Median Income
$41,875
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,300
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
273/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.6%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$548
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.8%
19% higher than US avg
How Mountain Grove Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,494
Median Age42.5 yrs
Density1,118/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans19.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,875
Per Capita$25,228
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty14.8%
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,300
Rent$548
Ownership75.2%
Zillow$204,944
Housing Units2,351
Rent Burden31.1%
Crime
F
Violent273/100K
Property1,534/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking24.4%
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain45.9 in/yr
Elevation1,480 ft (451 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.6%
High School+83.3%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute12 min
Broadband82.1%
EV Stations1
Is Mountain Grove a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mountain Grove receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Mountain Grove has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mountain Grove is $41,875, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. 14.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mountain Grove is $89,300, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $548 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Mountain Grove is below the national average at 273 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,534 per 100,000, 22% below the national average.
Education
16.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Mountain Grove experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.9 inches, including 10.4 inches of snow.
Mountain Grove has a population of 4,494 with a density of 1,118 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 42.5 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (87.6%), with 3.1% Hispanic, 1.6% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 19.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
4,494
Total Population
2023 Census
42.5yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mountain Grove vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mountain Grove vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mountain Grove is $41,875, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,228 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.8% 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 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mountain Grove vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,875 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,228 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.8% |
| 19% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Mountain Grove is $89,300, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,944, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $548 (53% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,351 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. 31.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $89,300 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $204,944 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $548 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.8% |
| Housing Units | 2,351 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
In Mountain Grove, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 35.8% have high blood pressure. 24.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.3% report binge drinking. 37.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.2% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Mountain Grove vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.8% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 11.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.4% |
| 74% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.1% |
| Depression | 28.8% |
| Mental Distress | 22.2% |
| Physical Distress | 17.8% |
| Short Sleep | 41.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.4% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 51.0% |
Food & Exercise
Mountain Grove has a violent crime rate of 273 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,534 per 100,000, 22% below the U.S. average. Overall, Mountain Grove receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mountain Grove vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 273.2/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,533.9/100K |
| 22% 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 |
Mountain Grove experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.4 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,480 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.2°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,480 ft (451 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,118/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.1306°N, 92.2635°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Waynesville-St Robert Regional Forney Field (TBN)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.9"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.41"
Earthquake History
49 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
136 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
79 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
127 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
112 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
70 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
139 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Aug 21, 2022 |
4 km SSW of Imboden, Arkansas |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
103 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
10 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Mar 18, 1990 |
9 km W of Alton, Missouri |
M3.0 |
83 km |
| Jun 27, 2025 |
12 km WSW of Grandin, Missouri |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| May 21, 2012 |
6 km SW of Williamsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
106 km |
| Sep 27, 2022 |
0.4 km ESE of Maynard, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Mar 12, 1990 |
9 km NNE of Briarcliff, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| May 6, 2018 |
5 km WNW of Smithville, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
407 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 38 fatalities, 480 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
92 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF4 |
63 km |
2 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
99 km |
7 |
| Mar 25, 1954 |
EF4 |
21 km |
2 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
81 km |
3 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
99 km |
4 |
| Oct 18, 1984 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1970 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
84 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: STEGALL MOUNTAIN (6,979 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
STEGALL MOUNTAIN |
6,979 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,931 |
69 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,686 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
BRUSHY/CLAYTON |
6,401 |
67 km |
| 2020 |
BIG CREEK |
6,399 |
71 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
15 STEGAL MOUNTAIN |
5,112 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
ROCK PILE |
5,067 |
31 km |
| 2011 |
MINNINGHAW |
4,792 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
STEGAL MTN. COMPLEX |
4,717 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
89 km |
| 2023 |
ELM SPRINGS RX |
4,378 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
89 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
BIG CREEK |
4,031 |
75 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
55 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,665 |
40 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
84 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,492 |
98 km |
| 1999 |
STEGALL99 |
3,415 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Mountain Grove has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 32°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.4") and February the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Mountain Grove. 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 Mountain Grove
What is the population of Mountain Grove?
Mountain Grove has a population of 4,494 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,118 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Mountain Grove expensive to live in?
Mountain Grove 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 $41,875, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,300 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $548 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mountain Grove safe?
Mountain Grove is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 273 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,534 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mountain Grove receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mountain Grove?
Mountain Grove has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 45.9 inches, with 10.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Mountain Grove?
The job market in Mountain Grove is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mountain Grove?
The median home value in Mountain Grove is $89,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,944. For renters, the median monthly rent is $548. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.2%.
How are the schools in Mountain Grove?
Schools in Mountain Grove score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.6% of adults in Mountain Grove hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.3% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mountain Grove?
The obesity rate in Mountain Grove is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.4% of adults are smokers. 37.1% are physically inactive. 28.8% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Mountain Grove?
The average commute in Mountain Grove is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mountain Grove?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mountain Grove is 87.6% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Asian. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 19.4% of the population are military veterans. 29.5% of residents have a disability. 88.4% have health insurance coverage.