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Tarkio, MO

Missouri

Tarkio is a small town in Missouri with a population of 1,478. Residents earn $60,250 per year, which is 20% below the national average.

3.1 /5.0
B Good
1,478 Population 1,063/sq mi density
$60,250 Median Income $32,954 per capita
$86,900 Home Value $122,484 Zillow
$608 Median Rent 17.4% income on rent
52°F Avg Temperature 275 sunny days/yr
200 Violent Crime/100K 1,131 property/100K
B
Overall
3.1 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.9 / 5.0
$60,250 median income, 2.6% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$86,900 home value, $608/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
200 violent crimes/100K (47% below avg)
C+
Education
2.6 / 5.0
20.6% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $60,250
20% lower than US avg
Home Value $86,900
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 200/100K
47% 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 2.6%
28% lower 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
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty10.2%
Commute22 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$86,900
Rent$608
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$122,484
Housing Units787
Rent Burden17.4%

Crime

F
Violent200/100K
Property1,131/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault67/100K
Burglary200/100K

Health

Obesity41.3%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking18.9%
Depression27.7%
Heart Disease6.2%

Climate

Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain33.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/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 unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include 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. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. 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 200 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,131 per 100,000, 42% 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 52°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

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%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.5% of residents. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 21.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

1,478
Total Population
1,063
People / sq mi
47.3yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
1.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50.4%
Female 49.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Tarkio vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only95.5%
22% above US avg
Spanish4.5%
66% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Tarkio vs U.S. Average

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 2.6% (below 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: Tarkio vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$60,250
20% below US avg
Per Capita Income$32,954

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.6%
28% below US avg
Poverty Rate10.2%
18% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time22.2 min
Drive Alone82.6%
Public Transit3.0%
Work from Home2.6%

Walkability

The median home value in Tarkio is $86,900, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,484, 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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$86,900
69% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$122,484

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$608
48% below US avg
Rent Burden17.4%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied70.1%
Housing Units787
Median Year Built1955

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. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance.

Health Metrics: Tarkio vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity41.3%
29% above US avg
Diabetes10.7%
Heart Disease6.2%
High Blood Pressure34.2%
Asthma11.0%
COPD8.2%
Cancer7.5%
Stroke3.3%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking18.9%
35% above US avg
Binge Drinking17.7%
Physical Inactivity30.8%
Depression27.7%
Mental Distress19.9%
Physical Distress14.7%
Short Sleep36.9%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate84.0%
Uninsured9.4%
9% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.7%
Dental Visits60.3%

Food & Exercise

Tarkio has a violent crime rate of 200 per 100,000 residents, 47% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 66.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 133.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,131 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 865, burglary at 200, vehicle theft at 67 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Tarkio receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Tarkio vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent199.6/100K
47% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape133.1/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault66.5/100K

Property Crime

Total Property1,131.1/100K
42% below US avg
Burglary199.6/100K
Theft864.9/100K
Vehicle Theft66.5/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Tarkio experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 33.9 inches. The area receives 2.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 938 feet.

Temperature

23°F Jan (-5°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)
Annual Average51.7°F
4% below US avg
January Average23°F (-5°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days275 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall33.9 inches
11% below US avg
Snowfall2.8 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation938 ft (286 m)
Area1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²)
Population Density1,063/sq mi
Coordinates40.4403°N, 95.3778°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 23°F (-5°C) 0.8 in Coldest, Driest
February 29°F (-1°C) 0.9 in
March 41°F (5°C) 2.2 in
April 53°F (11°C) 3.1 in
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 in
June 73°F (23°C) 4.2 in
July 77°F (25°C) 4.4 in Warmest, Wettest
August 75°F (24°C) 4.2 in
September 66°F (19°C) 4.1 in
October 55°F (13°C) 2.7 in
November 39°F (4°C) 1.9 in
December 28°F (-2°C) 1.1 in

Tarkio has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F — from 23°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.8").

20.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 39% below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. 4.9% 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. 82.7% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 1 EV charging stations. 82.6% of workers drive alone to work, while 3% use public transit.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+20.6%
39% below US avg
High School+89.9%
Graduate Degree+4.9%
School Test Score5.51
C+ Education Grade (2.6/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,063/sq mi
Total Area1.4 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access82.7%
EV Charging Stations1
Alt Fuel Stations1

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute22.2 min
Drive Alone82.6%
Public Transit3.0%
Work from Home2.6%

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 200 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,131 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 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.9 inches, with 2.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Tarkio?

The job market in Tarkio is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% — well below the national rate 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 $122,484. For renters, the median monthly rent is $608. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

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. 9.4% lack health insurance.

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, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 95.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 21.9% of residents have a disability. 84.0% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Rock Port, MO 1,207 pop · 7.6 mi Hamburg, IA 1,034 pop · 18.5 mi Shenandoah, IA 4,913 pop · 22.0 mi Mound City, MO 1,103 pop · 22.7 mi Auburn, NE 3,468 pop · 24.8 mi Clarinda, IA 5,366 pop · 27.4 mi Maryville, MO 10,556 pop · 27.4 mi Falls City, NE 4,099 pop · 28.6 mi Nebraska City, NE 7,287 pop · 30.2 mi Bedford, IA 1,389 pop · 37.8 mi Villisca, IA 1,004 pop · 39.7 mi Malvern, IA 1,415 pop · 40.4 mi Red Oak, IA 5,542 pop · 40.5 mi Highland, KS 1,047 pop · 40.5 mi
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