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Lawson, MO

Missouri

Lawson is a small town in Missouri with a population of 2,742. Residents earn $63,799 per year, which is 15% below the national average.

3.1 /5.0
B Good
2,742 Population 926/sq mi density
$63,799 Median Income $30,039 per capita
$169,500 Home Value $296,019 Zillow
$1,006 Median Rent 23.1% income on rent
53°F Avg Temperature 267 sunny days/yr
41 Violent Crime/100K 1,652 property/100K
B
Overall
3.1 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.1 / 5.0
$63,799 median income, 2.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$169,500 home value, $1,006/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
41 violent crimes/100K (89% below avg)
C
Education
2.3 / 5.0
16.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $63,799
15% lower than US avg
Home Value $169,500
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 41/100K
89% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 16.0%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,006
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment 2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 9.3%
25% lower than US avg

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

People

Population2,742
Median Age31.5 yrs
Density926/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans11.5%

Economy

A
Median Income$63,799
Per Capita$30,039
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty9.3%
Commute28 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$169,500
Rent$1,006
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$296,019
Housing Units940
Rent Burden23.1%

Crime

F
Violent41/100K
Property1,652/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault41/100K
Burglary330/100K

Health

Obesity38.6%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking18.4%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.7%

Climate

Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain37.8 in/yr
Sunny Days267/yr
Elevation1,076 ft (328 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+16.0%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute28 min
Broadband87.7%

Is Lawson a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Lawson receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Lawson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Lawson is $63,799, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. 9.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Lawson is $169,500, 40% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,006 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Lawson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 41 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,652 per 100,000, near the national average.

Education

16.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Lawson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 267 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Lawson has a population of 2,742 with a density of 926 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 31.5 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.

Population

2,742
Total Population
926
People / sq mi
31.5yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
3.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 46.5%
Female 53.5%

Race & Ethnicity

Lawson vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish1.5%
89% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Lawson vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Lawson is $63,799, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,039 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.3% 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 28 minutes. 12.3% of workers work from home.

Income: Lawson vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$63,799
15% below US avg
Per Capita Income$30,039

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.0%
44% below US avg
Poverty Rate9.3%
25% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time27.5 min
Drive Alone74.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home12.3%

Walkability

The median home value in Lawson is $169,500, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,019, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,006 (13% 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 940 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. 23.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$169,500
40% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$296,019
Median List Price$255,000

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$255,000
$/Sq Ft$128
Homes Sold4
Sale-to-List Ratio0.0%
Price Drops23.1%

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,006
13% below US avg
Rent Burden23.1%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied73.4%
Housing Units940
Median Year Built1981

Property Tax

In Lawson, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 30.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance.

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity38.6%
20% above US avg
Diabetes10.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
High Blood Pressure33.2%
Asthma11.0%
COPD7.7%
Cancer7.5%
Stroke3.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking18.4%
31% above US avg
Binge Drinking17.9%
Physical Inactivity30.4%
Depression26.7%
Mental Distress19.7%
Physical Distress14.4%
Short Sleep38.0%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate91.9%
Uninsured9.1%
6% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.1%
Dental Visits60.0%

Food & Exercise

Lawson has a violent crime rate of 41 per 100,000 residents, 89% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 41.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,652 per 100,000, 16% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,239, burglary at 330, vehicle theft at 83 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Lawson receives a safety grade of F.

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

Violent Crime

Total Violent41.3/100K
89% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape0.0/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault41.3/100K

Property Crime

Total Property1,651.5/100K
16% below US avg
Burglary330.3/100K
Theft1,238.7/100K
Vehicle Theft82.6/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Lawson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 267 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 37.8 inches. The area receives 4.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,076 feet.

Temperature

26°F Jan (-3°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)
Annual Average53.1°F
2% below US avg
January Average26°F (-3°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days267 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall37.8 inches
1% below US avg
Snowfall4.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,076 ft (328 m)
Area3.0 sq mi (7.7 km²)
Population Density926/sq mi
Coordinates39.4383°N, 94.2041°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 26°F (-3°C) 1.2 in Coldest
February 32°F (-0°C) 1.2 in Driest
March 43°F (6°C) 2.6 in
April 54°F (12°C) 3.5 in
May 63°F (17°C) 4.8 in
June 72°F (22°C) 4.5 in
July 77°F (25°C) 4.1 in Warmest
August 76°F (24°C) 3.8 in
September 67°F (19°C) 4.8 in Wettest
October 56°F (13°C) 3.4 in
November 42°F (5°C) 2.3 in
December 31°F (-1°C) 1.7 in

Lawson has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F — from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (1.2").

16.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 53% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 3.4% 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. 87.7% of households have broadband internet access. 74.2% 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+16.0%
53% below US avg
High School+87.4%
Graduate Degree+3.4%
School Test Score5.51
C Education Grade (2.3/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density926/sq mi
Total Area3.0 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access87.7%
Alt Fuel Stations1

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute27.5 min
Drive Alone74.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home12.3%

Frequently Asked Questions About Lawson

What is the population of Lawson?

Lawson has a population of 2,742 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 926 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.

Is Lawson expensive to live in?

Lawson 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 $63,799, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $169,500 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,006 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Lawson safe?

Lawson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 41 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,652 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lawson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Lawson?

Lawson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 267 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.8 inches, with 4.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Lawson?

The job market in Lawson is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 12.3% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Lawson?

The median home value in Lawson is $169,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,019. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,006. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Lawson?

Schools in Lawson score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.0% of adults in Lawson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Lawson?

The obesity rate in Lawson is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 30.4% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance.

What is transportation like in Lawson?

The average commute in Lawson is 28 minutes. 74.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.3% work from home.

What are the demographics of Lawson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lawson is 95.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Excelsior Springs, MO 10,502 pop · 7.0 mi Kearney, MO 10,696 pop · 9.7 mi Lathrop, MO 2,646 pop · 10.1 mi Plattsburg, MO 2,437 pop · 15.7 mi Richmond, MO 5,979 pop · 16.4 mi Liberty, MO 30,446 pop · 17.6 mi Smithville, MO 10,552 pop · 20.4 mi Cameron, MO 8,721 pop · 21.0 mi Buckner, MO 2,917 pop · 21.1 mi Pleasant Valley, MO 2,744 pop · 21.5 mi Claycomo, MO 1,994 pop · 22.4 mi Hamilton, MO 1,909 pop · 23.8 mi Gower, MO 1,677 pop · 24.2 mi Lexington, MO 4,602 pop · 24.6 mi
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