Poplar Bluff, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $42,035

44% lower than US avg

Home Value $109,700

61% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 663/100K

74% higher than US avg

Bachelor's+ 16.0%

53% lower than US avg

Median Rent $760

35% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 43.8%

36% higher than US avg

Unemployment 3.4%

6% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 18.4%

48% higher than US avg

How Poplar Bluff Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population16,243

Median Age36.7 yrs

Density1,203/mi²

Male / Female47% / 53%

Largest GroupWhite 79%

Veterans9.7%

Economy

Median Income$42,035

Per Capita$22,985

Unemployment3.4%

Poverty18.4%

Commute17 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$109,700

Rent$760

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$166,774

Housing Units7,633

Rent Burden30.3%

Crime

Violent663/100K

Property8,452/100K

Murder5.8/100K

Assault438/100K

Burglary1,274/100K

Health

Obesity43.8%

Uninsured13.4%

Smoking25.7%

Depression29.1%

Heart Disease7.7%

Climate

Avg Temp57°F (14°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain46.9 in/yr

Sunny Days251/yr

Elevation361 ft (110 m)

Education

Bachelor's+16.0%

High School+83.4%

Graduate+4.5%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute17 min

Broadband79.0%

EV Stations9

Is Poplar Bluff a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Poplar Bluff 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. Poplar Bluff has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Poplar Bluff is $42,035, 44% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 18.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Poplar Bluff is $109,700, 61% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $760 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

With 663 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 8,452 per 100,000, 331% above the national average.

Education

16.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Poplar Bluff enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Poplar Bluff has a population of 16,243 with a density of 1,203 people per square mile, spread across 13.5 square miles. The median age is 36.7 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (78.7%), with 2.4% Hispanic, 8.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.7% have health insurance coverage.

Population

16,243

Total Population

1,203

People / sq mi

36.7yrs

Median Age

6% below US avg

13.5mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 46.9%

Female 53.1%

Race & Ethnicity

Poplar Bluff vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	97.7%
	24% above US avg
Spanish	2.3%
	83% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Poplar Bluff vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Poplar Bluff is $42,035, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,985 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.4% 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 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Poplar Bluff vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$42,035
	44% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$22,985

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	3.4%
	6% below US avg
Poverty Rate	18.4%
	48% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	16.6 min
Drive Alone	79.1%
Public Transit	0.7%
Work from Home	3.5%

Walkability

The median home value in Poplar Bluff is $109,700, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,774, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 91.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $760 (35% 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 7,633 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. 30.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$109,700
	61% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$166,774
Median List Price	$108,700

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price	$108,700
$/Sq Ft	$69
Homes Sold	21
Sale-to-List Ratio	91.4%
Price Drops	20.6%
Inventory	63

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$760
	35% below US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)	$1,300
Rent Burden	30.3%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	51.4%
Housing Units	7,633
Median Year Built	1973

Property Tax

In Poplar Bluff, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 40.2% have high blood pressure. 25.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.1% report binge drinking. 39.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.9% experience frequent mental distress. 13.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Poplar Bluff vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	43.8%
	36% above US avg
Diabetes	14.4%
Heart Disease	7.7%
High Blood Pressure	40.2%
Asthma	12.3%
COPD	11.7%
Cancer	7.0%
Stroke	4.5%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	25.7%
	84% above US avg
Binge Drinking	15.1%
Physical Inactivity	39.9%
Depression	29.1%
Mental Distress	22.9%
Physical Distress	19.0%
Short Sleep	43.4%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	85.7%
Uninsured	13.4%
	56% above US avg
Checkup Rate	76.3%
Dental Visits	44.2%

Food & Exercise

Poplar Bluff has a violent crime rate of 663 per 100,000 residents, 74% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 438.2 per 100,000, robbery at 178.7, rape at 40.4. The murder rate is 5.8 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 8,452 per 100,000, 331% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 6,745, burglary at 1,274, vehicle theft at 432 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Poplar Bluff receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Poplar Bluff vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent	663.0/100K
	74% above US avg
Murder	5.8/100K
	8% below US avg
Rape	40.4/100K
Robbery	178.7/100K
Assault	438.2/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	8,452.0/100K
	331% above US avg
Burglary	1,274.1/100K
Theft	6,745.5/100K
Vehicle Theft	432.4/100K
Arson	80.7/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety Grade	F
Safety Score	1.0 / 5.0

Poplar Bluff enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 46.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 361 feet.

