Median Income
$38,750
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$67,200
76% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.1%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$555
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.5%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.0%
13% higher than US avg
How Southwest City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population845
Median Age32.3 yrs
Density579/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 36%
Veterans2.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$38,750
Per Capita$26,122
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty14.0%
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$67,200
Rent$555
Ownership57.8%
Zillow$171,080
Housing Units363
Rent Burden19.5%
Health
Obesity45.5%
Uninsured24.0%
Smoking22.0%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease7.8%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
Rain48.6 in/yr
Elevation938 ft (286 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.1%
High School+62.1%
Graduate+0.4%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute25 min
Broadband67.0%
EV Stations5
Is Southwest City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Southwest City receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Southwest City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Southwest City is $38,750, 48% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Southwest City is $67,200, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $555 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 62.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Southwest City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.6 inches, including 12.5 inches of snow.
Southwest City has a population of 845 with a density of 579 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 32.3 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (64%), with 36.1% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 50% of residents, while 47.1% speak Spanish. 2.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 76.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
845
Total Population
2023 Census
32.3yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Southwest City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
50.0%
36% below US avg
Spanish
47.1%
251% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Southwest City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Southwest City is $38,750, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,122 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.0% 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 25 minutes. 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Southwest City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,750 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,122 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| 13% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
The median home value in Southwest City is $67,200, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,080, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $555 (52% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 363 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. 19.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $67,200 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,080 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $555 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.2% |
| Housing Units | 363 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
In Southwest City, 45.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.8% of residents, above the national average. 37.2% have high blood pressure. 22.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.5% report binge drinking. 45.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 24.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Southwest City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.5% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 9.8% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.0% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 45.1% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 19.3% |
| Short Sleep | 42.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.0% |
| Uninsured | 24.0% |
| 179% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 43.1% |
Food & Exercise
Southwest City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 12.5 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 938 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.5°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 938 ft (286 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 579/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5129°N, 94.6116°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Lake Regional (NRI)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.6"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
6.21"
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
77 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
104 km |
| Apr 3, 2016 |
Arkansas-Oklahoma border region |
M2.7 |
99 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 |
6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma |
M2.6 |
120 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
33 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
145 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
33 km |
| Aug 11, 2011 |
11 km WSW of Jasper, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
709 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 220 fatalities, 2,200 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
60 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
72 km |
21 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
35 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
95 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
57 km |
4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
58 km |
7 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
70 km |
5 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| Nov 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
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 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
SAWMILL HOLLOW |
5,166 |
55 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
4,546 |
48 km |
| 2005 |
FLAT ROCK |
4,472 |
77 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
92 km |
| 1995 |
F128 |
4,210 |
55 km |
| 2024 |
NATURE FIRE |
3,744 |
56 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
44 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
3,285 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
3,160 |
37 km |
| 2006 |
HUNT MILL HOLLOW FIRE |
3,080 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
RXBURN |
2,951 |
45 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,918 |
48 km |
| 2021 |
BRUSH CREEK |
2,814 |
21 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,776 |
90 km |
| 2023 |
RX WHISKEY SPRINGS 3 |
2,716 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
BLACKBURN |
2,711 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
CEDAR BLUFF |
2,693 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,661 |
37 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
2,648 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
42°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Southwest City has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 39°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.2") and February the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Southwest City. 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 Southwest City
What is the population of Southwest City?
Southwest City has a population of 845 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 579 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Southwest City expensive to live in?
Southwest City 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 $38,750, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $67,200 (76% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $555 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Southwest City?
Southwest City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 48.6 inches, with 12.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Southwest City?
Southwest City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Southwest City?
The median home value in Southwest City is $67,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,080. For renters, the median monthly rent is $555. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.8%.
How are the schools in Southwest City?
Schools in Southwest City score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.1% of adults in Southwest City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 62.1% have completed high school. 0.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Southwest City?
The obesity rate in Southwest City is 45.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.0% of adults are smokers. 45.1% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 24.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Southwest City?
The average commute in Southwest City is 25 minutes. 73.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Southwest City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Southwest City is 36.1% White, 64% Hispanic or Latino. 50% of residents speak only English at home, while 47.1% speak Spanish. 2.8% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 76.0% have health insurance coverage.