Median Income
$43,438
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,200
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.8%
83% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
14.8%
311% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.8%
132% higher than US avg
How Purdy Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,308
Median Age32.2 yrs
Density2,012/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
D
Median Income$43,438
Per Capita$17,950
Unemployment14.8%
Poverty28.8%
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,200
Ownership70.1%
Zillow$216,662
Housing Units534
Rent Burden28.6%
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking19.1%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain46.4 in/yr
Elevation1,490 ft (454 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.8%
High School+74.1%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband82.5%
EV Stations1
Is Purdy a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Purdy receives an overall livability score of 2.7 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. Purdy has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Purdy is $43,438, 42% below the national average of $75,149. At 14.8%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 28.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Purdy is $84,200, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Purdy enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.4 inches, including 6.7 inches of snow.
Purdy has a population of 1,308 with a density of 2,012 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 32.2 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly White (73.6%), with 24.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.5% of residents, while 23.4% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,308
Total Population
2023 Census
32.2yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.5%
3% above US avg
Spanish
23.4%
75% above US avg
The median household income in Purdy is $43,438, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,950 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 14.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 28.8% 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 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,438 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,950 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.8% |
| 311% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.8% |
| 132% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.4% |
The median home value in Purdy is $84,200, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,662, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 534 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. 28.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,200 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $216,662 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.9% |
| Housing Units | 534 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
In Purdy, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 33.6% have high blood pressure. 19.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 35.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Purdy vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.1% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.2% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 52.0% |
Food & Exercise
Purdy enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.7 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,490 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.8°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,490 ft (454 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,012/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8173°N, 93.9208°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.4"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
6.04"
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
97 km |
| Jun 27, 2000 |
15 km WSW of Marshall, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
96 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Jul 3, 2014 |
6 km S of Yellville, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
132 km |
| Nov 26, 1999 |
9 km NNE of Mountain Home, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
63 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
138 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
96 km |
| May 13, 2015 |
8 km E of Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
107 km |
| Jan 4, 2024 |
13 km E of South Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
113 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
64 km |
| Aug 11, 2011 |
11 km WSW of Jasper, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
616 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 201 fatalities, 1,974 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
65 km |
158 |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
64 km |
2 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
59 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
61 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
85 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
21 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
99 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
27 km |
7 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
96 km |
5 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (6,931 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,931 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
BRUSHY/CLAYTON |
6,401 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
BIG CREEK |
4,031 |
99 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
66 km |
| 2016 |
RXBURN |
2,951 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
BRUSH CREEK |
2,814 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
GOETZ |
2,615 |
100 km |
| 2020 |
TWIN PEAKS |
2,578 |
85 km |
| 2023 |
RX TWIN PEAKS |
2,560 |
85 km |
| 2019 |
SWAN CREEK |
2,365 |
86 km |
| 2002 |
ROUNDTPCOX |
2,248 |
41 km |
| 2021 |
EAST FORK |
2,134 |
29 km |
| 2021 |
BIG CREEK |
2,123 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,108 |
97 km |
| 2023 |
DEVREAUX |
2,031 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,031 |
70 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,022 |
80 km |
| 2018 |
ROZELL |
1,970 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
EAST FORK RX |
1,956 |
29 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,956 |
25 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
56°F (14°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
6.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Purdy has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 34°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.0") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Purdy. 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 Purdy
What is the population of Purdy?
Purdy has a population of 1,308 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 2,012 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Purdy expensive to live in?
Purdy 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 $43,438, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,200 (70% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Purdy?
Purdy enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 46.4 inches, with 6.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Purdy?
The job market in Purdy faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 0.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Purdy?
The median home value in Purdy is $84,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,662. The homeownership rate is 70.1%.
How are the schools in Purdy?
Schools in Purdy score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.8% of adults in Purdy hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.1% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Purdy?
The obesity rate in Purdy is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.1% of adults are smokers. 35.2% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Purdy?
The average commute in Purdy is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Purdy?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Purdy is 73.6% White, 24.1% Hispanic or Latino. 80.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 23.4% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.