Temperature

33°F Jan (0°C) 80°F Jul (26°C)

Annual Average	57.4°F
	6% above US avg
January Average	33°F (0°C)
July Average	80°F (26°C)
Sunny Days	251 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	46.9 inches
	23% above US avg
Snowfall	3.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	361 ft (110 m)
Area	13.5 sq mi (35.0 km²)
Population Density	1,203/sq mi
Coordinates	36.7570°N, 90.3929°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	33°F (0°C)	3.1 in	Coldest
February	38°F (3°C)	3.5 in
March	47°F (9°C)	5.0 in	Wettest
April	57°F (14°C)	4.5 in
May	66°F (19°C)	4.8 in
June	75°F (24°C)	3.5 in
July	80°F (26°C)	3.6 in	Warmest
August	78°F (25°C)	3.5 in
September	71°F (22°C)	3.7 in
October	59°F (15°C)	3.0 in	Driest
November	48°F (9°C)	4.5 in
December	38°F (3°C)	4.3 in

Poplar Bluff has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F — from 33°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.9 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.0") and October the driest (3.0").

16.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 53% below the national average of 33.7%. 83.4% have completed high school. 4.5% 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. 79.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). The area has 9 EV charging stations. 79.1% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	16.0%
	53% below US avg
High School+	83.4%
Graduate Degree+	4.5%
School Test Score	5.51

C Education Grade (2.3/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	1,203/sq mi
Total Area	13.5 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	79.0%
EV Charging Stations	9
Alt Fuel Stations	10

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	16.6 min
Drive Alone	79.1%
Public Transit	0.7%
Work from Home	3.5%

Frequently Asked Questions About Poplar Bluff

What is the population of Poplar Bluff?

Poplar Bluff has a population of 16,243 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,203 people per square mile, spread across 13.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.

Is Poplar Bluff expensive to live in?

Poplar Bluff 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 $42,035, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $109,700 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $760 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Poplar Bluff safe?

Public safety is a concern in Poplar Bluff, with a violent crime rate of 663 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 8,452 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Poplar Bluff receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Poplar Bluff?

Poplar Bluff enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.9 inches, with 3.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Poplar Bluff?

Poplar Bluff has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Poplar Bluff?

The median home value in Poplar Bluff is $109,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,774. For renters, the median monthly rent is $760. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Poplar Bluff?

Schools in Poplar Bluff score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.0% of adults in Poplar Bluff hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.4% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Poplar Bluff?

The obesity rate in Poplar Bluff is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.7% of adults are smokers. 39.9% are physically inactive. 29.1% of residents report depression. 13.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Poplar Bluff?

The average commute in Poplar Bluff is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.

What are the demographics of Poplar Bluff?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Poplar Bluff is 78.7% White, 8.9% Black or African American, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 24.6% of residents have a disability. 85.7% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Dexter, MO 7,906 pop · 24.2 mi Bernie, MO 1,772 pop · 24.3 mi Campbell, MO 1,719 pop · 25.3 mi Doniphan, MO 2,220 pop · 25.6 mi Corning, AR 3,169 pop · 26.0 mi Bloomfield, MO 2,011 pop · 27.1 mi Malden, MO 3,818 pop · 27.4 mi Piggott, AR 3,589 pop · 27.7 mi Piedmont, MO 2,857 pop · 32.2 mi Rector, AR 1,631 pop · 34.5 mi Advance, MO 1,549 pop · 35.9 mi Van Buren, MO 1,146 pop · 38.1 mi Marmaduke, AR 1,369 pop · 39.2 mi Kennett, MO 10,236 pop · 40.6 mi

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