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
0.7%
81% 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
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty9.5%
Commute23 min
Housing
A
Home Value$213,800
Rent$810
Ownership66.4%
Zillow$196,959
Housing Units283
Rent Burden14.6%
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured1.3%
Smoking17.6%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
Rain47.9 in/yr
Elevation440 ft (134 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.8%
High School+96.8%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute23 min
Broadband83.2%
EV Stations1
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, 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 0.7%. 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 58°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.9 inches, including 7.5 inches of snow.
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%. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
593
Total Population
2023 Census
32.8yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
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 0.7% (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
| Median HH Income | $54,853 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,867 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.5% |
| 23% below US avg |
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% |
The median home value in Kelso is $213,800, 24% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,959. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $175,000 with homes selling in an average of 114 days. 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. 66.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. 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 Values
| Census Median | $213,800 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $196,959 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $175,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $175,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $140 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 114 days |
| 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
| Homeownership | 66.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.6% |
| 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. 1.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).
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 | 98.7% |
| Uninsured | 1.3% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
Food & Exercise
Kelso enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.5 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 440 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.7°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
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 |
| Nearest Airport | Cape Girardeau Regional (CGI)
3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.9"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.27"
Earthquake History
373 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
7 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
73 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
38 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
116 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
60 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
142 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
149 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
37 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
110 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
48 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
118 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
115 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
123 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
57 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
129 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
114 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
51 km |
| Jan 8, 1993 |
6 km WSW of Gosnell, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
147 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
49 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
577 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 120 fatalities, 1,503 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
87 km |
57 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
97 km |
8 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
47 km |
2 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
77 km |
10 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
57 km |
11 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
60 km |
3 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WYLIE KING 1 (6,077 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
68 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
31 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
31 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
ESSMAN SPRING RX |
1,495 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
93 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
18 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
22 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
22 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,232 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
70 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
70 km |
| 2024 |
PINE HOLLOW RX |
1,038 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
ROCKY BRANCH RX |
1,033 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
STATE OF ILLINOIS TRACT RX |
1,011 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (1°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Kelso has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 35°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and August the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Kelso. 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 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 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 47.9 inches, with 7.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Kelso?
The job market in Kelso is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / 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 $196,959. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $175,000, with homes typically selling within 114 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $810. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.4%.
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. 1.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
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. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 98.7% have health insurance coverage.