La Plata, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $49,107

35% lower than US avg

Home Value $96,300

66% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 74/100K

81% 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

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$116,881

Housing Units693

Rent Burden19.0%

Crime

Violent74/100K

Property517/100K

Murder0.0/100K

Assault0/100K

Burglary148/100K

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

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

La Plata is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 74 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 517 per 100,000, 74% 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

1,401

Total Population

881

People / sq mi

40.9yrs

Median Age

5% above US avg

1.6mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 46.4%

Female 53.6%

Race & Ethnicity

La Plata vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	98.1%
	25% above US avg
Spanish	1.9%
	86% below US avg

Social Characteristics

La Plata vs U.S. Average

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: La Plata vs U.S.

Commute Mode

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

Business (County)

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%

Walkability

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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

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

Owner-Occupied	63.7%
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 74 per 100,000 residents, 81% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 73.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 517 per 100,000, 74% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 222, burglary at 148, vehicle theft at 148 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	73.9/100K
	81% below US avg
Murder	0.0/100K
	100% below US avg
Rape	73.9/100K
Robbery	0.0/100K
Assault	0.0/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	517.0/100K
	74% below US avg
Burglary	147.7/100K
Theft	221.6/100K
Vehicle Theft	147.7/100K
Arson	73.9/100K

Traffic Safety

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

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	39.1 inches
	3% above US avg
Snowfall	5.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

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

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").

15.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 54% below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 7.9% 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. 72.2% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). The area has 2 EV charging stations. 78.2% 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+	15.6%
	54% below US avg
High School+	93.9%
Graduate Degree+	7.9%
School Test Score	5.51

C Education Grade (2.2/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	881/sq mi
Total Area	1.6 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	72.2%
EV Charging Stations	2
Alt Fuel Stations	3

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	20.8 min
Drive Alone	78.2%
Public Transit	0.4%
Work from Home	8.7%

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 considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 74 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 517 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.

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.

Nearby Cities

Kirksville, MO 17,493 pop · 12.8 mi Macon, MO 5,457 pop · 19.4 mi Edina, MO 1,420 pop · 19.6 mi Marceline, MO 2,269 pop · 32.4 mi Shelbina, MO 2,108 pop · 32.9 mi Memphis, MO 1,860 pop · 34.4 mi Linn, MO 1,302 pop · 34.6 mi Brookfield, MO 4,128 pop · 35.0 mi Milan, MO 1,883 pop · 35.7 mi Huntsville, MO 1,806 pop · 40.4 mi Unionville, MO 1,725 pop · 41.4 mi Moberly, MO 13,634 pop · 41.9 mi Salisbury, MO 1,629 pop · 44.6 mi Paris, MO 1,326 pop · 45.6 mi

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