Preston, MO

Missouri

Preston is a small town in Missouri with a population of 348. Residents earn $30,500 per year, which is 59% below the national average.

2.3 /5.0
C Fair
348 Population 464/sq mi density
$30,500 Median Income $14,313 per capita
$147,500 Home Value $200,639 Zillow
$586 Median Rent 18.0% income on rent
C
Overall
2.3 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
D
Economy
1.8 / 5.0
$30,500 median income, 6.6% unemployment
B+
Affordability
4.0 / 5.0
$147,500 home value, $586/mo rent
F
Education
1.2 / 5.0
2.9% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $30,500
59% lower than US avg
Home Value $147,500
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 2.9%
91% lower than US avg
Median Rent $586
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 42.6%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment 6.6%
83% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 29.0%
134% higher than US avg

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

People

Population348
Median Age25.0 yrs
Density464/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans2.5%

Economy

D
Median Income$30,500
Per Capita$14,313
Unemployment6.6%
Poverty29.0%
Commute30 min

Housing

B+
Home Value$147,500
Rent$586
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$200,639
Rent Burden18.0%

Health

Obesity42.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression29.9%
Heart Disease7.5%

Education

F
Bachelor's+2.9%
High School+91.9%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute30 min
Broadband73.4%

Is Preston a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Preston receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Preston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Preston is $30,500, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 29.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Preston is $147,500, 48% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $586 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Education

2.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Preston has a population of 348 with a density of 464 people per square mile. The median age is 25.0 years, 36% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (87.9%), with 5.7% Hispanic.

Population

348
Total Population
464
People / sq mi
25.0yrs
Median Age
36% below US avg
0.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 43.7%
Female 56.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Preston vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish2.3%
83% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Preston vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Preston is $30,500, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 6.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 29.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.

Income: Preston vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$30,500
59% below US avg
Per Capita Income$14,313

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment6.6%
83% above US avg
Poverty Rate29.0%
134% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time29.7 min
Drive Alone61.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home5.9%

Walkability

The median home value in Preston is $147,500, 48% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $586 (50% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,639.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$147,500
48% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$200,639

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$586
50% below US avg
Rent Burden18.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied67.7%

Property Tax

In Preston, 42.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 29.9% report depression. 35.4% are physically inactive.

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity42.6%
33% above US avg
Diabetes12.5%
Heart Disease7.5%
High Blood Pressure36.4%
Asthma12.4%
COPD11.1%
Stroke4.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking16.2%
Physical Inactivity35.4%
Depression29.9%
Mental Distress22.9%
Physical Distress17.9%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate86.9%
Checkup Rate76.0%

Food & Exercise

2.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (91% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 54.2-point margin. 73.4% of households have broadband internet.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+2.9%
91% below US avg
High School+91.9%
School Test Score5.51
F Education Grade (1.2/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density464/sq mi
Total Area0.8 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access73.4%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute29.7 min
Drive Alone61.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home5.9%

Nearby Cities

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