Median Income
$37,055
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,100
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
575/100K
51% higher 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
Ownership52.5%
Zillow$181,025
Housing Units1,220
Rent Burden32.0%
Crime
F
Violent575/100K
Property6,669/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault345/100K
Burglary460/100K
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 elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. 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
The violent crime rate of 575 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,669 per 100,000, 240% 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
35.6yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
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
| Median HH Income | $37,055 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,901 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.8% |
| 92% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.9% |
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. 52.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). 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 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 Burden | 32.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 52.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,220 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
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
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.8% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.1% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.3% |
| Depression | 28.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 42.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.4% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 53.1% |
Food & Exercise
Potosi has a violent crime rate of 575 per 100,000 residents, 51% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 345.0 per 100,000, robbery at 38.3, rape at 191.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 6,669 per 100,000, 240% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 5,596, burglary at 460, vehicle theft at 613 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 Violent | 574.9/100K |
| 51% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 191.6/100K |
| Robbery | 38.3/100K |
| Assault | 345.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,669.2/100K |
| 240% above US avg |
| Burglary | 460.0/100K |
| Theft | 5,596.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 613.3/100K |
| Arson | 38.3/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 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 Average | 54.7°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 261 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 899 ft (274 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,091/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9364°N, 90.7879°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Farmington Regional (FAM) 23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.5"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
58 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
135 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
19 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
35 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Dec 27, 1992 |
2 km E of Pocahontas, Missouri |
M3.2 |
114 km |
| Mar 12, 2002 |
6 km S of Marble Hill, Missouri |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
6 km E of Grand Tower, Illinois |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| Feb 28, 1994 |
5 km NW of Harrison, Illinois |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| Jun 27, 2025 |
12 km WSW of Grandin, Missouri |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
26 km |
| May 21, 2012 |
6 km SW of Williamsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
49 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
71 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
28 km |
| Aug 26, 1992 |
5 km W of Frohna, Missouri |
M2.8 |
103 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
69 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
484 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 72 fatalities, 1,118 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
31 km |
4 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
27 km |
2 |
| Dec 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
41 km |
3 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
85 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
68 km |
21 |
| Feb 24, 1956 |
EF4 |
58 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
70 km |
2 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MINNINGHAW (4,792 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
MINNINGHAW |
4,792 |
72 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
SMITH MILL HOLLOW |
3,978 |
19 km |
| 2021 |
KAINTUCK |
3,325 |
100 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,252 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
COUNCIL BLUFF |
3,035 |
28 km |
| 2022 |
LITTLE CREEK |
3,004 |
74 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,963 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
HODGE HOLLOW |
2,922 |
73 km |
| 2024 |
COUNCIL BLUFF WEST RX |
2,846 |
28 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,831 |
100 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,751 |
23 km |
| 2005 |
MCKENZIE HILL |
2,722 |
80 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,688 |
24 km |
| 2010 |
COUNCIL BLUFF LAKE |
2,651 |
28 km |
| 2022 |
MINNINGHAW |
2,516 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
28 km |
| 2021 |
THOMPSON HOLLOW |
2,479 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,399 |
68 km |
| 2024 |
UNNAMED |
2,335 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
Average costs for common services in Potosi. 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 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?
The violent crime rate in Potosi is 575 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 6,669 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. The homeownership rate is 52.5%.
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.