Median Income
$53,333
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,700
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
469/100K
24% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.7%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$680
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.0%
233% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.1%
59% lower than US avg
How Liberal Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population776
Median Age40.9 yrs
Density924/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans11.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$53,333
Per Capita$27,159
Unemployment12.0%
Poverty5.1%
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,700
Rent$680
Ownership68.9%
Zillow$205,612
Housing Units437
Rent Burden25.2%
Crime
F
Violent469/100K
Property782/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking20.0%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain45.8 in/yr
Elevation906 ft (276 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+90.2%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute25 min
Broadband84.6%
EV Stations1
Is Liberal a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Liberal receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Liberal has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Liberal is $53,333, 29% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Liberal is $76,700, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $680 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
The violent crime rate of 469 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 782 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
Education
19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Liberal enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.8 inches, including 7.3 inches of snow.
Liberal has a population of 776 with a density of 924 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 40.9 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (88.8%), with 2.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 11.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
776
Total Population
2023 Census
40.9yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Liberal is $53,333, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,159 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 12.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.1% 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 25 minutes. 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,333 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,159 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.0% |
| 233% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.1% |
| 59% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Liberal is $76,700, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,612, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $680 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 437 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. 25.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,700 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $205,612 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $680 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.1% |
| Housing Units | 437 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
In Liberal, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.3% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Liberal vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.3% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 54.6% |
Food & Exercise
Liberal has a violent crime rate of 469 per 100,000 residents, 24% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 782 per 100,000, 60% below the U.S. average. Overall, Liberal receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Liberal vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 469.5/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 782.5/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Liberal enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 906 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.7°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 906 ft (276 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 924/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5581°N, 94.5200°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.8"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
6.77"
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 4, 2015.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
113 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
136 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
112 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
538 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 224 fatalities, 2,049 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
57 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
83 km |
21 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
53 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
38 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
65 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
76 km |
7 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
1 km |
5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
25 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,427 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
73 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
36 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
75 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
55 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,523 |
92 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,356 |
74 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
40 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,305 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
54 km |
| 1984 |
RESIDENT |
1,048 |
65 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
912 |
95 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
860 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
802 |
60 km |
| 2009 |
REYNOLDS HOLLOW |
728 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
SALT CREEK MARSH |
720 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
636 |
85 km |
| 2012 |
FANCY FENCE |
626 |
93 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
624 |
81 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
581 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
6.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Liberal has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 34°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.8") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Liberal. 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 Liberal
What is the population of Liberal?
Liberal has a population of 776 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 924 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Liberal expensive to live in?
Liberal 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 $53,333, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,700 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $680 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 Liberal safe?
The violent crime rate in Liberal is 469 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 782 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Liberal receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Liberal?
Liberal enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 45.8 inches, with 7.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Liberal?
The job market in Liberal faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Liberal?
The median home value in Liberal is $76,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,612. For renters, the median monthly rent is $680. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.9%.
How are the schools in Liberal?
Schools in Liberal score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.7% of adults in Liberal hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Liberal?
The obesity rate in Liberal is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Liberal?
The average commute in Liberal is 25 minutes. 82.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Liberal?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Liberal is 88.8% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 11.9% of the population are military veterans. 20.8% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.