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Leadwood, MO

Missouri

Leadwood is a small town in Missouri with a population of 1,524. Residents earn $44,167 per year, which is 41% below the national average.

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,524 Population 1,314/sq mi density
$44,167 Median Income $18,614 per capita
$64,000 Home Value $74,617 Zillow
$802 Median Rent 51.0% income on rent
55°F Avg Temperature 261 sunny days/yr
1,213 Violent Crime/100K 2,264 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.2 / 5.0
$44,167 median income, 5.3% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$64,000 home value, $802/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
1,213 violent crimes/100K (219% above avg)
C
Education
2.1 / 5.0
13.5% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $44,167
41% lower than US avg
Home Value $64,000
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 1,213/100K
219% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 13.5%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent $802
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment 5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 30.7%
148% higher than US avg

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

People

Population1,524
Median Age31.5 yrs
Density1,314/mi²
Male / Female36% / 64%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans3.0%

Economy

C
Median Income$44,167
Per Capita$18,614
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty30.7%
Commute35 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$64,000
Rent$802
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$74,617
Housing Units637
Rent Burden51.0%

Crime

F
Violent1,213/100K
Property2,264/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault1,213/100K
Burglary485/100K

Health

Obesity41.8%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking23.4%
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease7.2%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.4 in/yr
Sunny Days261/yr
Elevation810 ft (247 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+13.5%
High School+80.1%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute35 min
Broadband92.9%

Is Leadwood a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Leadwood receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Leadwood has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Leadwood is $44,167, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 30.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Leadwood is $64,000, 77% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $802 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

With 1,213 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,264 per 100,000, near the national average.

Education

13.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Leadwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 261 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.4 inches, including 7.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Leadwood has a population of 1,524 with a density of 1,314 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 31.5 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 64.3% female and 35.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 3.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 22.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.1% have health insurance coverage.

Population

1,524
Total Population
1,314
People / sq mi
31.5yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
1.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 35.7%
Female 64.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Leadwood vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish2.3%
83% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Leadwood vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Leadwood is $44,167, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,614 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 30.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Leadwood vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$44,167
41% below US avg
Per Capita Income$18,614

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.3%
47% above US avg
Poverty Rate30.7%
148% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time34.5 min
Drive Alone80.5%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home2.7%

Walkability

The median home value in Leadwood is $64,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $74,617, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $802 (31% 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 637 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1942. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$64,000
77% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$74,617

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$802
31% below US avg
Rent Burden51.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied68.4%
Housing Units637
Median Year Built1942

Property Tax

In Leadwood, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 36.9% have high blood pressure. 23.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 36.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity41.8%
30% above US avg
Diabetes12.2%
Heart Disease7.2%
High Blood Pressure36.9%
Asthma11.7%
COPD10.5%
Cancer7.5%
Stroke3.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking23.4%
67% above US avg
Binge Drinking17.4%
Physical Inactivity36.0%
Depression28.8%
Mental Distress21.9%
Physical Distress17.5%
Short Sleep42.0%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate86.1%
Uninsured11.3%
31% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.6%
Dental Visits49.2%

Food & Exercise

Leadwood has a violent crime rate of 1,213 per 100,000 residents, 219% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 1,212.6 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 2,264 per 100,000, 15% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,779, burglary at 485, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Leadwood receives a safety grade of F.

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

Violent Crime

Total Violent1,212.6/100K
219% above US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape0.0/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault1,212.6/100K

Property Crime

Total Property2,263.5/100K
15% above US avg
Burglary485.0/100K
Theft1,778.5/100K
Vehicle Theft0.0/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Leadwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 261 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 41.4 inches. The area receives 7.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 810 feet.

Temperature

30°F Jan (-1°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)
Annual Average54.9°F
2% above US avg
January Average30°F (-1°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days261 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall41.4 inches
9% above US avg
Snowfall7.9 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation810 ft (247 m)
Area1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²)
Population Density1,314/sq mi
Coordinates37.8673°N, 90.5932°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 in Coldest, Driest
February 35°F (2°C) 2.3 in
March 45°F (7°C) 3.9 in
April 55°F (13°C) 4.0 in
May 64°F (18°C) 4.4 in Wettest
June 72°F (22°C) 3.5 in
July 77°F (25°C) 3.5 in Warmest
August 76°F (24°C) 3.7 in
September 68°F (20°C) 3.4 in
October 57°F (14°C) 2.9 in
November 45°F (7°C) 4.1 in
December 35°F (2°C) 3.4 in

Leadwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F — from 30°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (2.2").

13.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 60% below the national average of 33.7%. 80.1% have completed high school. 3.5% 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. 92.9% of households have broadband internet access. 80.5% 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+13.5%
60% below US avg
High School+80.1%
Graduate Degree+3.5%
School Test Score5.51
C Education Grade (2.1/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,314/sq mi
Total Area1.2 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access92.9%

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute34.5 min
Drive Alone80.5%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home2.7%

Frequently Asked Questions About Leadwood

What is the population of Leadwood?

Leadwood has a population of 1,524 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,314 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 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 64.3% female and 35.7% male.

Is Leadwood expensive to live in?

Leadwood 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 $44,167, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $64,000 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $802 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Leadwood safe?

Public safety is a concern in Leadwood, with a violent crime rate of 1,213 per 100,000 — significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,264 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Leadwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Leadwood?

Leadwood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 261 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.4 inches, with 7.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Leadwood?

The unemployment rate in Leadwood is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Leadwood?

The median home value in Leadwood is $64,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $74,617. For renters, the median monthly rent is $802. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Leadwood?

Schools in Leadwood score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.5% of adults in Leadwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.1% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Leadwood?

The obesity rate in Leadwood is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.4% of adults are smokers. 36.0% are physically inactive. 28.8% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Leadwood?

The average commute in Leadwood is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.

What are the demographics of Leadwood?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Leadwood is 97.5% White. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 3.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.4% of residents have a disability. 86.1% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Terre du Lac, MO 2,460 pop · 3.5 mi Desloge, MO 4,870 pop · 3.6 mi Park Hills, MO 8,667 pop · 4.2 mi Bonne Terre, MO 6,773 pop · 4.4 mi Bismarck, MO 1,560 pop · 7.0 mi Farmington, MO 17,999 pop · 11.1 mi Potosi, MO 2,542 pop · 11.6 mi Summer Set, MO 1,222 pop · 15.4 mi Ironton, MO 1,755 pop · 18.7 mi De Soto, MO 6,452 pop · 18.9 mi Ste. Genevieve, MO 4,996 pop · 22.3 mi Bloomsdale, MO 1,123 pop · 22.7 mi Hillsboro, MO 3,483 pop · 25.3 mi Festus, MO 12,965 pop · 26.7 mi
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