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Sikeston, MO

Missouri

Sikeston is a small city in Missouri with a population of 16,231. Residents earn $53,203 per year, which is 29% below the national average.

3.2 /5.0
B Good
16,231 Population 907/sq mi density
$53,203 Median Income $31,846 per capita
$158,100 Home Value $155,740 Zillow
$827 Median Rent 29.7% income on rent
58°F Avg Temperature 249 sunny days/yr
1,645 Violent Crime/100K 6,207 property/100K
B
Overall
3.2 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.7 / 5.0
$53,203 median income, 1.9% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$158,100 home value, $827/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
1,645 violent crimes/100K (333% above avg)
C+
Education
3.0 / 5.0
24.8% bachelor's degree or higher
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
OwnershipN/A
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

16,231
Total Population
907
People / sq mi
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
17.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 46.2%
Female 53.8%

Race & Ethnicity

Sikeston vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish3.1%
77% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Sikeston vs U.S. Average

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: Sikeston vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$53,203
29% below US avg
Per Capita Income$31,846

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.9%
47% below US avg
Poverty Rate12.3%
1% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time16.0 min
Drive Alone80.6%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home3.1%

Walkability

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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

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 Sold13
Sale-to-List Ratio94.7%
Price Drops15.7%
Inventory51

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$827
29% below US avg
Rent Burden29.7%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied59.0%
Housing Units7,579
Median Year Built1974

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).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity40.8%
27% above US avg
Diabetes12.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
High Blood Pressure37.5%
Asthma11.7%
COPD8.8%
Cancer6.8%
Stroke3.8%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking20.6%
47% above US avg
Binge Drinking14.9%
Physical Inactivity37.1%
Depression24.9%
Mental Distress20.1%
Physical Distress15.4%
Short Sleep43.8%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate88.0%
Uninsured11.3%
31% above US avg
Checkup Rate77.9%
Dental Visits50.4%

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 Violent1,645.5/100K
333% above US avg
Murder12.1/100K
92% above US avg
Rape36.3/100K
Robbery169.4/100K
Assault1,427.7/100K

Property Crime

Total Property6,206.9/100K
217% above US avg
Burglary1,064.7/100K
Theft5,009.1/100K
Vehicle Theft133.1/100K
Arson18.2/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 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 Average57.7°F
7% above US avg
January Average32°F (0°C)
July Average80°F (27°C)
Sunny Days249 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall47.9 inches
26% above US avg
Snowfall3.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation341 ft (104 m)
Area17.9 sq mi (46.4 km²)
Population Density907/sq mi
Coordinates36.8767°N, 89.5879°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

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").

24.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 26% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. 9.5% 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. 89.6% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 10 EV charging stations. 80.6% 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+24.8%
26% below US avg
High School+87.7%
Graduate Degree+9.5%
School Test Score5.51
C+ Education Grade (3.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density907/sq mi
Total Area17.9 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access89.6%
EV Charging Stations10
Alt Fuel Stations12

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute16.0 min
Drive Alone80.6%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home3.1%

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.

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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