Median Income
$38,750
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,600
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.4%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$938
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.4%
73% higher than US avg
How Purcell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population354
Median Age42.9 yrs
Density805/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$38,750
Per Capita$23,180
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty21.4%
Commute38 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,600
Rent$938
Ownership81.8%
Zillow$241,880
Housing Units194
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
C
Violent254/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault254/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking17.9%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain44.7 in/yr
Sunny Days255/yr
Elevation965 ft (294 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.4%
High School+89.0%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute38 min
Broadband84.1%
EV Stations1
Is Purcell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Purcell receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. Purcell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Purcell is $38,750, 48% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 21.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Purcell is $84,600, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $938 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Purcell is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Purcell enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 255 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Purcell has a population of 354 with a density of 805 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (75.7%), with 4.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.9% of residents, while 13.1% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 82.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.9%
11% above US avg
Spanish
13.1%
2% below US avg
The median household income in Purcell is $38,750, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,180 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.4% 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 38 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,750 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,180 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.4% |
| 73% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Purcell is $84,600, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,880, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $938 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 194 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. 20.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,600 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,880 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $938 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.2% |
| Housing Units | 194 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
In Purcell, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 33.8% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.3% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Purcell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 41.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
Food & Exercise
Purcell has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 254.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Purcell receives a safety grade of C.
Crime Rates: Purcell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 254.5/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 254.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C |
| Safety Score | 2.0 / 5.0 |
Purcell enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 255 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 44.7 inches. The area receives 1.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 965 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.7°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 255 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 965 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 805/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2423°N, 94.4352°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN)
5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.7"
18% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
124 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
100 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
138 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
605 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 226 fatalities, 2,154 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
25 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
68 km |
21 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
62 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
48 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
19 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
49 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
37 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
42 km |
7 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,424 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
99 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
42 km |
| 2002 |
ROUNDTPCOX |
2,248 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
EAST FORK |
2,134 |
95 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
68 km |
| 2024 |
EAST FORK RX |
1,956 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,956 |
91 km |
| 2013 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,888 |
91 km |
| 2022 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,867 |
91 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
82 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,523 |
60 km |
| 2010 |
NO TORCH |
1,356 |
97 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,356 |
90 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
52 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,280 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
21 TOUR ROAD NORTH |
1,203 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
HAYFIELD RECLAMATION RX07 |
1,152 |
95 km |
| 1996 |
ABOUT TIME |
1,074 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
81 km |
| 1984 |
RESIDENT |
1,048 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Purcell has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Purcell. 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 Purcell
What is the population of Purcell?
Purcell has a population of 354 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 805 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Purcell expensive to live in?
Purcell 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 $38,750, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,600 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $938 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Purcell safe?
Purcell is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Purcell receives a safety grade of C based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Purcell?
Purcell enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 255 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.7 inches, with 1.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Purcell?
Purcell has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 38 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Purcell?
The median home value in Purcell is $84,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,880. For renters, the median monthly rent is $938. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.8%.
How are the schools in Purcell?
Schools in Purcell score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.4% of adults in Purcell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.0% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Purcell?
The obesity rate in Purcell is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Purcell?
The average commute in Purcell is 38 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Purcell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Purcell is 75.7% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino. 86.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.1% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 82.6% have health insurance coverage.
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