Median Income
$30,500
59% lower than US avg
Home Value
$147,500
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
488/100K
28% higher 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
Ownership67.7%
Zillow$200,639
Housing Units139
Rent Burden18.0%
Crime
F
Violent488/100K
Property244/100K
Health
Obesity42.6%
Uninsured10.9%
Smoking24.1%
Depression29.9%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.1 in/yr
Sunny Days262/yr
Elevation1,056 ft (322 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.9%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute30 min
Broadband73.4%
EV Stations2
Is Preston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Preston receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 488 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 244 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
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
Preston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 262 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.1 inches, including 5.8 inches of snow. 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, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 25.0 years, 36% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.3% female and 43.7% male. The city is predominantly White (87.9%), with 5.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 2.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 26.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.0yrs
Median Age
36% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
The median household income in Preston is $30,500, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,313 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 6.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 29.0% 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 30 minutes. 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $30,500 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,313 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.6% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.0% |
| 134% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Preston is $147,500, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,639, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $586 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 139 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. 18.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.8x.
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 Burden | 18.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.3% |
| Housing Units | 139 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
In Preston, 42.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 36.4% have high blood pressure. 24.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.2% report binge drinking. 35.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Preston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.4% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 11.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.1% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.4% |
| Depression | 29.9% |
| Mental Distress | 22.9% |
| Physical Distress | 17.9% |
| Short Sleep | 42.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.9% |
| Uninsured | 10.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 50.3% |
Food & Exercise
Preston has a violent crime rate of 488 per 100,000 residents, 28% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 244 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. Overall, Preston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Preston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 487.8/100K |
| 28% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 243.9/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Preston 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. The area gets 262 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 41.1 inches. The area receives 5.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,056 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.3°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 262 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,056 ft (322 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 464/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9413°N, 93.2086°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sedalia Regional (DMO)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.1"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
88 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
10 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
66 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
100 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
67 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
448 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 428 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
74 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
34 km |
4 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2019 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,388 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,388 |
26 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
42 km |
| 2006 |
BIG SPRING FIRE |
4,921 |
25 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
27 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
39 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
34 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
92 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,538 |
26 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
40 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,492 |
27 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
38 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,135 |
31 km |
| 2012 |
KINFOLK RD |
2,883 |
40 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
20 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
25 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,590 |
26 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,575 |
26 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,569 |
44 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,418 |
37 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,369 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Preston has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Preston. 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 Preston
What is the population of Preston?
Preston has a population of 348 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 464 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.3% female and 43.7% male.
Is Preston expensive to live in?
Preston 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 $30,500, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $147,500 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $586 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Preston safe?
The violent crime rate in Preston is 488 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 244 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Preston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Preston?
Preston 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. The area receives 262 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.1 inches, with 5.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Preston?
The unemployment rate in Preston is 6.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Preston?
The median home value in Preston is $147,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,639. For renters, the median monthly rent is $586. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.7%.
How are the schools in Preston?
Schools in Preston score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.9% of adults in Preston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Preston?
The obesity rate in Preston is 42.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.1% of adults are smokers. 35.4% are physically inactive. 29.9% of residents report depression. 10.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Preston?
The average commute in Preston is 30 minutes. 61% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Preston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Preston is 87.9% White, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 2.5% of the population are military veterans. 26.7% of residents have a disability. 86.9% have health insurance coverage.
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