Median Income
$52,083
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,800
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.0%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.9%
77% lower than US avg
How Prairie Home Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population214
Median Age54.0 yrs
Density648/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans14.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,083
Per Capita$30,547
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty2.9%
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,800
Rent$700
Ownership72.9%
Zillow$271,001
Housing Units112
Rent Burden18.6%
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking15.5%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain43.2 in/yr
Elevation896 ft (273 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.0%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute29 min
Broadband81.3%
EV Stations3
Is Prairie Home a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Prairie Home receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Prairie Home stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Prairie Home is $52,083, 31% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Prairie Home is $118,800, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
26.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Prairie Home experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.2 inches, including 9.7 inches of snow.
Prairie Home has a population of 214 with a density of 648 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 54.0 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.2% female and 45.8% male. The city is predominantly White (93%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 14.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
214
Total Population
2023 Census
54.0yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Prairie Home vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Prairie Home vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Prairie Home is $52,083, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,547 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.9% 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 29 minutes. 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Prairie Home vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,083 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,547 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.9% |
| 77% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in Prairie Home is $118,800, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,001, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 112 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. 18.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,800 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $271,001 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.1% |
| Housing Units | 112 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
In Prairie Home, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 19.4% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Prairie Home vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 38.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
Food & Exercise
Prairie Home experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.2 inches. The area receives 9.7 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 896 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.0°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 896 ft (273 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 648/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.8131°N, 92.5905°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Columbia Regional (COU)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.2"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.98"
Earthquake History
10 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 |
126 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
16 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
97 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
112 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
150 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
111 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
388 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 241 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
57 km |
4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1998 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,763 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,840 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
WOOLDRIDGE FIRE |
1,323 |
13 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,294 |
91 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,273 |
83 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
80 km |
| 2010 |
KK RANCH ROAD |
1,112 |
70 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
940 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
938 |
96 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
906 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
887 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
869 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
864 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
840 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
790 |
80 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
679 |
82 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
644 |
73 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
616 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
KNOBBY |
607 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
578 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
Prairie Home has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and December the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Prairie Home. 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 Prairie Home
What is the population of Prairie Home?
Prairie Home has a population of 214 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 648 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.2% female and 45.8% male.
Is Prairie Home expensive to live in?
Prairie Home 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 $52,083, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,800 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Prairie Home?
Prairie Home 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 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 43.2 inches, with 9.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Prairie Home?
Prairie Home has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Prairie Home?
The median home value in Prairie Home is $118,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,001. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.9%.
How are the schools in Prairie Home?
Schools in Prairie Home score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.0% of adults in Prairie Home hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Prairie Home?
The obesity rate in Prairie Home is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Prairie Home?
The average commute in Prairie Home is 29 minutes. 74.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Prairie Home?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Prairie Home is 93% White. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 14.9% of the population are military veterans. 19.6% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.