Median Income
$48,750
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$152,500
46% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.2%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$617
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.7%
31% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Polo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population428
Median Age31.6 yrs
Density690/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans13.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$48,750
Per Capita$40,964
Unemployment4.7%
Poverty6.4%
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$152,500
Rent$617
Ownership75.4%
Zillow$295,437
Housing Units268
Rent Burden24.4%
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking18.9%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Elevation1,020 ft (311 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.2%
High School+92.9%
Graduate+3.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute35 min
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations3
Is Polo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Polo receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Polo offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Polo is $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Polo is $152,500, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $617 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
13.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Polo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches, including 14.1 inches of snow.
Polo has a population of 428 with a density of 690 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 31.6 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (89.5%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 13.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
428
Total Population
2023 Census
31.6yrs
Median Age
19% 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 Polo is $48,750, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,964. The unemployment rate is 4.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.4% 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 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 1.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,750 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,964 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.7% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.0% |
The median home value in Polo is $152,500, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $295,437, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $141,950 with homes selling in an average of 117 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $617 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 268 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. 24.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $152,500 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $295,437 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $141,950 |
| Median List Price | $175,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $141,950 |
| Median List Price | $175,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $117 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 117 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 100.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $617 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.6% |
| Housing Units | 268 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
In Polo, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 30.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Polo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.4% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 40.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 57.2% |
Food & Exercise
Polo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches. The area receives 14.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,020 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.0°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,020 ft (311 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 690/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5522°N, 94.0408°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kansas City International (MCI)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.32"
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
122 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
76 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
135 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
56 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
469 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 353 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
41 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
87 km |
2 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
18 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HIGHWAY E (897 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
16 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Polo has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 25°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Polo. 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 Polo
What is the population of Polo?
Polo has a population of 428 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 690 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Polo expensive to live in?
Polo 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 $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $152,500 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $617 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Polo?
Polo has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches, with 14.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Polo?
Polo has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 1.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Polo?
The median home value in Polo is $152,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $295,437. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $141,950, with homes typically selling within 117 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $617. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.4%.
How are the schools in Polo?
Schools in Polo score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.2% of adults in Polo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Polo?
The obesity rate in Polo is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 30.4% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Polo?
The average commute in Polo is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Polo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Polo is 89.5% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 13.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.