Median Income
$41,563
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,800
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.5%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$529
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.8%
89% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Meta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population128
Median Age54.4 yrs
Density366/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans13.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,563
Per Capita$30,539
Unemployment6.8%
Poverty3.4%
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,800
Rent$529
Ownership72.0%
Zillow$273,655
Housing Units97
Rent Burden19.4%
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured0.8%
Smoking14.5%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
Rain44.9 in/yr
Elevation676 ft (206 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.5%
High School+82.6%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute29 min
Broadband90.7%
EV Stations13
Is Meta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Meta receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Meta offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Meta is $41,563, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Meta is $93,800, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $529 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.
Education
16.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Meta enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.9 inches, including 7.6 inches of snow.
Meta has a population of 128 with a density of 366 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 54.4 years, 40% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.8% female and 49.2% male. The city is predominantly White (90.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 13.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
128
Total Population
2023 Census
54.4yrs
Median Age
40% 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 Meta is $41,563, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,539 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 6.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.4% 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 29 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,563 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,539 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.8% |
| 89% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 96.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Meta is $93,800, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $273,655, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $529 (55% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 97 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. 19.4% 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 | $93,800 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $273,655 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $529 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.0% |
| Housing Units | 97 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
In Meta, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 19.4% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 0.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Meta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.2% |
| Uninsured | 0.8% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
Food & Exercise
Meta enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.9 inches. The area receives 7.6 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 676 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.6°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 676 ft (206 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 366/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3127°N, 92.1663°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Columbia Regional (COU)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.9"
18% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.17"
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
114 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
66 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
56 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
146 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
79 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Jul 15, 1990 |
7 km SW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Feb 3, 2014 |
18 km NW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.6 |
111 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
97 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
138 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
6 km NNE of Bonne Terre, Missouri |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
121 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
93 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
387 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 9 fatalities, 214 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
74 km |
4 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1998 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2011 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2008 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,388 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,388 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
BIG SPRING FIRE |
4,921 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
78 km |
| 2023 |
ELM SPRINGS RX |
4,378 |
57 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
80 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
86 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,665 |
98 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,538 |
78 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,492 |
87 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
KAINTUCK |
3,325 |
57 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,135 |
83 km |
| 2012 |
KINFOLK RD |
2,883 |
81 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,831 |
58 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,590 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
47°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Meta has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 34°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.2") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Meta. 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 Meta
What is the population of Meta?
Meta has a population of 128 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 366 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
Is Meta expensive to live in?
Meta 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 $41,563, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,800 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $529 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.
What is the weather like in Meta?
Meta enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 44.9 inches, with 7.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Meta?
The unemployment rate in Meta is 6.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Meta?
The median home value in Meta is $93,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $273,655. For renters, the median monthly rent is $529. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.0%.
How are the schools in Meta?
Schools in Meta score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.5% of adults in Meta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.6% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Meta?
The obesity rate in Meta is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 0.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
What is transportation like in Meta?
The average commute in Meta is 29 minutes. 96.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Meta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Meta is 90.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 13.9% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 99.2% have health insurance coverage.