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Murphy, MO

Missouri

Murphy is a small city in Missouri with a population of 8,566. Residents earn $73,373 per year, which is 2% below the national average.

3.9 /5.0
B+ Good
8,566 Population 2,219/sq mi density
$73,373 Median Income $35,159 per capita
$177,500 Home Value
$961 Median Rent 27.1% income on rent
58°F Avg Temperature 293 sunny days/yr
B+
Overall
3.9 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.2 / 5.0
$73,373 median income, 3.5% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$177,500 home value, $961/mo rent
C+
Education
2.6 / 5.0
20.5% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $73,373
2% lower than US avg
Home Value $177,500
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 20.5%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent $961
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment 3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 6.2%
50% lower than US avg

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

People

Population8,566
Median Age36.7 yrs
Density2,219/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans7.3%

Economy

A
Median Income$73,373
Per Capita$35,159
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty6.2%
Commute26 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$177,500
Rent$961
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units3,687
Rent Burden27.1%

Health

Obesity40.6%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking17.5%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.8%

Climate

Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation558 ft (170 m)

Education

C+
Bachelor's+20.5%
High School+90.8%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute26 min
Broadband95.3%

Is Murphy a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Murphy receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Murphy offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Murphy is $73,373, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Murphy is $177,500, 37% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $961 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

20.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Murphy enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches, including 7.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Murphy has a population of 8,566 with a density of 2,219 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 36.7 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (87.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 87.7% have health insurance coverage.

Population

8,566
Total Population
2,219
People / sq mi
36.7yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
3.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 51.3%
Female 48.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Murphy vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish3.2%
76% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Murphy vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Murphy is $73,373, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,159. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.2% 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 26 minutes. 11.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Murphy vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$73,373
2% below US avg
Per Capita Income$35,159

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.5%
3% below US avg
Poverty Rate6.2%
50% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time25.8 min
Drive Alone74.9%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home11.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Murphy is $177,500, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Homes sell for 97.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $961 (17% 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 3,687 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$177,500
37% below US avg
Median List Price$283,000

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$283,000
$/Sq Ft$208
Homes Sold3
Sale-to-List Ratio97.3%
Price Drops50.0%
Inventory4

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$961
17% below US avg
Rent Burden27.1%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied80.2%
Housing Units3,687
Median Year Built1979

Property Tax

In Murphy, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.3% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 28.2% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance.

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity40.6%
26% above US avg
Diabetes10.0%
Heart Disease5.8%
High Blood Pressure32.3%
Asthma10.7%
COPD7.3%
Cancer7.5%
Stroke3.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking17.5%
25% above US avg
Binge Drinking17.3%
Physical Inactivity28.2%
Depression24.7%
Mental Distress18.9%
Physical Distress13.8%
Short Sleep38.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate87.7%
Uninsured9.4%
9% above US avg
Checkup Rate76.4%
Dental Visits56.9%

Food & Exercise

Murphy enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches. The area receives 7.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 558 feet.

Temperature

38°F Jan (3°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average58.2°F
8% above US avg
January Average38°F (3°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days293 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall45.6 inches
20% above US avg
Snowfall7.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation558 ft (170 m)
Area3.9 sq mi (10.0 km²)
Population Density2,219/sq mi
Coordinates38.4903°N, 90.4871°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 38°F (3°C) 2.1 in Driest
February 35°F (2°C) 2.2 in
March 45°F (7°C) 3.7 in
April 55°F (13°C) 3.7 in
May 65°F (18°C) 4.1 in Wettest
June 73°F (23°C) 3.5 in
July 78°F (26°C) 3.5 in Warmest
August 76°F (25°C) 3.2 in
September 69°F (20°C) 3.3 in
October 57°F (14°C) 2.8 in
November 45°F (7°C) 3.6 in
December 35°F (1°C) 3.1 in Coldest

Murphy has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F — from 35°F in December to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.1").

20.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 39% below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. 4.9% 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. 95.3% of households have broadband internet access. 74.9% 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+20.5%
39% below US avg
High School+90.8%
Graduate Degree+4.9%
School Test Score5.51
C+ Education Grade (2.6/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density2,219/sq mi
Total Area3.9 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access95.3%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute25.8 min
Drive Alone74.9%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home11.1%

Frequently Asked Questions About Murphy

What is the population of Murphy?

Murphy has a population of 8,566 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 2,219 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.

Is Murphy expensive to live in?

Murphy 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 $73,373, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $177,500 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $961 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Murphy?

Murphy enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.6 inches, with 7.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Murphy?

Murphy has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 11.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Murphy?

The median home value in Murphy is $177,500. For renters, the median monthly rent is $961. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Murphy?

Schools in Murphy score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.5% of adults in Murphy hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Murphy?

The obesity rate in Murphy is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 28.2% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance.

What is transportation like in Murphy?

The average commute in Murphy is 26 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Murphy?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Murphy is 87.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 87.7% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Fenton, MO 4,087 pop · 3.2 mi High Ridge, MO 4,209 pop · 3.4 mi Valley Park, MO 6,817 pop · 4.1 mi Sunset Hills, MO 9,113 pop · 5.5 mi Byrnes Mill, MO 3,168 pop · 6.3 mi Sappington, MO 6,882 pop · 6.6 mi Arnold, MO 20,884 pop · 7.1 mi Winchester, MO 1,914 pop · 7.3 mi Crestwood, MO 12,298 pop · 7.3 mi Eureka, MO 12,371 pop · 7.7 mi Kirkwood, MO 29,302 pop · 7.8 mi Ballwin, MO 30,835 pop · 7.9 mi Oakland, MO 1,619 pop · 8.1 mi Des Peres, MO 9,145 pop · 8.2 mi
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