Wellston, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $39,474

47% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 3,937/100K

936% higher than US avg

Bachelor's+ 9.9%

71% lower than US avg

Median Rent $1,053

9% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 49.0%

53% higher than US avg

Unemployment 2.9%

19% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 22.3%

80% higher than US avg

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

People

Population1,690

Median Age38.3 yrs

Density1,817/mi²

Male / Female48% / 53%

Largest GroupWhite 4%

Veterans4.9%

Economy

C+

Median Income$39,474

Per Capita$21,718

Unemployment2.9%

Poverty22.3%

Commute20 min

Housing

Home ValueN/A

Rent$1,053

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$56,121

Housing Units1,018

Rent Burden42.5%

Crime

Violent3,937/100K

Property5,349/100K

Murder256.7/100K

Assault2,867/100K

Burglary1,669/100K

Health

Obesity49.0%

Uninsured14.9%

Smoking27.8%

Depression22.9%

Heart Disease7.9%

Climate

Avg Temp58°F (15°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain45.6 in/yr

Sunny Days293/yr

Elevation568 ft (173 m)

Education

Bachelor's+9.9%

High School+88.2%

Graduate+1.8%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute20 min

Broadband56.4%

Is Wellston a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Wellston receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Wellston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Wellston is $39,474, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. The poverty rate of 22.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

Renters pay a median of $1,053 per month.

Safety & Crime

With 3,937 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,349 per 100,000, 173% above the national average.

Education

9.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Wellston 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.

Wellston has a population of 1,690 with a density of 1,817 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly Black (91.3%), with 4% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.

Population

1,690

Total Population

1,817

People / sq mi

38.3yrs

Median Age

2% below US avg

0.9mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 47.5%

Female 52.5%

Race & Ethnicity

Wellston vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	98.9%
	26% above US avg
Spanish	1.1%
	92% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Wellston vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Wellston is $39,474, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,718 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 22.3% 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 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Wellston vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$39,474
	47% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$21,718

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	2.9%
	19% below US avg
Poverty Rate	22.3%
	80% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	19.8 min
Drive Alone	80.5%
Public Transit	12.6%
Work from Home	3.0%

Walkability

Zillow estimates the typical home value at $56,121. Monthly rent averages $1,053 (9% 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 1,018 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. 42.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values


Zillow ZHVI	$56,121

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$1,053
	9% below US avg
Rent Burden	42.5%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	51.8%
Housing Units	1,018
Median Year Built	1954

Property Tax

In Wellston, 49.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 20.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 50.0% have high blood pressure. 27.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.2% report binge drinking. 47.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.9% report depression. 23.8% experience frequent mental distress. 14.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	49.0%
	53% above US avg
Diabetes	20.7%
Heart Disease	7.9%
High Blood Pressure	50.0%
Asthma	14.4%
COPD	11.3%
Cancer	4.4%
Stroke	6.5%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	27.8%
	99% above US avg
Binge Drinking	11.2%
Physical Inactivity	47.0%
Depression	22.9%
Mental Distress	23.8%
Physical Distress	19.3%
Short Sleep	48.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	89.8%
Uninsured	14.9%
	73% above US avg
Checkup Rate	81.1%
Dental Visits	40.1%

Food & Exercise

Wellston has a violent crime rate of 3,937 per 100,000 residents, 936% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 2,866.9 per 100,000, robbery at 727.4, rape at 85.6. The murder rate is 256.7 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 5,349 per 100,000, 173% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,653, burglary at 1,669, vehicle theft at 1,027 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Wellston receives a safety grade of F.

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

Violent Crime

Total Violent	3,936.7/100K
	936% above US avg
Murder	256.7/100K
	3975% above US avg
Rape	85.6/100K
Robbery	727.4/100K
Assault	2,866.9/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	5,348.7/100K
	173% above US avg
Burglary	1,668.8/100K
Theft	2,653.0/100K
Vehicle Theft	1,027.0/100K
Arson	85.6/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety Grade	F
Safety Score	1.0 / 5.0

Wellston 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 568 feet.

Temperature

38°F Jan (3°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)

Annual Average	58.2°F
	8% above US avg
January Average	38°F (3°C)
July Average	78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days	293 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	45.6 inches
	20% above US avg
Snowfall	7.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	568 ft (173 m)
Area	0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²)
Population Density	1,817/sq mi
Coordinates	38.6762°N, 90.2875°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	38°F (3°C)	2.0 in	Driest
February	34°F (1°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)	3.7 in
July	78°F (26°C)	3.8 in	Warmest
August	77°F (25°C)	3.2 in
September	70°F (21°C)	3.2 in
October	58°F (14°C)	2.8 in
November	45°F (7°C)	3.4 in
December	34°F (1°C)	3.0 in	Coldest

Wellston has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F — from 34°F in December to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.0").

9.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 71% below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 1.8% 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. 56.4% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). 80.5% of workers drive alone to work, while 12.6% use public transit.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	9.9%
	71% below US avg
High School+	88.2%
Graduate Degree+	1.8%
School Test Score	5.51

D Education Grade (1.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	1,817/sq mi
Total Area	0.9 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	56.4%

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	19.8 min
Drive Alone	80.5%
Public Transit	12.6%
Work from Home	3.0%

Frequently Asked Questions About Wellston

What is the population of Wellston?

Wellston has a population of 1,690 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,817 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.3 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.

Is Wellston expensive to live in?

Wellston 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 $39,474, 47% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,053 per month.

Is Wellston safe?

Public safety is a concern in Wellston, with a violent crime rate of 3,937 per 100,000 — significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,349 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wellston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Wellston?

Wellston 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 Wellston?

The job market in Wellston is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 3.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Wellston?

For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,053. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Wellston?

Schools in Wellston score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.9% of adults in Wellston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Wellston?

The obesity rate in Wellston is 49.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.8% of adults are smokers. 47.0% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 14.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Wellston?

The average commute in Wellston is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.5% of workers drive alone to work, 12.6% use public transit, and 3.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Wellston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wellston is 4% White, 91.3% Black or African American. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Pagedale, MO 2,547 pop · 1.2 mi Velda City, MO 1,231 pop · 1.3 mi Pine Lawn, MO 2,738 pop · 1.5 mi University City, MO 34,655 pop · 1.8 mi Northwoods, MO 3,654 pop · 1.9 mi Hanley Hills, MO 1,727 pop · 2.1 mi Pasadena Hills, MO 1,104 pop · 2.2 mi Bel-Nor, MO 1,472 pop · 2.5 mi Clayton, MO 17,282 pop · 3.0 mi Bel-Ridge, MO 2,714 pop · 3.1 mi Flordell Hills, MO 1,300 pop · 3.1 mi Vinita Park, MO 1,978 pop · 3.1 mi Normandy, MO 4,263 pop · 3.1 mi Country Club Hills, MO 1,017 pop · 3.2 mi

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