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University City, MO

Missouri

University City is a mid-size city in Missouri with a population of 34,655. Residents earn $76,466 per year, which is 2% above the national average.

3.7 /5.0
B+ Good
34,655 Population 5,894/sq mi density
$76,466 Median Income $63,218 per capita
$285,100 Home Value $257,126 Zillow
$1,265 Median Rent 26.3% income on rent
58°F Avg Temperature 293 sunny days/yr
544 Violent Crime/100K 3,821 property/100K
B+
Overall
3.7 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.4 / 5.0
$76,466 median income, 1.7% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.6 / 5.0
$285,100 home value, $1,265/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
544 violent crimes/100K (43% above avg)
A+
Education
5.0 / 5.0
64.2% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $76,466
2% higher than US avg
Home Value $285,100
1% higher than US avg
Violent Crime 544/100K
43% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 64.2%
91% higher than US avg
Median Rent $1,265
9% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 32.2%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment 1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 6.7%
46% lower than US avg

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

People

Population34,655
Median Age38.1 yrs
Density5,894/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 56%
Veterans5.4%

Economy

A
Median Income$76,466
Per Capita$63,218
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty6.7%
Commute21 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$285,100
Rent$1,265
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$257,126
Housing Units18,020
Rent Burden26.3%

Crime

F
Violent544/100K
Property3,821/100K
Murder5.7/100K
Assault313/100K
Burglary821/100K

Health

Obesity32.2%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking12.0%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease4.7%

Climate

Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation541 ft (165 m)

Education

A+
Bachelor's+64.2%
High School+96.4%
Graduate+31.2%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute21 min
Broadband93.2%
EV Stations5

Is University City a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, University City receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. University City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in University City is $76,466, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in University City is $285,100, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,265 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

The violent crime rate of 544 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,821 per 100,000, 95% above the national average.

Education

University City is a highly educated community — 64.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

University City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches, including 7.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

University City has a population of 34,655 with a density of 5,894 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age is 38.1 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. The city is predominantly White (55.5%), with 30.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.6% of residents, while 10.4% speak Spanish. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.6% have health insurance coverage.

Population

34,655
Total Population
5,894
People / sq mi
38.1yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
5.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 45.3%
Female 54.7%

Race & Ethnicity

University City vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only89.6%
14% above US avg
Spanish10.4%
22% below US avg

Social Characteristics

University City vs U.S. Average

The median household income in University City is $76,466, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $63,218 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.7% 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 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 17.0% of workers work from home.

Income: University City vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$76,466
2% above US avg
Per Capita Income$63,218

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.7%
53% below US avg
Poverty Rate6.7%
46% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time21.0 min
Drive Alone66.1%
Public Transit4.5%
Work from Home17.0%

Walkability

The median home value in University City is $285,100, 1% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,126. Homes sell for 100.9% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,265 (9% above 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 18,020 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$285,100
1% above US avg
Zillow ZHVI$257,126
Median List Price$424,900

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$424,900
$/Sq Ft$180
Homes Sold32
Sale-to-List Ratio100.9%
Price Drops31.9%
Inventory47

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,265
9% above US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)$1,529
Rent Burden26.3%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied55.4%
Housing Units18,020
Median Year Built1951

Property Tax

In University City, 32.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 33.9% have high blood pressure. 12.0% are current smokers. 16.8% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: University City vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity32.2%
0% below US avg
Diabetes10.4%
Heart Disease4.7%
High Blood Pressure33.9%
Asthma10.8%
COPD5.0%
Cancer6.3%
Stroke3.0%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking12.0%
14% below US avg
Binge Drinking16.8%
Physical Inactivity23.8%
Depression22.2%
Mental Distress16.1%
Physical Distress11.2%
Short Sleep34.8%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate94.6%
Uninsured6.5%
24% below US avg
Checkup Rate78.6%
Dental Visits64.9%

Food & Exercise

University City has a violent crime rate of 544 per 100,000 residents, 43% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 313.4 per 100,000, robbery at 196.6, rape at 28.5. The murder rate is 5.7 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,821 per 100,000, 95% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,846, burglary at 821, vehicle theft at 154 per 100,000 residents. Overall, University City receives a safety grade of F.

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

Violent Crime

Total Violent544.2/100K
43% above US avg
Murder5.7/100K
10% below US avg
Rape28.5/100K
Robbery196.6/100K
Assault313.4/100K

Property Crime

Total Property3,820.6/100K
95% above US avg
Burglary820.5/100K
Theft2,846.2/100K
Vehicle Theft153.9/100K
Arson14.3/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
University City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 293 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 45.6 inches. The area receives 7.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 541 feet.

Temperature

38°F Jan (3°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average58.2°F
8% above US avg
January Average38°F (3°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days293 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall45.6 inches
20% above US avg
Snowfall7.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation541 ft (165 m)
Area5.9 sq mi (15.2 km²)
Population Density5,894/sq mi
Coordinates38.6559°N, 90.3093°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 38°F (3°C) 2.0 in Driest
February 35°F (2°C) 2.2 in
March 45°F (7°C) 3.5 in
April 56°F (13°C) 3.7 in
May 66°F (19°C) 4.1 in Wettest
June 75°F (24°C) 3.6 in
July 78°F (26°C) 3.7 in Warmest
August 77°F (25°C) 3.2 in
September 70°F (21°C) 3.3 in
October 58°F (15°C) 2.8 in
November 46°F (8°C) 3.5 in
December 34°F (1°C) 3.0 in Coldest

University City has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F — from 34°F in December to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.0").

64.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 91% above the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. 31.2% hold a graduate or professional degree (above 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. 93.2% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 5 EV charging stations. 66.1% of workers drive alone to work, while 4.5% use public transit.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+64.2%
91% above US avg
High School+96.4%
Graduate Degree+31.2%
School Test Score5.51
A+ Education Grade (5.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density5,894/sq mi
Total Area5.9 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access93.2%
EV Charging Stations5
Alt Fuel Stations6

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute21.0 min
Drive Alone66.1%
Public Transit4.5%
Work from Home17.0%

Frequently Asked Questions About University City

What is the population of University City?

University City has a population of 34,655 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 5,894 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.1 years. The population is 54.7% female and 45.3% male.

Is University City expensive to live in?

University City 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 $76,466, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $285,100 (1% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,265 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is University City safe?

The violent crime rate in University City is 544 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,821 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, University City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in University City?

University City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.6 inches, with 7.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in University City?

The job market in University City is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 17.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in University City?

The median home value in University City is $285,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,126. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,265. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in University City?

Schools in University City score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 64.2% of adults in University City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. 31.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is University City?

The obesity rate in University City is 32.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.0% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate).

What is transportation like in University City?

The average commute in University City is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.1% of workers drive alone to work, 4.5% use public transit, and 17.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of University City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of University City is 55.5% White, 30.5% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 89.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.4% speak Spanish. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.

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