Median Income
$49,107
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,300
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
229/100K
40% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.6%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$326
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How La Plata Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,401
Median Age40.9 yrs
Density881/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,107
Per Capita$28,286
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty6.1%
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,300
Rent$326
Ownership63.7%
Zillow$116,881
Housing Units693
Rent Burden19.0%
Crime
F
Violent229/100K
Property534/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault152/100K
Burglary229/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking18.1%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Sunny Days265/yr
Elevation942 ft (287 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.6%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute21 min
Broadband72.2%
EV Stations2
Is La Plata a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Plata receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. La Plata offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in La Plata is $49,107, 35% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in La Plata is $96,300, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $326 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in La Plata is below the national average at 229 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 534 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
15.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
La Plata experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 265 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
La Plata has a population of 1,401 with a density of 881 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 40.9 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.9yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in La Plata is $49,107, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,286 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.1% 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 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,107 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,286 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 8.7% |
The median home value in La Plata is $96,300, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $116,881, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $326 (72% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 693 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. 19.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,300 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $116,881 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $326 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.3% |
| Housing Units | 693 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
In La Plata, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 29.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: La Plata vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.5% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 55.7% |
Food & Exercise
La Plata has a violent crime rate of 229 per 100,000 residents, 40% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 152.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 76.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 534 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 229, burglary at 229, vehicle theft at 76 per 100,000 residents. Overall, La Plata receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: La Plata vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 228.7/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 76.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 152.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 533.5/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
| Burglary | 228.7/100K |
| Theft | 228.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 76.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
La Plata experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 265 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 39.1 inches. The area receives 5.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 942 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 265 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 942 ft (287 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 881/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0234°N, 92.4916°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kirksville Regional (IRK)
6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
79 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
90 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
315 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 174 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF4 |
10 km |
1 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
78 km |
4 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
La Plata has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 24°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in La Plata. 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 La Plata
What is the population of La Plata?
La Plata has a population of 1,401 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 881 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is La Plata expensive to live in?
La Plata 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 $49,107, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,300 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $326 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is La Plata safe?
La Plata is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 229 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 534 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, La Plata receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in La Plata?
La Plata has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 265 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches, with 5.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in La Plata?
La Plata has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 8.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in La Plata?
The median home value in La Plata is $96,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $116,881. For renters, the median monthly rent is $326. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.7%.
How are the schools in La Plata?
Schools in La Plata score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.6% of adults in La Plata hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Plata?
The obesity rate in La Plata is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 29.5% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in La Plata?
The average commute in La Plata is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of La Plata?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Plata is 95.4% White. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 86.7% have health insurance coverage.
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