Median Income
$60,250
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,900
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
185/100K
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.6%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$608
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.2%
18% lower than US avg
How Tarkio Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,478
Median Age47.3 yrs
Density1,063/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,250
Per Capita$32,954
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty10.2%
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,900
Rent$608
Ownership70.1%
Zillow$126,785
Housing Units787
Rent Burden17.4%
Crime
F
Violent185/100K
Property93/100K
Health
Obesity41.3%
Uninsured14.2%
Smoking18.9%
Depression27.7%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
Rain34.7 in/yr
Elevation938 ft (286 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.6%
High School+89.9%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband82.7%
EV Stations1
Is Tarkio a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tarkio receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Tarkio offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tarkio is $60,250, 20% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tarkio is $86,900, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $608 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Tarkio is below the national average at 185 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 93 per 100,000, 95% below the national average.
Education
20.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Tarkio experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.7 inches, including 30.4 inches of snow.
Tarkio has a population of 1,478 with a density of 1,063 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 47.3 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.6% female and 50.4% male. The city is predominantly White (93.4%), with 2.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,478
Total Population
2023 Census
47.3yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
4.5%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Tarkio is $60,250, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,954 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.2% 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 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,250 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,954 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.2% |
| 18% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 3.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |
The median home value in Tarkio is $86,900, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,785, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $608 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 787 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. 17.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,900 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $126,785 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $608 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.9% |
| Housing Units | 787 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
In Tarkio, 41.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 30.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 14.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Tarkio vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.8% |
| Depression | 27.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.8% |
| Uninsured | 14.2% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 60.3% |
Food & Exercise
Tarkio has a violent crime rate of 185 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 93 per 100,000, 95% below the U.S. average. Overall, Tarkio receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tarkio vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 185.2/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 92.6/100K |
| 95% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tarkio experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.7 inches. The area receives 30.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 938 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 938 ft (286 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,063/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4403°N, 95.3778°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.7"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.16"
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
41 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
26 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
37 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
105 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
27 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
614 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 395 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
64 km |
5 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
100 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
28 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
12 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
93 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
38 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
38 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
38 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
39 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
41 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
41 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Tarkio has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 24°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Tarkio. 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 Tarkio
What is the population of Tarkio?
Tarkio has a population of 1,478 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,063 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
Is Tarkio expensive to live in?
Tarkio 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 $60,250, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,900 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $608 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Tarkio safe?
Tarkio is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 185 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 93 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Tarkio receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tarkio?
Tarkio has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.7 inches, with 30.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Tarkio?
Tarkio has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 2.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tarkio?
The median home value in Tarkio is $86,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,785. For renters, the median monthly rent is $608. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.1%.
How are the schools in Tarkio?
Schools in Tarkio score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.6% of adults in Tarkio hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tarkio?
The obesity rate in Tarkio is 41.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 30.8% are physically inactive. 27.7% of residents report depression. 14.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Tarkio?
The average commute in Tarkio is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.6% of workers drive alone to work, 3% use public transit, and 2.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tarkio?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tarkio is 93.4% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability. 85.8% have health insurance coverage.