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Thayer, MO

Missouri

Thayer is a small town in Missouri with a population of 2,288. Residents earn $36,477 per year, which is 51% below the national average.

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
2,288 Population 938/sq mi density
$36,477 Median Income $19,886 per capita
$69,300 Home Value $142,890 Zillow
$652 Median Rent 33.6% income on rent
57°F Avg Temperature 254 sunny days/yr
177 Violent Crime/100K 841 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.5 / 5.0
$36,477 median income, 1.2% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$69,300 home value, $652/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
177 violent crimes/100K (53% below avg)
C+
Education
2.9 / 5.0
23.2% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $36,477
51% lower than US avg
Home Value $69,300
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 177/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 23.2%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent $652
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment 1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 34.1%
175% higher than US avg

How Thayer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population2,288
Median Age41.9 yrs
Density938/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans10.3%

Economy

C+
Median Income$36,477
Per Capita$19,886
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty34.1%
Commute17 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$69,300
Rent$652
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$142,890
Housing Units998
Rent Burden33.6%

Crime

F
Violent177/100K
Property841/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault177/100K
Burglary133/100K

Health

Obesity41.7%
Uninsured11.7%
Smoking24.1%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease7.4%

Climate

Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain45.0 in/yr
Sunny Days254/yr
Elevation535 ft (163 m)

Education

C+
Bachelor's+23.2%
High School+85.6%
Graduate+13.4%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute17 min
Broadband72.2%

Is Thayer a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Thayer receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Thayer has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Thayer is $36,477, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. The poverty rate of 34.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Thayer is $69,300, 75% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $652 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Violent crime in Thayer is below the national average at 177 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 841 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.

Education

23.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Thayer enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 254 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Thayer has a population of 2,288 with a density of 938 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 41.9 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.8% female and 45.2% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%), with 7.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.8% of residents, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 80.7% have health insurance coverage.

Population

2,288
Total Population
938
People / sq mi
41.9yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
2.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 45.2%
Female 54.8%

Race & Ethnicity

Thayer vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only93.8%
19% above US avg
Spanish6.2%
54% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Thayer vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Thayer is $36,477, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,886 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 34.1% 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 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Thayer vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$36,477
51% below US avg
Per Capita Income$19,886

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.2%
67% below US avg
Poverty Rate34.1%
175% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time17.1 min
Drive Alone84.7%
Public Transit1.5%
Work from Home2.9%

Walkability

The median home value in Thayer is $69,300, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,890, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $652 (44% 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 998 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. 33.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$69,300
75% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$142,890

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$652
44% below US avg
Rent Burden33.6%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied72.7%
Housing Units998
Median Year Built1973

Property Tax

In Thayer, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 36.3% have high blood pressure. 24.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.3% report binge drinking. 34.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.2% experience frequent mental distress. 11.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity41.7%
30% above US avg
Diabetes12.6%
Heart Disease7.4%
High Blood Pressure36.3%
Asthma11.9%
COPD11.1%
Cancer7.5%
Stroke4.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking24.1%
72% above US avg
Binge Drinking16.3%
Physical Inactivity34.8%
Depression29.0%
Mental Distress22.2%
Physical Distress17.6%
Short Sleep39.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate80.7%
Uninsured11.7%
36% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.6%
Dental Visits51.2%

Food & Exercise

Thayer has a violent crime rate of 177 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 177.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 841 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 664, burglary at 133, vehicle theft at 44 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Thayer receives a safety grade of F.

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

Violent Crime

Total Violent177.2/100K
53% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape0.0/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault177.2/100K

Property Crime

Total Property841.5/100K
57% below US avg
Burglary132.9/100K
Theft664.3/100K
Vehicle Theft44.3/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Thayer enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 254 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 45.0 inches. The area receives 2.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 535 feet.

Temperature

33°F Jan (0°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average56.9°F
5% above US avg
January Average33°F (0°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days254 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall45.0 inches
18% above US avg
Snowfall2.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation535 ft (163 m)
Area2.4 sq mi (6.3 km²)
Population Density938/sq mi
Coordinates36.5245°N, 91.5382°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 33°F (0°C) 2.6 in Coldest, Driest
February 38°F (4°C) 2.9 in
March 48°F (9°C) 4.5 in
April 57°F (14°C) 4.3 in
May 65°F (19°C) 4.4 in
June 73°F (23°C) 3.7 in
July 78°F (26°C) 3.2 in Warmest
August 77°F (25°C) 3.4 in
September 70°F (21°C) 3.9 in
October 59°F (15°C) 3.4 in
November 47°F (8°C) 4.7 in Wettest
December 37°F (3°C) 4.1 in

Thayer has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F — from 33°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.0 inches, with November being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.6").

23.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 31% below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. 13.4% hold a graduate or professional degree. 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. 72.2% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). 84.7% 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+23.2%
31% below US avg
High School+85.6%
Graduate Degree+13.4%
School Test Score5.51
C+ Education Grade (2.9/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density938/sq mi
Total Area2.4 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access72.2%

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute17.1 min
Drive Alone84.7%
Public Transit1.5%
Work from Home2.9%

Frequently Asked Questions About Thayer

What is the population of Thayer?

Thayer has a population of 2,288 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 938 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.8% female and 45.2% male.

Is Thayer expensive to live in?

Thayer 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 $36,477, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $69,300 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $652 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Thayer safe?

Thayer is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 177 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 841 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Thayer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Thayer?

Thayer enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 254 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.0 inches, with 2.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Thayer?

The job market in Thayer is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Thayer?

The median home value in Thayer is $69,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,890. For renters, the median monthly rent is $652. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Thayer?

Schools in Thayer score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.2% of adults in Thayer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. 13.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Thayer?

The obesity rate in Thayer is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.1% of adults are smokers. 34.8% are physically inactive. 29.0% of residents report depression. 11.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Thayer?

The average commute in Thayer is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.7% of workers drive alone to work, 1.5% use public transit, and 2.9% work from home.

What are the demographics of Thayer?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Thayer is 92.1% White, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino. 93.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 23.2% of residents have a disability. 80.7% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Cherokee Village, AR 5,078 pop · 16.2 mi Highland, AR 1,124 pop · 17.7 mi Salem, AR 2,727 pop · 19.0 mi Ash Flat, AR 1,309 pop · 20.3 mi West Plains, MO 12,341 pop · 22.4 mi Horseshoe Bend, AR 2,458 pop · 23.9 mi Mountain View, MO 2,648 pop · 33.8 mi Pocahontas, AR 7,475 pop · 36.3 mi Melbourne, AR 2,227 pop · 37.1 mi Cave City, AR 1,930 pop · 39.8 mi Willow Springs, MO 2,015 pop · 40.2 mi Doniphan, MO 2,220 pop · 40.2 mi Calico Rock, AR 1,795 pop · 42.9 mi Van Buren, MO 1,146 pop · 43.6 mi
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