Median Income
$44,013
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,800
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
168/100K
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.5%
93% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$731
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Matthews Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population506
Median Age52.4 yrs
Density258/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$44,013
Per Capita$20,187
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty0.0%
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,800
Rent$731
Ownership67.4%
Zillow$127,990
Housing Units269
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
F
Violent168/100K
Property2,513/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault168/100K
Burglary335/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking21.3%
Depression28.6%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain48.6 in/yr
Sunny Days248/yr
Elevation318 ft (97 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.5%
High School+80.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute18 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations1
Is Matthews a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Matthews receives an overall livability score of 2.7 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Matthews has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Matthews is $44,013, 41% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Matthews is $101,800, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Matthews is below the national average at 168 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,513 per 100,000, 28% above the national average.
Education
2.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Matthews enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 248 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 48.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Matthews has a population of 506 with a density of 258 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 52.4 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (93.5%), with 4.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.4yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Matthews is $44,013, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,187 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% 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 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,013 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,187 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.3% |
The median home value in Matthews is $101,800, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,990, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $731 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 269 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. 21.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $101,800 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $127,990 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $731 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.6% |
| Housing Units | 269 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
In Matthews, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.2% have high blood pressure. 21.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.4% report binge drinking. 34.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Matthews vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.2% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.3% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.0% |
| Depression | 28.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
| Short Sleep | 42.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.3% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 49.1% |
Food & Exercise
Matthews has a violent crime rate of 168 per 100,000 residents, 56% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 167.5 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 2,513 per 100,000, 28% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,010, burglary at 335, vehicle theft at 168 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Matthews receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Matthews vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 167.5/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 167.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,512.6/100K |
| 28% above US avg |
| Burglary | 335.0/100K |
| Theft | 2,010.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 167.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Matthews enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 248 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 48.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 318 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 57.9°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 248 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 318 ft (97 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 258/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7592°N, 89.5867°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Malden Regional (MAW)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.6"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
393 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
44 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
30 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
114 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
76 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
126 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
54 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
95 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
69 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
19 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
127 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
139 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
98 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
63 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
21 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
71 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
67 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
113 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
82 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
55 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
602 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 148 fatalities, 1,291 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
51 km |
57 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
75 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
79 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
82 km |
17 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
89 km |
2 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
73 km |
3 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
71 km |
16 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
6 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
80 km |
2 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
148 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WYLIE KING 1 (6,077 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
92 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,313 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
75 km |
| 2024 |
ESSMAN SPRING RX |
1,495 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
55 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
65 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
65 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,232 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
BEAN RIDGE RX |
955 |
58 km |
| 2021 |
MILL CREEK RX |
898 |
99 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
839 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
UPALIKA 3 AND 4 HARMONY 3 |
824 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
ESSMAN 4 GOOSECREEK 1 3 4 7 8 |
823 |
87 km |
| 2020 |
VICTORY 1 |
765 |
88 km |
| 2024 |
WOLF CREEK (OLIVE BR) RX |
691 |
54 km |
| 2019 |
WOLF CREEK SOUTH RX |
648 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
WOLF HOLLOW RX |
636 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Matthews has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 33°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Matthews. 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 Matthews
What is the population of Matthews?
Matthews has a population of 506 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 258 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Matthews expensive to live in?
Matthews 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 $44,013, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,800 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Matthews safe?
Matthews is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 168 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,513 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Matthews receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Matthews?
Matthews enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 248 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 48.6 inches, with 3.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Matthews?
Matthews has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 7.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Matthews?
The median home value in Matthews is $101,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,990. For renters, the median monthly rent is $731. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.4%.
How are the schools in Matthews?
Schools in Matthews score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.5% of adults in Matthews hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Matthews?
The obesity rate in Matthews is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.3% of adults are smokers. 34.0% are physically inactive. 28.6% of residents report depression. 10.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Matthews?
The average commute in Matthews is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Matthews?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Matthews is 93.5% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 22.7% of residents have a disability. 84.3% have health insurance coverage.
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