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Licking, MO

Missouri

Licking is a small town in Missouri with a population of 2,816. Residents earn $32,813 per year, which is 56% below the national average.

2.5 /5.0
C+ Fair
2,816 Population 1,322/sq mi density
$32,813 Median Income $17,480 per capita
$109,000 Home Value $187,309 Zillow
$614 Median Rent 33.8% income on rent
55°F Avg Temperature 258 sunny days/yr
64 Violent Crime/100K 2,062 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.5 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.5 / 5.0
$32,813 median income, 3.4% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.8 / 5.0
$109,000 home value, $614/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
64 violent crimes/100K (83% below avg)
D
Education
1.5 / 5.0
6.6% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $32,813
56% lower than US avg
Home Value $109,000
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 64/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 6.6%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent $614
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 46.3%
44% higher than US avg
Unemployment 3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 25.1%
102% higher than US avg

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

People

Population2,816
Median Age38.4 yrs
Density1,322/mi²
Male / Female69% / 31%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans9.5%

Economy

C+
Median Income$32,813
Per Capita$17,480
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty25.1%
Commute19 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$109,000
Rent$614
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$187,309
Housing Units840
Rent Burden33.8%

Crime

F
Violent64/100K
Property2,062/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault64/100K
Burglary354/100K

Health

Obesity46.3%
Uninsured15.4%
Smoking26.3%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease8.7%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain42.8 in/yr
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation1,263 ft (385 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+6.6%
High School+81.2%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute19 min
Broadband79.6%

Is Licking a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Licking receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Licking has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Licking is $32,813, 56% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 25.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Licking is $109,000, 61% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $614 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Licking is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,062 per 100,000, near the national average.

Education

6.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Licking experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.8 inches, including 5.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Licking has a population of 2,816 with a density of 1,322 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 38.4 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 30.8% female and 69.2% male. The city is predominantly White (76.5%), with 5.1% Hispanic, 17% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.7% of residents, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 75.5% have health insurance coverage.

Population

2,816
Total Population
1,322
People / sq mi
38.4yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
2.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 69.2%
Female 30.8%

Race & Ethnicity

Licking vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only94.7%
21% above US avg
Spanish5.3%
60% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Licking vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Licking is $32,813, which is 56% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,480 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 25.1% 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 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Licking vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$32,813
56% below US avg
Per Capita Income$17,480

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.4%
6% below US avg
Poverty Rate25.1%
102% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time19.2 min
Drive Alone64.4%
Public Transit0.5%
Work from Home9.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Licking is $109,000, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $187,309, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $614 (47% 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 840 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. 33.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$109,000
61% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$187,309

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$614
47% below US avg
Rent Burden33.8%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied56.8%
Housing Units840
Median Year Built1975

Property Tax

In Licking, 46.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.7% of residents, above the national average. 44.3% have high blood pressure. 26.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.4% report binge drinking. 39.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.7% report depression. 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 15.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity46.3%
44% above US avg
Diabetes15.9%
Heart Disease8.7%
High Blood Pressure44.3%
Asthma10.1%
COPD11.3%
Cancer6.8%
Stroke4.8%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking26.3%
88% above US avg
Binge Drinking16.4%
Physical Inactivity39.2%
Depression22.7%
Mental Distress20.3%
Physical Distress17.8%
Short Sleep44.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate75.5%
Uninsured15.4%
79% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.5%
Dental Visits45.3%

Food & Exercise

Licking has a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 64.4 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 2,062 per 100,000, 5% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,675, burglary at 354, vehicle theft at 32 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Licking receives a safety grade of F.

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

Violent Crime

Total Violent64.4/100K
83% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape0.0/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault64.4/100K

Property Crime

Total Property2,061.9/100K
5% above US avg
Burglary354.4/100K
Theft1,675.3/100K
Vehicle Theft32.2/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Licking experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.8 inches. The area receives 5.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,263 feet.

Temperature

31°F Jan (-1°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)
Annual Average55.1°F
2% above US avg
January Average31°F (-1°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days258 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall42.8 inches
13% above US avg
Snowfall5.4 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,263 ft (385 m)
Area2.1 sq mi (5.5 km²)
Population Density1,322/sq mi
Coordinates37.4995°N, 91.8571°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 31°F (-1°C) 2.0 in Coldest, Driest
February 36°F (2°C) 2.4 in
March 45°F (7°C) 4.0 in
April 55°F (13°C) 4.2 in
May 64°F (18°C) 4.6 in Wettest
June 72°F (22°C) 3.9 in
July 77°F (25°C) 3.5 in Warmest
August 76°F (24°C) 3.7 in
September 68°F (20°C) 4.0 in
October 57°F (14°C) 3.5 in
November 45°F (7°C) 3.8 in
December 36°F (2°C) 3.4 in

Licking has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F — from 31°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (2.0").

6.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 80% below the national average of 33.7%. 81.2% have completed high school. 2.5% 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. 79.6% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). 64.4% 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+6.6%
80% below US avg
High School+81.2%
Graduate Degree+2.5%
School Test Score5.51
D Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,322/sq mi
Total Area2.1 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access79.6%
Alt Fuel Stations1

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute19.2 min
Drive Alone64.4%
Public Transit0.5%
Work from Home9.0%

Frequently Asked Questions About Licking

What is the population of Licking?

Licking has a population of 2,816 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,322 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.4 years. The population is 30.8% female and 69.2% male.

Is Licking expensive to live in?

Licking 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 $32,813, 56% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $109,000 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $614 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Licking safe?

Licking is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,062 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Licking receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Licking?

Licking has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.8 inches, with 5.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Licking?

Licking has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 9.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Licking?

The median home value in Licking is $109,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $187,309. For renters, the median monthly rent is $614. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Licking?

Schools in Licking score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.6% of adults in Licking hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.2% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Licking?

The obesity rate in Licking is 46.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.3% of adults are smokers. 39.2% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 15.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Licking?

The average commute in Licking is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 64.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Licking?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Licking is 76.5% White, 17% Black or African American, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino. 94.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 26.1% of residents have a disability. 75.5% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Houston, MO 2,407 pop · 13.1 mi Salem, MO 4,673 pop · 20.3 mi Fort Leonard Wood, MO 15,317 pop · 21.7 mi St. Robert, MO 5,327 pop · 26.6 mi Cabool, MO 2,460 pop · 29.2 mi Waynesville, MO 5,422 pop · 29.5 mi Rolla, MO 20,144 pop · 31.6 mi Mountain Grove, MO 4,494 pop · 33.9 mi Willow Springs, MO 2,015 pop · 35.6 mi Mountain View, MO 2,648 pop · 35.8 mi Dixon, MO 1,267 pop · 36.4 mi Richland, MO 2,256 pop · 38.8 mi Steelville, MO 1,410 pop · 42.4 mi Lebanon, MO 15,157 pop · 45.9 mi
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