Median Income
$61,581
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,900
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$791
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Scott City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,354
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density894/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$61,581
Per Capita$28,599
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty10.3%
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,900
Rent$791
Ownership65.1%
Zillow$174,215
Housing Units1,919
Rent Burden24.3%
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking20.8%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
Rain47.9 in/yr
Elevation367 ft (112 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+81.7%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score4.88
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute21 min
Broadband90.7%
EV Stations1
Is Scott City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Scott City receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Scott City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Scott City is $61,581, 18% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Scott City is $134,900, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $791 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.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Scott City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.9 inches, including 7.5 inches of snow.
Scott City has a population of 4,354 with a density of 894 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The city is predominantly White (95%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
4,354
Total Population
2023 Census
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Scott City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Scott City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Scott City is $61,581, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,599 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.3% 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 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Scott City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,581 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,599 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Scott City is $134,900, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,215, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $231,000 with homes selling in an average of 70 days. Homes sell for 98.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $791 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $709 for a one-bedroom to $930 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,919 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. 24.3% 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 | $134,900 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $174,215 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $231,000 |
| Median List Price | $111,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $231,000 |
| Median List Price | $111,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $139 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Days on Market | 70 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 22.2% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $791 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $709 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,145 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,919 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
In Scott City, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 20.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 34.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Scott City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.8% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.8% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.7% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 55.7% |
Food & Exercise
Scott City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.5 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 367 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.7°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 367 ft (112 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 894/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2167°N, 89.5245°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Cape Girardeau Regional (CGI)
4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.9"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.27"
Earthquake History
362 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
11 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
76 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
34 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
119 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
60 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
146 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
39 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
113 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
50 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
118 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
57 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
52 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
50 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
48 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
56 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
576 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 120 fatalities, 1,487 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
99 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
89 km |
57 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
94 km |
8 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
44 km |
2 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
74 km |
10 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
54 km |
11 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
59 km |
3 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WYLIE KING 1 (6,077 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
65 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
27 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
27 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
87 km |
| 2024 |
ESSMAN SPRING RX |
1,495 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
90 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
16 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
18 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
18 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,232 |
100 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
67 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,203 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
67 km |
| 2024 |
PINE HOLLOW RX |
1,038 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
ROCKY BRANCH RX |
1,033 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
STATE OF ILLINOIS TRACT RX |
1,011 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (1°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Scott City has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 35°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and August the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Scott City. 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 Scott City
What is the population of Scott City?
Scott City has a population of 4,354 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 894 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
Is Scott City expensive to live in?
Scott City 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 $61,581, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $134,900 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $791 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.
What is the weather like in Scott City?
Scott City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 47.9 inches, with 7.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Scott City?
Scott City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Scott City?
The median home value in Scott City is $134,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,215. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $231,000, with homes typically selling within 70 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $791. Fair market rent is $709 for a 1-bedroom and $930 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.1%.
How are the schools in Scott City?
Schools in Scott City have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 15.7% of adults in Scott City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.7% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Scott City?
The obesity rate in Scott City is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.8% of adults are smokers. 34.8% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Scott City?
The average commute in Scott City is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Scott City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Scott City is 95% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 89.7% have health insurance coverage.