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Northwoods, MO

Missouri

Northwoods is a small town in Missouri with a population of 3,654. Residents earn $40,787 per year, which is 46% below the national average.

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
3,654 Population 5,220/sq mi density
$40,787 Median Income $22,271 per capita
$72,300 Home Value $82,521 Zillow
$1,104 Median Rent 51.0% income on rent
58°F Avg Temperature 293 sunny days/yr
1,166 Violent Crime/100K 3,260 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.2 / 5.0
$40,787 median income, 2.4% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$72,300 home value, $1,104/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
1,166 violent crimes/100K (207% above avg)
C
Education
2.2 / 5.0
14.7% bachelor's degree or higher
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

3,654
Total Population
5,220
People / sq mi
52.8yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
0.7mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 47%
Female 53%

Race & Ethnicity

Northwoods vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish1.1%
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.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$40,787
46% below US avg
Per Capita Income$22,271

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.4%
33% below US avg
Poverty Rate16.4%
32% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time27.3 min
Drive Alone77.3%
Public Transit5.6%
Work from Home10.5%

Walkability

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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

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 Sold7
Sale-to-List Ratio97.9%
Price Drops16.7%
Inventory24

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,104
5% below US avg
Rent Burden51.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied77.6%
Housing Units2,076
Median Year Built1954

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

Obesity45.9%
43% above US avg
Diabetes18.0%
Heart Disease6.6%
High Blood Pressure47.3%
Asthma13.7%
COPD8.8%
Cancer4.4%
Stroke5.4%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking22.8%
63% above US avg
Binge Drinking12.0%
Physical Inactivity40.8%
Depression21.3%
Mental Distress21.7%
Physical Distress16.5%
Short Sleep46.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate92.9%
Uninsured12.3%
43% above US avg
Checkup Rate81.3%
Dental Visits47.0%

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 Violent1,166.1/100K
207% above US avg
Murder47.6/100K
656% above US avg
Rape71.4/100K
Robbery357.0/100K
Assault690.2/100K

Property Crime

Total Property3,260.4/100K
66% above US avg
Burglary1,094.7/100K
Theft1,784.9/100K
Vehicle Theft380.8/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 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 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

Elevation584 ft (178 m)
Area0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²)
Population Density5,220/sq mi
Coordinates38.7042°N, 90.2835°W
TimezoneAmerica/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").

14.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 56% below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 3.0% 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. 67.9% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). 77.3% of workers drive alone to work, while 5.6% use public transit.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+14.7%
56% below US avg
High School+89.4%
Graduate Degree+3.0%
School Test Score5.51
C Education Grade (2.2/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density5,220/sq mi
Total Area0.7 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access67.9%

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute27.3 min
Drive Alone77.3%
Public Transit5.6%
Work from Home10.5%

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.

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