Median Income
$36,477
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$69,300
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
105/100K
72% 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
2.9%
19% 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
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty34.1%
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$69,300
Rent$652
Ownership72.7%
Zillow$143,557
Housing Units998
Rent Burden33.6%
Crime
F
Violent105/100K
Property944/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured20.0%
Smoking24.1%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain48.8 in/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%
EV Stations4
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. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. 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 2.9%. 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
Thayer is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 105 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 944 per 100,000, 52% 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 35°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.8 inches.
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%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 80.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,288
Total Population
2023 Census
41.9yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
6.2%
54% below US avg
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 2.9% (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
| Median HH Income | $36,477 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,886 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 34.1% |
| 175% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.7% |
| Public Transit | 1.5% |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
The median home value in Thayer is $69,300, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $143,557, 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. 72.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). 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 Values
| Census Median | $69,300 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $143,557 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $652 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.3% |
| Housing Units | 998 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
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. 20.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Thayer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.3% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 11.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.1% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.8% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 22.2% |
| Physical Distress | 17.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.0% |
| Uninsured | 20.0% |
| 133% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 51.2% |
Food & Exercise
Thayer has a violent crime rate of 105 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 944 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. Overall, Thayer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Thayer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 104.9/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 944.4/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Thayer enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.2 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 535 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.4°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 535 ft (163 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 938/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5245°N, 91.5382°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sharp County Regional (CKK)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.8"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.31"
Earthquake History
141 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
147 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
144 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
51 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
18 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
40 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
123 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
30 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
89 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
78 km |
| Aug 20, 1994 |
4 km NE of Black Rock, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
60 km |
| Jun 27, 2000 |
15 km WSW of Marshall, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Oct 5, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Quitman, Arkansas |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Jun 26, 2010 |
10 km NW of Garner, Arkansas |
M3.3 |
149 km |
| Jan 20, 2010 |
4 km WNW of Lynn, Arkansas |
M3.3 |
60 km |
| Jun 28, 2010 |
11 km NW of Garner, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
148 km |
| Feb 24, 2011 |
2 km NE of Guy, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
386 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 74 fatalities, 1,008 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 24, 2002 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Dec 24, 1982 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF4 |
61 km |
2 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
97 km |
7 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
94 km |
35 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
58 km |
7 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 1996 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1984 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
53 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
- |
145 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HANDY (12,818 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HANDY |
12,818 |
51 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD HORSE |
10,389 |
94 km |
| 2004 |
LOWER WILD |
10,034 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
9,641 |
51 km |
| 2022 |
CEDAR BLUFF |
9,617 |
50 km |
| 2013 |
LOWER WILDERNESS RX |
8,699 |
95 km |
| 2020 |
BIG BARREN CREEK |
8,150 |
54 km |
| 2022 |
STEGALL MOUNTAIN |
6,979 |
69 km |
| 2021 |
SYL BIRMINGHAM |
6,803 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
15 STEGAL MOUNTAIN |
5,112 |
69 km |
| 2021 |
ROCK PILE |
5,067 |
63 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,873 |
88 km |
| 2024 |
BRIDGES RX |
4,781 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
STEGAL MTN. COMPLEX |
4,717 |
69 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
4,493 |
78 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,337 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
3,807 |
87 km |
| 2024 |
RX BAD BRANCH 2 |
3,591 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
3.8 in |
|
Thayer has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 35°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and June the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Thayer. 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 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 considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 105 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 944 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 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 48.8 inches, with 4.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Thayer?
The job market in Thayer is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / 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 $143,557. For renters, the median monthly rent is $652. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.7%.
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. 20.0% 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, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 25.3% of residents have a disability. 80.0% have health insurance coverage.