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Seneca, MO

Missouri

Seneca is a small town in Missouri with a population of 1,938. Residents earn $49,821 per year, which is 34% below the national average.

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,938 Population 757/sq mi density
$49,821 Median Income $22,040 per capita
$112,300 Home Value $214,920 Zillow
$886 Median Rent 30.7% income on rent
57°F Avg Temperature 255 sunny days/yr
41 Violent Crime/100K 3,302 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.6 / 5.0
$49,821 median income, 0.1% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$112,300 home value, $886/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
41 violent crimes/100K (89% below avg)
D
Education
1.8 / 5.0
10.1% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $49,821
34% lower than US avg
Home Value $112,300
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 41/100K
89% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 10.1%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent $886
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment 0.1%
97% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 12.4%
0% lower than US avg

How Seneca Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population1,938
Median Age35.7 yrs
Density757/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans10.1%

Economy

B+
Median Income$49,821
Per Capita$22,040
Unemployment0.1%
Poverty12.4%
Commute23 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$112,300
Rent$886
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$214,920
Housing Units822
Rent Burden30.7%

Crime

F
Violent41/100K
Property3,302/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault41/100K
Burglary537/100K

Health

Obesity40.9%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking21.2%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease6.6%

Climate

Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain44.7 in/yr
Sunny Days255/yr
Elevation860 ft (262 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+10.1%
High School+90.3%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute23 min
Broadband79.0%

Is Seneca a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Seneca 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Seneca has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Seneca is $49,821, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.1%. 12.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Seneca is $112,300, 60% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $886 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Seneca is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 41 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,302 per 100,000, 68% above the national average.

Education

10.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Seneca enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 33°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.

Seneca has a population of 1,938 with a density of 757 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 35.7 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.4% female and 53.6% male. The city is predominantly White (74.9%), with 9.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.1% of residents, while 8.9% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.1% have health insurance coverage.

Population

1,938
Total Population
757
People / sq mi
35.7yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
2.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 53.6%
Female 46.4%

Race & Ethnicity

Seneca vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only91.1%
16% above US avg
Spanish8.9%
34% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Seneca vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Seneca is $49,821, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,040 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.4% 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 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Seneca vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$49,821
34% below US avg
Per Capita Income$22,040

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.1%
97% below US avg
Poverty Rate12.4%
0% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time23.0 min
Drive Alone76.7%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home5.9%

Walkability

The median home value in Seneca is $112,300, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,920, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $886 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 822 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. 30.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$112,300
60% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$214,920
Median List Price$229,900

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$229,900
$/Sq Ft$121
Homes Sold3
Sale-to-List Ratio0.0%
Price Drops25.0%
Inventory12

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$886
24% below US avg
Rent Burden30.7%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied61.3%
Housing Units822
Median Year Built1970

Property Tax

In Seneca, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 34.9% have high blood pressure. 21.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.5% report binge drinking. 32.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Seneca vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity40.9%
27% above US avg
Diabetes11.9%
Heart Disease6.6%
High Blood Pressure34.9%
Asthma11.7%
COPD9.2%
Cancer7.4%
Stroke3.7%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking21.2%
51% above US avg
Binge Drinking16.5%
Physical Inactivity32.3%
Depression28.0%
Mental Distress21.3%
Physical Distress16.2%
Short Sleep40.2%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate87.1%
Uninsured10.4%
21% above US avg
Checkup Rate76.0%
Dental Visits54.9%

Food & Exercise

Seneca has a violent crime rate of 41 per 100,000 residents, 89% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 41.3 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 3,302 per 100,000, 68% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,518, burglary at 537, vehicle theft at 248 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Seneca receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Seneca vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent41.3/100K
89% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape0.0/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault41.3/100K

Property Crime

Total Property3,301.7/100K
68% above US avg
Burglary536.5/100K
Theft2,517.5/100K
Vehicle Theft247.6/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Seneca enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 33°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 1.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 860 feet.

Temperature

33°F Jan (1°C) 79°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average57.1°F
6% above US avg
January Average33°F (1°C)
July Average79°F (26°C)
Sunny Days255 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall44.7 inches
18% above US avg
Snowfall1.8 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation860 ft (262 m)
Area2.6 sq mi (6.6 km²)
Population Density757/sq mi
Coordinates36.8397°N, 94.6092°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 33°F (1°C) 1.8 in Coldest, Driest
February 39°F (4°C) 2.2 in
March 48°F (9°C) 3.8 in
April 57°F (14°C) 4.2 in
May 65°F (19°C) 5.1 in
June 74°F (23°C) 4.9 in
July 79°F (26°C) 3.2 in Warmest
August 78°F (26°C) 3.7 in
September 70°F (21°C) 5.2 in Wettest
October 59°F (15°C) 3.9 in
November 47°F (8°C) 4.1 in
December 37°F (3°C) 2.8 in

Seneca has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F — from 33°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (1.8").

10.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 70% below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 79.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). 76.7% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+10.1%
70% below US avg
High School+90.3%
Graduate Degree+2.6%
School Test Score5.51
D Education Grade (1.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density757/sq mi
Total Area2.6 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access79.0%

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute23.0 min
Drive Alone76.7%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home5.9%

Frequently Asked Questions About Seneca

What is the population of Seneca?

Seneca has a population of 1,938 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 757 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.4% female and 53.6% male.

Is Seneca expensive to live in?

Seneca 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 $49,821, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,300 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $886 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Seneca safe?

Seneca is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 41 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,302 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Seneca receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Seneca?

Seneca enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°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 1.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Seneca?

The job market in Seneca is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.1% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Seneca?

The median home value in Seneca is $112,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,920. For renters, the median monthly rent is $886. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Seneca?

Schools in Seneca score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.1% of adults in Seneca hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Seneca?

The obesity rate in Seneca is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.2% of adults are smokers. 32.3% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Seneca?

The average commute in Seneca is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.9% work from home.

What are the demographics of Seneca?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Seneca is 74.9% White, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino. 91.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.9% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 24.5% of residents have a disability. 87.1% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Loma Linda, MO 1,070 pop · 10.5 mi Goodman, MO 1,081 pop · 13.1 mi Neosho, MO 12,857 pop · 13.5 mi Baxter Springs, KS 3,863 pop · 14.3 mi Fairland, OK 1,234 pop · 14.5 mi Miami, OK 12,960 pop · 14.8 mi Commerce, OK 2,259 pop · 15.4 mi Anderson, MO 2,415 pop · 16.0 mi Galena, KS 2,752 pop · 16.3 mi Copeland, OK 1,405 pop · 17.1 mi Joplin, MO 52,218 pop · 17.7 mi Duquesne, MO 2,216 pop · 18.3 mi Duenweg, MO 1,707 pop · 20.0 mi Grove, OK 7,101 pop · 20.2 mi
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