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Potosi, MO

Missouri

Potosi is a small town in Missouri with a population of 2,542. Residents earn $37,055 per year, which is 51% below the national average.

2.7 /5.0
C+ Fair
2,542 Population 1,091/sq mi density
$37,055 Median Income $18,901 per capita
$101,100 Home Value $181,025 Zillow
$719 Median Rent 32.0% income on rent
55°F Avg Temperature 261 sunny days/yr
372 Violent Crime/100K 5,686 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.7 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.8 / 5.0
$37,055 median income, 1.9% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$101,100 home value, $719/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
372 violent crimes/100K (2% below avg)
C
Education
2.1 / 5.0
14.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $37,055
51% lower than US avg
Home Value $101,100
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 372/100K
2% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 14.0%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent $719
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment 1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 23.8%
92% higher than US avg

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

People

Population2,542
Median Age35.6 yrs
Density1,091/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans6.6%

Economy

C+
Median Income$37,055
Per Capita$18,901
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty23.8%
Commute25 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$101,100
Rent$719
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$181,025
Housing Units1,220
Rent Burden32.0%

Crime

F
Violent372/100K
Property5,686/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault297/100K
Burglary557/100K

Health

Obesity40.5%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking22.1%
Depression28.3%
Heart Disease6.7%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.5 in/yr
Sunny Days261/yr
Elevation899 ft (274 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+14.0%
High School+85.2%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute25 min
Broadband85.5%
EV Stations1

Is Potosi a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Potosi receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Potosi has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Potosi is $37,055, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 23.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Potosi is $101,100, 64% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Violent crime in Potosi is below the national average at 372 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,686 per 100,000, 190% above the national average.

Education

14.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Potosi experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 261 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.5 inches, including 7.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Potosi has a population of 2,542 with a density of 1,091 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 35.6 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (87.6%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 23.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.4% have health insurance coverage.

Population

2,542
Total Population
1,091
People / sq mi
35.6yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
2.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.5%
Female 51.5%

Race & Ethnicity

Potosi vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish2.2%
84% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Potosi vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Potosi is $37,055, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,901 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 23.8% 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 25 minutes. 0.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Potosi vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$37,055
51% below US avg
Per Capita Income$18,901

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.9%
47% below US avg
Poverty Rate23.8%
92% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time25.0 min
Drive Alone80.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.9%

Walkability

The median home value in Potosi is $101,100, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,025, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $719 (38% 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 1,220 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. 32.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$101,100
64% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$181,025

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$719
38% below US avg
Rent Burden32.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied52.5%
Housing Units1,220
Median Year Built1963

Property Tax

In Potosi, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 34.8% have high blood pressure. 22.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 33.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Potosi vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity40.5%
26% above US avg
Diabetes11.7%
Heart Disease6.7%
High Blood Pressure34.8%
Asthma11.7%
COPD10.0%
Cancer7.3%
Stroke3.8%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking22.1%
58% above US avg
Binge Drinking16.9%
Physical Inactivity33.3%
Depression28.3%
Mental Distress21.5%
Physical Distress16.5%
Short Sleep42.2%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate85.4%
Uninsured11.3%
31% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.4%
Dental Visits53.1%

Food & Exercise

Potosi has a violent crime rate of 372 per 100,000 residents, 2% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 297.3 per 100,000, robbery at 74.3, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 5,686 per 100,000, 190% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 4,719, burglary at 557, vehicle theft at 409 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Potosi receives a safety grade of F.

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

Violent Crime

Total Violent371.6/100K
2% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape0.0/100K
Robbery74.3/100K
Assault297.3/100K

Property Crime

Total Property5,685.6/100K
190% above US avg
Burglary557.4/100K
Theft4,719.4/100K
Vehicle Theft408.8/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Potosi experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 261 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 41.5 inches. The area receives 7.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 899 feet.

Temperature

30°F Jan (-1°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)
Annual Average54.7°F
1% above US avg
January Average30°F (-1°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days261 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall41.5 inches
9% above US avg
Snowfall7.8 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation899 ft (274 m)
Area2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²)
Population Density1,091/sq mi
Coordinates37.9364°N, 90.7879°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 in Coldest, Driest
February 35°F (2°C) 2.3 in
March 45°F (7°C) 3.9 in
April 55°F (13°C) 4.0 in
May 64°F (18°C) 4.5 in Wettest
June 72°F (22°C) 3.5 in
July 77°F (25°C) 3.6 in Warmest
August 75°F (24°C) 3.7 in
September 68°F (20°C) 3.5 in
October 57°F (14°C) 3.0 in
November 45°F (7°C) 4.0 in
December 35°F (2°C) 3.4 in

Potosi has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F — from 30°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (2.2").

14.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 58% below the national average of 33.7%. 85.2% have completed high school. 2.1% 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. 85.5% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 1 EV charging stations. 80% 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+14.0%
58% below US avg
High School+85.2%
Graduate Degree+2.1%
School Test Score5.51
C Education Grade (2.1/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,091/sq mi
Total Area2.3 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access85.5%
EV Charging Stations1
Alt Fuel Stations1

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute25.0 min
Drive Alone80.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.9%

Frequently Asked Questions About Potosi

What is the population of Potosi?

Potosi has a population of 2,542 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,091 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.

Is Potosi expensive to live in?

Potosi 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 $37,055, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,100 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Potosi safe?

Potosi is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 372 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,686 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Potosi receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Potosi?

Potosi has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 261 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.5 inches, with 7.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Potosi?

The job market in Potosi is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.9% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Potosi?

The median home value in Potosi is $101,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,025. For renters, the median monthly rent is $719. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Potosi?

Schools in Potosi score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.0% of adults in Potosi hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.2% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Potosi?

The obesity rate in Potosi is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.1% of adults are smokers. 33.3% are physically inactive. 28.3% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Potosi?

The average commute in Potosi is 25 minutes. 80% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.9% work from home.

What are the demographics of Potosi?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Potosi is 87.6% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 23.5% of residents have a disability. 85.4% have health insurance coverage.

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