	66°F (19°C)	5.0 in	Wettest
June	75°F (24°C)	3.7 in
July	79°F (26°C)	3.7 in	Warmest
August	77°F (25°C)	3.6 in
September	71°F (21°C)	3.7 in
October	59°F (15°C)	3.1 in
November	47°F (8°C)	4.3 in
December	37°F (3°C)	4.3 in

Kelso has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F — from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (3.0").

28.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 15% below the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. 5.8% 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. 83.2% of households have broadband internet access. 89.1% 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+	28.8%
	15% below US avg
High School+	96.8%
Graduate Degree+	5.8%
School Test Score	5.51

B Education Grade (3.3/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	1,913/sq mi
Total Area	0.3 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	83.2%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	22.9 min
Drive Alone	89.1%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	2.9%

Frequently Asked Questions About Kelso

What is the population of Kelso?

Kelso has a population of 593 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,913 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.

Is Kelso expensive to live in?

Kelso 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 $54,853, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $213,800 (24% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Kelso?

Kelso 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 79°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.0 inches, with 3.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Kelso?

The job market in Kelso is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Kelso?

The median home value in Kelso is $213,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,271. For renters, the median monthly rent is $810. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Kelso?

Schools in Kelso score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.8% of adults in Kelso hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Kelso?

The obesity rate in Kelso is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 30.9% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance.

What is transportation like in Kelso?

The average commute in Kelso is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.9% work from home.

What are the demographics of Kelso?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kelso is 98.8% White. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.9% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Scott City, MO 4,354 pop · 2.3 mi Chaffee, MO 3,039 pop · 5.9 mi Cape Girardeau, MO 40,047 pop · 8.2 mi Oran, MO 1,137 pop · 9.3 mi Jackson, MO 15,532 pop · 14.7 mi Advance, MO 1,549 pop · 20.8 mi Charleston, MO 4,565 pop · 21.6 mi Sikeston, MO 16,231 pop · 21.8 mi Jonesboro, IL 1,912 pop · 23.8 mi Cairo, IL 1,699 pop · 23.9 mi Marble Hill, MO 1,781 pop · 24.5 mi Anna, IL 4,222 pop · 25.4 mi Cobden, IL 1,064 pop · 28.7 mi Bloomfield, MO 2,011 pop · 29.7 mi

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