Median Income
$57,750
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$146,700
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
434/100K
14% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
39.4%
17% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Plato Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population195
Median Age17.6 yrs
Density513/mi²
Male / Female59% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans94.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,750
Per Capita$19,322
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
Commute50 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$146,700
Ownership96.1%
Zillow$219,068
Housing Units50
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent434/100K
Property5,936/100K
Health
Obesity41.0%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking21.5%
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain43.0 in/yr
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation1,119 ft (341 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+39.4%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+24.5%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute50 min
Broadband51.0%
EV Stations2
Is Plato a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Plato receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times, high obesity rates. Plato offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Plato is $57,750, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 50 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Plato is $146,700, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 434 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,936 per 100,000, 203% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 39.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Plato experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.0 inches, including 5.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Plato has a population of 195 with a density of 513 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 17.6 years, 55% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.5% female and 58.5% male. The city is predominantly White (83.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 94.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
17.6yrs
Median Age
55% below 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 Plato is $57,750, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,322 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% 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 50 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,750 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,322 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 49.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Plato is $146,700, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,068, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 50 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $146,700 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $219,068 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.9% |
| Housing Units | 50 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
In Plato, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 36.4% have high blood pressure. 21.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.7% report binge drinking. 32.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Plato vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.4% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.5% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.7% |
| Depression | 28.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 40.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 52.6% |
Food & Exercise
Plato has a violent crime rate of 434 per 100,000 residents, 14% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,936 per 100,000, 203% above the U.S. average. Overall, Plato receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Plato vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 434.4/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,936.3/100K |
| 203% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Plato experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.0 inches. The area receives 5.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,119 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.3°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 258 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,119 ft (341 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 513/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5037°N, 92.2249°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Waynesville-St Robert Regional Forney Field (TBN)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.0"
13% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
32 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
133 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
108 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
97 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
143 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
68 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Mar 18, 1990 |
9 km W of Alton, Missouri |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Jun 27, 2025 |
12 km WSW of Grandin, Missouri |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
106 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Mar 12, 1990 |
9 km NNE of Briarcliff, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Nov 26, 1999 |
9 km NNE of Mountain Home, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
121 km |
| May 14, 2007 |
12 km NE of Alton, Missouri |
M2.7 |
114 km |
| Jul 15, 1990 |
7 km SW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.7 |
129 km |
| Oct 26, 1998 |
10 km NE of Van Buren, Missouri |
M2.7 |
124 km |
| Feb 20, 2024 |
4 km ENE of Grandin, Missouri |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Feb 14, 2019 |
11 km WSW of Mountain View, Missouri |
M2.6 |
72 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
386 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 321 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
98 km |
3 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1954 |
EF4 |
20 km |
2 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
86 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
69 km |
4 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2019 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
51 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 |
76 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
57 km |
| 2021 |
ROCK PILE |
5,067 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
BIG SPRING FIRE |
4,921 |
76 km |
| 2011 |
MINNINGHAW |
4,792 |
78 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
78 km |
| 2023 |
ELM SPRINGS RX |
4,378 |
42 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
61 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
66 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
14 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,665 |
18 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,538 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
59 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,492 |
73 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
65 km |
| 2021 |
KAINTUCK |
3,325 |
46 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,252 |
78 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,135 |
68 km |
| 2022 |
LITTLE CREEK |
3,004 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Plato has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 31°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Plato. 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 Plato
What is the population of Plato?
Plato has a population of 195 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 513 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 17.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.5% female and 58.5% male.
Is Plato expensive to live in?
Plato 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 $57,750, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $146,700 (48% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Plato safe?
The violent crime rate in Plato is 434 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,936 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Plato receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Plato?
Plato has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.0 inches, with 5.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Plato?
The job market in Plato is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 50 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Plato?
The median home value in Plato is $146,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,068. The homeownership rate is 96.1%.
How are the schools in Plato?
Schools in Plato score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 39.4% of adults in Plato hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 24.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Plato?
The obesity rate in Plato is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.5% of adults are smokers. 32.7% are physically inactive. 28.8% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Plato?
The average commute in Plato is 50 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Plato?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Plato is 83.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 94.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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