Median Income
$49,821
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,300
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
519/100K
37% higher 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
0.3%
92% 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
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty12.4%
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,300
Rent$886
Ownership61.3%
Zillow$224,814
Housing Units822
Rent Burden30.7%
Crime
F
Violent519/100K
Property1,254/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured11.2%
Smoking21.2%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
Rain50.0 in/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%
EV Stations5
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, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, 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 0.3%. 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
The violent crime rate of 519 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,254 per 100,000, 36% below 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 59°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.0 inches, including 8.1 inches of snow.
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 6.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.2% of residents, while 8.9% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,938
Total Population
2023 Census
35.7yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.2%
16% above US avg
Spanish
8.9%
34% below US avg
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 0.3% (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
| Median HH Income | $49,821 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,040 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.4% |
| 0% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Seneca is $112,300, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,814, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $224,000 with homes selling in an average of 35 days. 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. 61.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. 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 Values
| Census Median | $112,300 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $224,814 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $224,000 |
| Median List Price | $229,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $224,000 |
| Median List Price | $229,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $121 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Days on Market | 35 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 12 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $886 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.7% |
| Housing Units | 822 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
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. 11.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Seneca vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.2% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.3% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.8% |
| Uninsured | 11.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 54.9% |
Food & Exercise
Seneca has a violent crime rate of 519 per 100,000 residents, 37% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,254 per 100,000, 36% below the U.S. average. Overall, Seneca receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Seneca vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 519.0/100K |
| 37% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,254.3/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Seneca enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 8.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 860 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 58.6°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 860 ft (262 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 757/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8397°N, 94.6092°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Miami Regional (MIO)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.0"
32% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
6.74"
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
92 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
110 km |
| Apr 3, 2016 |
Arkansas-Oklahoma border region |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 |
6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
61 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
62 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
707 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 230 fatalities, 2,235 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
24 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
50 km |
21 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
78 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
3 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
62 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
94 km |
4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
82 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
38 km |
7 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
40 km |
5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TELAMAY HOLLOW (5,686 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
TELAMAY HOLLOW |
5,686 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
SAWMILL HOLLOW |
5,166 |
90 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
4,546 |
84 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
79 km |
| 1995 |
F128 |
4,210 |
91 km |
| 2024 |
NATURE FIRE |
3,744 |
91 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
9 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
3,160 |
63 km |
| 2016 |
RXBURN |
2,951 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,918 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
BRUSH CREEK |
2,814 |
53 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,661 |
63 km |
| 2020 |
TWIN PEAKS |
2,578 |
79 km |
| 2023 |
RX TWIN PEAKS |
2,560 |
79 km |
| 2002 |
ROUNDTPCOX |
2,248 |
66 km |
| 2017 |
CHEWI PROCTOR |
2,176 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
EAST FORK |
2,134 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
BIG CREEK |
2,123 |
62 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
1,996 |
64 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,992 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
6.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
49°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Seneca has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 36°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.7") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Seneca. 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 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?
The violent crime rate in Seneca is 519 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,254 per 100,000 (below 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 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 50.0 inches, with 8.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Seneca?
The job market in Seneca is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / 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 $224,814. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $224,000, with homes typically selling within 35 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $886. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.3%.
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. 11.2% 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, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino. 91.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.9% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 26.5% of residents have a disability. 88.8% have health insurance coverage.