Median Income
$53,203
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$158,100
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,645/100K
333% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.8%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$827
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
1% lower than US avg
How Sikeston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population16,231
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density907/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 68%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,203
Per Capita$31,846
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty12.3%
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$158,100
Rent$827
Ownership59.0%
Zillow$155,740
Housing Units7,579
Rent Burden29.7%
Crime
F
Violent1,645/100K
Property6,207/100K
Murder12.1/100K
Assault1,428/100K
Burglary1,065/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking20.6%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain47.9 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation341 ft (104 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.8%
High School+87.7%
Graduate+9.5%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute16 min
Broadband89.6%
EV Stations10
Is Sikeston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sikeston receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Sikeston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sikeston is $53,203, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. 12.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sikeston is $158,100, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $827 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,645 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 6,207 per 100,000, 217% above the national average.
Education
24.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sikeston enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 47.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Sikeston has a population of 16,231 with a density of 907 people per square mile, spread across 17.9 square miles. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (67.7%), with 24.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
The median household income in Sikeston is $53,203, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,846 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.3% 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 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,203 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,846 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.3% |
| 1% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Sikeston is $158,100, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $155,740. Homes sell for 94.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $827 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 7,579 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. 29.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $158,100 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $155,740 |
| Median List Price | $184,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $184,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $91 |
| Homes Sold | 13 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.7% |
| Price Drops | 15.7% |
| Inventory | 51 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $827 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.0% |
| Housing Units | 7,579 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
In Sikeston, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 37.5% have high blood pressure. 20.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.9% report binge drinking. 37.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-24)
PM2.5
1.8
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
1.9
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
3.4
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.1
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
154.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Sikeston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.5% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.6% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.1% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 43.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 50.4% |
Food & Exercise
Sikeston has a violent crime rate of 1,645 per 100,000 residents, 333% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 1,427.7 per 100,000, robbery at 169.4, rape at 36.3. The murder rate is 12.1 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 6,207 per 100,000, 217% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 5,009, burglary at 1,065, vehicle theft at 133 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Sikeston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sikeston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,645.5/100K |
| 333% above US avg |
| Murder | 12.1/100K |
| 92% above US avg |
| Rape | 36.3/100K |
| Robbery | 169.4/100K |
| Assault | 1,427.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,206.9/100K |
| 217% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,064.7/100K |
| Theft | 5,009.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 133.1/100K |
| Arson | 18.2/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 33 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sikeston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 47.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 341 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 57.7°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 341 ft (104 m) |
| Area | 17.9 sq mi (46.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 907/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8767°N, 89.5879°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Cape Girardeau Regional (CGI)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.9"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.16"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
398 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
31 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
40 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
65 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
126 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
138 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
108 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
53 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
81 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
131 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
15 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
76 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
110 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
23 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
83 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
80 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
125 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
94 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
52 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
609 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 139 fatalities, 1,398 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
60 km |
57 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
66 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
92 km |
11 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
94 km |
17 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
91 km |
4 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
68 km |
3 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
84 km |
16 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
56 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 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
90 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,313 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
100 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
63 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
63 km |
| 2024 |
ESSMAN SPRING RX |
1,495 |
86 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
44 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
99 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
53 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,232 |
88 km |
| 2022 |
BEAN RIDGE RX |
955 |
46 km |
| 2021 |
MILL CREEK RX |
898 |
86 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
839 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
UPALIKA 3 AND 4 HARMONY 3 |
824 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
ESSMAN 4 GOOSECREEK 1 3 4 7 8 |
823 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
VICTORY 1 |
765 |
87 km |
| 2024 |
WOLF CREEK (OLIVE BR) RX |
691 |
42 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| March |
47°F (9°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
4.5 in |
|
Sikeston has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Sikeston. 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 Sikeston
What is the population of Sikeston?
Sikeston has a population of 16,231 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 907 people per square mile, spread across 17.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.0 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Sikeston expensive to live in?
Sikeston 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 $53,203, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,100 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $827 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sikeston safe?
Public safety is a concern in Sikeston, with a violent crime rate of 1,645 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 6,207 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sikeston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sikeston?
Sikeston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 47.9 inches, with 3.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Sikeston?
The job market in Sikeston is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sikeston?
The median home value in Sikeston is $158,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $155,740. For renters, the median monthly rent is $827. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.0%.
How are the schools in Sikeston?
Schools in Sikeston score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.8% of adults in Sikeston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. 9.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sikeston?
The obesity rate in Sikeston is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.6% of adults are smokers. 37.1% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Sikeston?
The average commute in Sikeston is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sikeston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sikeston is 67.7% White, 24.9% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability. 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
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