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Vandalia, MO

Missouri

Vandalia is a small town in Missouri with a population of 3,260. Residents earn $58,649 per year, which is 22% below the national average.

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
3,260 Population 1,449/sq mi density
$58,649 Median Income $21,932 per capita
$75,600 Home Value $133,293 Zillow
$762 Median Rent 29.6% income on rent
53°F Avg Temperature 267 sunny days/yr
260 Violent Crime/100K 2,081 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.8 / 5.0
$58,649 median income, 0.8% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$75,600 home value, $762/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
260 violent crimes/100K (32% below avg)
D
Education
1.7 / 5.0
8.5% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $58,649
22% lower than US avg
Home Value $75,600
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 260/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 8.5%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent $762
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment 0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 12.9%
4% higher than US avg

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

People

Population3,260
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density1,449/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans4.9%

Economy

B+
Median Income$58,649
Per Capita$21,932
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty12.9%
Commute21 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$75,600
Rent$762
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$133,293
Housing Units1,166
Rent Burden29.6%

Crime

F
Violent260/100K
Property2,081/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault213/100K
Burglary260/100K

Health

Obesity39.3%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking20.0%
Depression29.5%
Heart Disease5.9%

Climate

Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain38.0 in/yr
Sunny Days267/yr
Elevation764 ft (233 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+8.5%
High School+84.7%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute21 min
Broadband83.4%

Is Vandalia a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Vandalia receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Vandalia has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Vandalia is $58,649, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. 12.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Vandalia is $75,600, 73% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $762 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Violent crime in Vandalia is below the national average at 260 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,081 per 100,000, near the national average.

Education

8.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Vandalia experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 267 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches, including 5.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Vandalia has a population of 3,260 with a density of 1,449 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.2% female and 39.8% male. The city is predominantly White (81.4%), with 3.7% Hispanic, 10.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 20.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.3% have health insurance coverage.

Population

3,260
Total Population
1,449
People / sq mi
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
2.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 39.8%
Female 60.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Vandalia vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish2.8%
79% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Vandalia vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Vandalia is $58,649, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,932 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. 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). 0.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Vandalia vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$58,649
22% below US avg
Per Capita Income$21,932

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.8%
78% below US avg
Poverty Rate12.9%
4% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time21.0 min
Drive Alone85.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.8%

Walkability

The median home value in Vandalia is $75,600, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,293, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $762 (34% 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 1,166 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. 29.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$75,600
73% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$133,293
Median List Price$230,000

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$230,000
$/Sq Ft$154
Homes Sold3
Sale-to-List Ratio96.9%
Price Drops0.0%
Inventory4

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$762
34% below US avg
Rent Burden29.6%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied67.9%
Housing Units1,166
Median Year Built1963

Property Tax

In Vandalia, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.8% report binge drinking. 33.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.5% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance.

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity39.3%
22% above US avg
Diabetes11.0%
Heart Disease5.9%
High Blood Pressure32.9%
Asthma12.8%
COPD8.8%
Cancer7.1%
Stroke3.5%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking20.0%
43% above US avg
Binge Drinking15.8%
Physical Inactivity33.7%
Depression29.5%
Mental Distress22.5%
Physical Distress16.1%
Short Sleep41.5%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate87.3%
Uninsured10.1%
17% above US avg
Checkup Rate77.6%
Dental Visits54.9%

Food & Exercise

Vandalia has a violent crime rate of 260 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 212.8 per 100,000, robbery at 23.7, rape at 23.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,081 per 100,000, 6% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,726, burglary at 260, vehicle theft at 95 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Vandalia receives a safety grade of F.

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

Violent Crime

Total Violent260.1/100K
32% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape23.7/100K
Robbery23.7/100K
Assault212.8/100K

Property Crime

Total Property2,080.9/100K
6% above US avg
Burglary260.1/100K
Theft1,726.2/100K
Vehicle Theft94.6/100K
Arson23.7/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Vandalia experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 267 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 38.0 inches. The area receives 5.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 764 feet.

Temperature

26°F Jan (-3°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)
Annual Average53.3°F
1% below US avg
January Average26°F (-3°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days267 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall38.0 inches
0% below US avg
Snowfall5.9 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation764 ft (233 m)
Area2.3 sq mi (5.8 km²)
Population Density1,449/sq mi
Coordinates39.3109°N, 91.4885°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 26°F (-3°C) 1.6 in Coldest, Driest
February 32°F (-0°C) 1.8 in
March 43°F (6°C) 3.1 in
April 54°F (12°C) 3.8 in
May 64°F (18°C) 4.5 in Wettest
June 73°F (23°C) 3.9 in
July 77°F (25°C) 3.6 in Warmest
August 75°F (24°C) 3.5 in
September 67°F (20°C) 3.5 in
October 56°F (13°C) 2.9 in
November 43°F (6°C) 3.3 in
December 32°F (-0°C) 2.5 in

Vandalia has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F — from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.6").

8.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 75% below the national average of 33.7%. 84.7% have completed high school. 3.3% 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. 83.4% of households have broadband internet access. 85.4% 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+8.5%
75% below US avg
High School+84.7%
Graduate Degree+3.3%
School Test Score5.51
D Education Grade (1.7/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,449/sq mi
Total Area2.3 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access83.4%

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute21.0 min
Drive Alone85.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.8%

Frequently Asked Questions About Vandalia

What is the population of Vandalia?

Vandalia has a population of 3,260 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,449 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 60.2% female and 39.8% male.

Is Vandalia expensive to live in?

Vandalia 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 $58,649, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $75,600 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $762 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Vandalia safe?

Vandalia is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 260 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,081 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Vandalia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Vandalia?

Vandalia has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 267 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.0 inches, with 5.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Vandalia?

The job market in Vandalia is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 0.8% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Vandalia?

The median home value in Vandalia is $75,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,293. For renters, the median monthly rent is $762. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Vandalia?

Schools in Vandalia score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.5% of adults in Vandalia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.7% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Vandalia?

The obesity rate in Vandalia is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 33.7% are physically inactive. 29.5% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Vandalia?

The average commute in Vandalia is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.8% work from home.

What are the demographics of Vandalia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Vandalia is 81.4% White, 10.9% Black or African American, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 20.7% of residents have a disability. 87.3% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Bowling Green, MO 4,130 pop · 15.8 mi Wellsville, MO 1,197 pop · 17.1 mi New London, MO 1,118 pop · 19.5 mi Montgomery City, MO 2,810 pop · 23.0 mi Mexico, MO 11,487 pop · 23.3 mi Louisiana, MO 3,231 pop · 25.2 mi Monroe City, MO 3,162 pop · 27.1 mi Hannibal, MO 16,825 pop · 28.3 mi Paris, MO 1,326 pop · 29.8 mi Auxvasse, MO 1,385 pop · 29.8 mi Lincoln, MO 1,795 pop · 33.2 mi Palmyra, MO 3,620 pop · 33.4 mi Centralia, MO 4,615 pop · 35.4 mi Troy, MO 13,467 pop · 35.6 mi
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