Median Income
$50,668
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$136,500
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
730/100K
92% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.0%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$854
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.6%
56% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.0%
3% lower than US avg
How Sedalia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population21,869
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density1,455/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans9.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,668
Per Capita$27,846
Unemployment5.6%
Poverty12.0%
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$136,500
Rent$854
Ownership58.2%
Zillow$189,852
Housing Units9,967
Rent Burden28.1%
Crime
F
Violent730/100K
Property3,464/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured13.3%
Smoking20.5%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain36.2 in/yr
Elevation912 ft (278 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.0%
High School+84.7%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute17 min
Broadband88.4%
EV Stations10
Is Sedalia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sedalia receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Sedalia has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sedalia is $50,668, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 12.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sedalia is $136,500, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $854 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 730 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,464 per 100,000, 77% above the national average.
Education
17.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sedalia experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.2 inches, including 13.1 inches of snow.
Sedalia has a population of 21,869 with a density of 1,455 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (79.7%), with 15.3% Hispanic, 3.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.4% of residents, while 13.1% speak Spanish. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
21,869
Total Population
2023 Census
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.4%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.1%
2% below US avg
The median household income in Sedalia is $50,668, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,846 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,668 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,846 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.6% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Sedalia is $136,500, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,852, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $189,900 with homes selling in an average of 68 days. Homes sell for 97.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $854 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 9,967 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $136,500 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $189,852 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $189,900 |
| Median List Price | $210,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $189,900 |
| Median List Price | $210,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $131 |
| Homes Sold | 14 |
| Days on Market | 68 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.8% |
| Price Drops | 31.3% |
| Inventory | 48 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $854 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $956 |
| Rent Burden | 28.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.8% |
| Housing Units | 9,967 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
In Sedalia, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 20.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.5% report binge drinking. 34.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 13.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-23)
PM2.5
6.5
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
7.0
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.6
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.6
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
152.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Sedalia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.5% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.1% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.7% |
| Uninsured | 13.3% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 52.5% |
Food & Exercise
Sedalia has a violent crime rate of 730 per 100,000 residents, 92% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,464 per 100,000, 77% above the U.S. average. Overall, Sedalia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sedalia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 729.7/100K |
| 92% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,463.8/100K |
| 77% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sedalia experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.2 inches. The area receives 13.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 912 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.8°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 912 ft (278 m) |
| Area | 0.0 sq mi (0.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,455/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.7045°N, 93.2283°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sedalia Regional (DMO)
3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.2"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.68"
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
70 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
44 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
92 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
59 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
100 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
416 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 323 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
94 km |
4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
96 km |
4 |
| Nov 10, 1998 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
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 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
BIG SPRING FIRE |
4,921 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
92 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,538 |
90 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
65 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,590 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,575 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,418 |
100 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,369 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,166 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,089 |
65 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,062 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,023 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,840 |
64 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,675 |
99 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,528 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,374 |
95 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,336 |
94 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 (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Sedalia has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 30°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Sedalia. 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 Sedalia
What is the population of Sedalia?
Sedalia has a population of 21,869 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,455 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 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 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Sedalia expensive to live in?
Sedalia 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 $50,668, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $136,500 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $854 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sedalia safe?
Public safety is a concern in Sedalia, with a violent crime rate of 730 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,464 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sedalia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sedalia?
Sedalia 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 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 36.2 inches, with 13.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Sedalia?
The unemployment rate in Sedalia is 5.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sedalia?
The median home value in Sedalia is $136,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,852. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $189,900, with homes typically selling within 68 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $854. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.2%.
How are the schools in Sedalia?
Schools in Sedalia score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.0% of adults in Sedalia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.7% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sedalia?
The obesity rate in Sedalia is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.5% of adults are smokers. 34.1% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 13.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Sedalia?
The average commute in Sedalia is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sedalia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sedalia is 79.7% White, 3.6% Black or African American, 15.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian. 86.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.1% speak Spanish. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 86.7% have health insurance coverage.