Median Income
$65,132
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$195,000
31% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
140/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.2%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,173
1% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.0%
44% lower than US avg
How Platte City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,793
Median Age38.1 yrs
Density1,207/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,132
Per Capita$32,062
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty7.0%
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$195,000
Rent$1,173
Ownership46.2%
Zillow$392,582
Housing Units2,067
Rent Burden32.4%
Crime
F
Violent140/100K
Property1,160/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault80/100K
Burglary120/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking15.8%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain38.0 in/yr
Sunny Days267/yr
Elevation837 ft (255 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.2%
High School+97.0%
Graduate+11.5%
School Score6.54
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute23 min
Broadband91.3%
EV Stations2
Is Platte City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Platte City receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Platte City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Platte City is $65,132, 13% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Platte City is $195,000, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,173 per month. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Platte City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,160 per 100,000, 41% below the national average.
Education
23.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Platte City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 267 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Platte City has a population of 4,793 with a density of 1,207 people per square mile, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age is 38.1 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (86.8%), with 3.1% Hispanic, 3.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.1yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Platte City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Platte City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Platte City is $65,132, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,062 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.0% 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 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Platte City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,132 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,062 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Platte City is $195,000, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $392,582, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,173 (1% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,197 for a one-bedroom to $1,358 for a two-bedroom apartment. 46.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,067 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. 32.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $195,000 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $392,582 |
| Median List Price | $445,990 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $445,990 |
| $/Sq Ft | $156 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 7.1% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,173 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,356 |
| Rent Burden | 32.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,095 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,197 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,358 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,769 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,103 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 46.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.8% |
| Housing Units | 2,067 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
In Platte City, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 17.5% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Platte City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 37.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 59.4% |
Food & Exercise
Platte City has a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 80.0 per 100,000, robbery at 40.0, rape at 20.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,160 per 100,000, 41% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 740, burglary at 120, vehicle theft at 300 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Platte City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Platte City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 139.9/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 20.0/100K |
| Robbery | 40.0/100K |
| Assault | 80.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,159.5/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| Burglary | 120.0/100K |
| Theft | 739.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 299.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 247 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Platte City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 267 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 38.0 inches. The area receives 3.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 837 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.8°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 267 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 837 ft (255 m) |
| Area | 4.0 sq mi (10.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,207/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3672°N, 94.7796°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kansas City International (MCI) 6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.0"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.08"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
49 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
31 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
130 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
144 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
619 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 403 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
73 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
33 km |
2 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 4 DELTA 21 (1,708 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
FY 18 182 ROAD BROADCAST BURN |
1,009 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
81 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
92 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
90 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
44°F (6°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Platte City has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 27°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Platte City. 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 Platte City
What is the population of Platte City?
Platte City has a population of 4,793 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,207 people per square mile, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.1 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Platte City expensive to live in?
Platte City 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 $65,132, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $195,000 (31% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,173 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Platte City safe?
Platte City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,160 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Platte City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Platte City?
Platte City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 267 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.0 inches, with 3.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Platte City?
Platte City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Platte City?
The median home value in Platte City is $195,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $392,582. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,173. Fair market rent is $1,197 for a 1-bedroom and $1,358 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 46.2%.
How are the schools in Platte City?
Schools in Platte City score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.2% of adults in Platte City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. 11.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Platte City?
The obesity rate in Platte City is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Platte City?
The average commute in Platte City is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Platte City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Platte City is 86.8% White, 3.3% Black or African American, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.