Steele, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $33,750

55% lower than US avg

Home Value $115,900

59% lower 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

Median Income$33,750

Per Capita$28,289

Unemployment13.5%

Poverty32.8%

Commute18 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$115,900

Rent$729

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$113,389

Housing Units834

Rent Burden44.2%

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

Bachelor's+16.6%

High School+86.0%

Graduate+4.1%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute18 min

Broadband79.8%

Is Steele a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Steele receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. 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.

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 2.2 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

1,449

Total Population

671

People / sq mi

34.3yrs

Median Age

12% below US avg

2.2mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 42.2%

Female 57.8%

Race & Ethnicity

Steele vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	98.4%
	25% above US avg
Spanish	1.6%
	88% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Steele vs U.S. Average

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: Steele vs U.S.

Commute Mode

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

Business (County)

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%

Walkability

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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

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

Owner-Occupied	51.0%
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 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

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	49.2 inches
	29% above US avg
Snowfall	3.5 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	259 ft (79 m)
Area	2.2 sq mi (5.6 km²)
Population Density	671/sq mi
Coordinates	36.0840°N, 89.8293°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

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").

16.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 51% below the national average of 33.7%. 86.0% have completed high school. 4.1% 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. 79.8% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). 72.6% 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+	16.6%
	51% below US avg
High School+	86.0%
Graduate Degree+	4.1%
School Test Score	5.51

C Education Grade (2.3/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	671/sq mi
Total Area	2.2 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	79.8%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	18.4 min
Drive Alone	72.6%
Public Transit	1.4%
Work from Home	5.3%

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 2.2 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.

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.

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.

Nearby Cities

Blytheville, AR 13,026 pop · 11.2 mi Hayti, MO 2,145 pop · 11.3 mi Gosnell, AR 2,835 pop · 11.3 mi Caruthersville, MO 5,426 pop · 12.3 mi Kennett, MO 10,236 pop · 16.4 mi Senath, MO 1,578 pop · 18.8 mi Ridgely, TN 1,723 pop · 23.1 mi Manila, AR 3,675 pop · 23.3 mi Portageville, MO 2,869 pop · 24.7 mi Dyersburg, TN 16,075 pop · 25.3 mi Leachville, AR 1,818 pop · 26.6 mi Tiptonville, TN 3,687 pop · 28.2 mi Osceola, AR 6,807 pop · 28.5 mi Ripley, TN 7,718 pop · 28.6 mi

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