Median Income
$33,750
55% lower than US avg
Home Value
$115,900
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
663/100K
75% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.6%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$729
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.7%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.5%
275% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
32.8%
165% higher than US avg
How Steele Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,449
Median Age34.3 yrs
Density671/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
F
Median Income$33,750
Per Capita$28,289
Unemployment13.5%
Poverty32.8%
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$115,900
Rent$729
Ownership51.0%
Zillow$113,389
Housing Units834
Rent Burden44.2%
Crime
F
Violent663/100K
Property332/100K
Health
Obesity42.7%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking22.6%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain49.2 in/yr
Sunny Days247/yr
Elevation259 ft (79 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.6%
High School+86.0%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute18 min
Broadband79.8%
EV Stations1
Is Steele a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Steele receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Steele has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Steele is $33,750, 55% below the national average of $75,149. At 13.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 32.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Steele is $115,900, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $729 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 663 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 332 per 100,000, 83% below the national average.
Education
16.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Steele enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 247 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 49.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Steele has a population of 1,449 with a density of 671 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 34.3 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.8% female and 42.2% male. The city is predominantly White (76.1%), with 15.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.3yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Steele is $33,750, which is 55% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,289 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 13.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 32.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $33,750 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,289 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.5% |
| 275% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 32.8% |
| 165% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.6% |
| Public Transit | 1.4% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Steele is $115,900, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $113,389. Monthly rent averages $729 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 51.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 834 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. 44.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $115,900 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $113,389 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $729 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 44.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.0% |
| Housing Units | 834 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
In Steele, 42.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 37.9% have high blood pressure. 22.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.2% report binge drinking. 36.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Steele vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.7% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.9% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 10.1% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.6% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.5% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 17.0% |
| Short Sleep | 42.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.3% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 49.6% |
Food & Exercise
Steele has a violent crime rate of 663 per 100,000 residents, 75% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 332 per 100,000, 83% below the U.S. average. Overall, Steele receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Steele vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 663.4/100K |
| 75% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 331.7/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 26 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Steele enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 247 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 49.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 259 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 59.3°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 247 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 259 ft (79 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 671/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.0840°N, 89.8293°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Arkansas International (BYH)
10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.2"
29% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.00"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
405 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 |
120 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
55 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
40 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
52 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
33 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
17 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
116 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
122 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
112 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
95 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
122 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
74 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
34 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
20 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
89 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
83 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
36 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
16 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
38 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
586 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 189 fatalities, 1,790 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
73 km |
8 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
76 km |
57 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
96 km |
11 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF4 |
40 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
21 km |
1 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1971 |
EF4 |
94 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
50 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
4 km |
17 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
57 km |
2 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2020 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
90 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
74 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WAPANOCCA LAKE (725 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
WAPANOCCA LAKE |
725 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (5°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| December |
40°F (4°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Steele has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 35°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.0") and August the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Steele. 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 Steele
What is the population of Steele?
Steele has a population of 1,449 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 671 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.8% female and 42.2% male.
Is Steele expensive to live in?
Steele 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 $33,750, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $115,900 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $729 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Steele safe?
Public safety is a concern in Steele, with a violent crime rate of 663 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 332 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Steele receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Steele?
Steele enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 247 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 49.2 inches, with 3.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Steele?
The job market in Steele faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Steele?
The median home value in Steele is $115,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $113,389. For renters, the median monthly rent is $729. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.0%.
How are the schools in Steele?
Schools in Steele score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.6% of adults in Steele hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.0% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Steele?
The obesity rate in Steele is 42.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.6% of adults are smokers. 36.5% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Steele?
The average commute in Steele is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.6% of workers drive alone to work, 1.4% use public transit, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Steele?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Steele is 76.1% White, 15.5% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 84.3% have health insurance coverage.
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