Median Income
$40,787
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,300
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,166/100K
207% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.7%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,104
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.9%
43% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.4%
32% higher than US avg
How Northwoods Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,654
Median Age52.8 yrs
Density5,220/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 6%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$40,787
Per Capita$22,271
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty16.4%
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$72,300
Rent$1,104
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$82,521
Housing Units2,076
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent1,166/100K
Property3,260/100K
Murder47.6/100K
Assault690/100K
Burglary1,095/100K
Health
Obesity45.9%
Uninsured12.3%
Smoking22.8%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation584 ft (178 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.7%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+3.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute27 min
Broadband67.9%
Is Northwoods a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Northwoods receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Northwoods has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Northwoods is $40,787, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. The poverty rate of 16.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Northwoods is $72,300, 74% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,104 per month. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,166 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,260 per 100,000, 66% above the national average.
Education
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Northwoods 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.
Northwoods has a population of 3,654 with a density of 5,220 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 52.8 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly Black (91.3%), with 6.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.8yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Northwoods vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.9% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.1% |
| 92% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Northwoods vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Northwoods is $40,787, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,271 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.4% 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 27 minutes. 10.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Northwoods vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,787 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,271 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.3% |
| Public Transit | 5.6% |
| Work from Home | 10.5% |
The median home value in Northwoods is $72,300, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $82,521, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,104 (5% 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 2,076 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $72,300 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $82,521 |
| Median List Price | $121,250 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $121,250 |
| $/Sq Ft | $94 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.9% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 24 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,104 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Owner-Occupied | 77.6% |
| Housing Units | 2,076 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
In Northwoods, 45.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 47.3% have high blood pressure. 22.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.0% report binge drinking. 40.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.3% report depression. 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 12.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Northwoods vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.9% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 47.3% |
| Asthma | 13.7% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 4.4% |
| Stroke | 5.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.8% |
| 63% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.8% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 46.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 12.3% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 81.3% |
| Dental Visits | 47.0% |
Food & Exercise
Northwoods has a violent crime rate of 1,166 per 100,000 residents, 207% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 690.2 per 100,000, robbery at 357.0, rape at 71.4. The murder rate is 47.6 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,260 per 100,000, 66% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,785, burglary at 1,095, vehicle theft at 381 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Northwoods receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Northwoods vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,166.1/100K |
| 207% above US avg |
| Murder | 47.6/100K |
| 656% above US avg |
| Rape | 71.4/100K |
| Robbery | 357.0/100K |
| Assault | 690.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,260.4/100K |
| 66% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,094.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,784.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 380.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Northwoods 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 584 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.2°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 45.6 inches |
| 20% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 7.6 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 584 ft (178 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 5,220/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.7042°N, 90.2835°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
Northwoods has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F — from 34°F in December to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.0").
Frequently Asked Questions About Northwoods
What is the population of Northwoods?
Northwoods has a population of 3,654 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 5,220 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is Northwoods expensive to live in?
Northwoods 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 $40,787, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,300 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,104 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Northwoods safe?
Public safety is a concern in Northwoods, with a violent crime rate of 1,166 per 100,000 — significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,260 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Northwoods receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Northwoods?
Northwoods 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 Northwoods?
The job market in Northwoods is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 10.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Northwoods?
The median home value in Northwoods is $72,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $82,521. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,104. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How are the schools in Northwoods?
Schools in Northwoods score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.7% of adults in Northwoods hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Northwoods?
The obesity rate in Northwoods is 45.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.8% of adults are smokers. 40.8% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 12.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Northwoods?
The average commute in Northwoods is 27 minutes. 77.3% of workers drive alone to work, 5.6% use public transit, and 10.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Northwoods?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Northwoods is 6.3% White, 91.3% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.