Median Income
$58,649
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$75,600
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
25/100K
94% 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
Ownership67.9%
Zillow$133,293
Housing Units1,166
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent25/100K
Property737/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault25/100K
Burglary0/100K
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%
EV Stations1
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
Vandalia is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 25 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 737 per 100,000, 62% below 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
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
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
| Median HH Income | $58,649 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,932 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.9% |
| 4% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.8% |
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. 67.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. 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 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 Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $762 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,166 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
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
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 12.8% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.7% |
| Depression | 29.5% |
| Mental Distress | 22.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 41.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.3% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 54.9% |
Food & Exercise
Vandalia has a violent crime rate of 25 per 100,000 residents, 94% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 24.6 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 737 per 100,000, 62% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 688, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 49 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 Violent | 24.6/100K |
| 94% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 24.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 736.7/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 687.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 49.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 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 Average | 53.3°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 267 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 764 ft (233 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,449/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3109°N, 91.4885°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field (UIN)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.0"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
146 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
126 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
40 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
131 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Feb 3, 2014 |
18 km NW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
78 km |
| Jan 15, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.5 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
402 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 253 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
85 km |
4 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1998 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1961 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1961 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1954 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2015 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WOOLDRIDGE FIRE (1,323 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
WOOLDRIDGE FIRE |
1,323 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
Average costs for common services in Vandalia. 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 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 considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 25 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 737 per 100,000 (below 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. The homeownership rate is 67.9%.
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.
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