Median Income
$60,670
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$148,100
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.1%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$767
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.9%
20% lower than US avg
How Strafford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,609
Median Age34.0 yrs
Density781/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,670
Per Capita$25,177
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty9.9%
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$148,100
Rent$767
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$312,181
Housing Units1,014
Rent Burden29.0%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property2,181/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured17.8%
Smoking17.7%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
Rain46.5 in/yr
Elevation1,486 ft (453 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.1%
High School+89.8%
Graduate+7.2%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute25 min
Broadband88.4%
EV Stations50
Is Strafford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Strafford receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Strafford has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Strafford is $60,670, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 9.9% 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 Strafford is $148,100, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $767 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Strafford is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,181 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Strafford enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.5 inches, including 5.2 inches of snow.
Strafford has a population of 2,609 with a density of 781 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 34.0 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.8% female and 47.2% male. The city is predominantly White (91.8%), with 6.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 82.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,609
Total Population
2023 Census
34.0yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Strafford vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Strafford vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Strafford is $60,670, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,177 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 25 minutes. 8.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Strafford vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,670 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,177 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.2% |
The median home value in Strafford is $148,100, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $312,181, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $225,000 with homes selling in an average of 58 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $767 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,014 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. 29.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $148,100 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $312,181 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $225,000 |
| Median List Price | $249,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $225,000 |
| Median List Price | $249,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $174 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Days on Market | 58 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $767 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,014 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
In Strafford, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.1% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 17.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Strafford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.2% |
| Uninsured | 17.8% |
| 107% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 61.5% |
Food & Exercise
Strafford has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,181 per 100,000, 11% above the U.S. average. Overall, Strafford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Strafford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 254.5/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,181.0/100K |
| 11% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 165 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Strafford enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 5.2 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,486 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.4°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,486 ft (453 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 781/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2684°N, 93.1171°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Waynesville-St Robert Regional Forney Field (TBN) 63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.5"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
6.05"
Earthquake History
20 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
142 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
100 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
76 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Mar 12, 1990 |
9 km NNE of Briarcliff, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Jul 3, 2014 |
6 km S of Yellville, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
129 km |
| Nov 26, 1999 |
9 km NNE of Mountain Home, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
116 km |
| Feb 14, 2019 |
11 km WSW of Mountain View, Missouri |
M2.6 |
121 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
133 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
58 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
54 km |
| May 13, 2015 |
8 km E of Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
97 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
100 km |
| Jan 4, 2024 |
13 km E of South Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
100 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
149 km |
| Aug 11, 2011 |
11 km WSW of Jasper, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
145 km |
| May 2, 2001 |
10 km NW of Bakersfield, Missouri |
M2.5 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
469 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 24 fatalities, 455 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
25 km |
2 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1954 |
EF4 |
79 km |
2 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
99 km |
3 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
4 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
75 km |
4 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
30 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1954 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2019 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,388 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,388 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,931 |
68 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,686 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
BRUSHY/CLAYTON |
6,401 |
67 km |
| 2020 |
BIG CREEK |
6,399 |
73 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
BIG SPRING FIRE |
4,921 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
66 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
61 km |
| 2016 |
BIG CREEK |
4,031 |
75 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,665 |
98 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,538 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
60 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,492 |
63 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
75 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,135 |
65 km |
| 2012 |
KINFOLK RD |
2,883 |
64 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
6.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Strafford has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 33°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.1") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Strafford. 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 Strafford
What is the population of Strafford?
Strafford has a population of 2,609 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 781 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.8% female and 47.2% male.
Is Strafford expensive to live in?
Strafford 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 $60,670, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $148,100 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $767 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Strafford safe?
Strafford is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,181 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Strafford receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Strafford?
Strafford enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 46.5 inches, with 5.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Strafford?
The unemployment rate in Strafford is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 8.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Strafford?
The median home value in Strafford is $148,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $312,181. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $225,000, with homes typically selling within 58 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $767. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.3%.
How are the schools in Strafford?
Schools in Strafford score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.1% of adults in Strafford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Strafford?
The obesity rate in Strafford is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 17.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Strafford?
The average commute in Strafford is 25 minutes. 84.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Strafford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Strafford is 91.8% White, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 82.2% have health insurance coverage.