Living in West Plains, Missouri
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of West Plains · Census data 2020–2024
West Plains has 12,441 residents with a median age of 36.3. The median household income is $44,002 (38% lower than the Missouri median), the median home value is $169,900, the median rent is $810/month.
West Plains at a glance
- Population
- 12,441
- Median age
- 36.3State: 39
- Median household income
- $44,002State: $70,702
- Median home value
- $169,900State: $230,300
- Median rent
- $810/moState: $1,033
- Homeowners
- 52.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 17.1%
- Average commute
- 21 min
Is West Plains a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 26% lower than the state median; an average commute of 21 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 38% lower than the Missouri median; unemployment of 4.2%; a poverty rate of 28.1%.
The weather is best in May–June and September–October.
Cost of living in West Plains
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In West Plains the median home value is $169,900, 49% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $810 per month, which is 28.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,024 a month in housing costs.
West Plains median household income
The median household income in West Plains is $44,002 and the income per person is $24,722. 28.1% of residents live below the poverty line (Missouri: 12.6%).
Housing in West Plains: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 5,726
- Owner-occupied
- 52.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 47.9%
- Vacant
- 11.8%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1977
- Average household size
- 2.36
West Plains demographics
- Population
- 12,441
- Median age
- 36.3
- Under 18
- 24.4%
- 65 and older
- 19.2%
- Households
- 5,051
- Foreign-born
- 0.3%
- Veterans
- 7.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of West Plains ›
Education in West Plains
17.1% of adults 25 and older in West Plains have a bachelor's degree or higher (Missouri: 32.4%), and 7.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in West Plains
- Unemployment rate
- 4.2%State: 4%
- Average commute
- 21 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 3.6%
- Drive alone
- 79.1%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 1%
- Homes with broadband
- 88.4%
West Plains vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Plains | 12,441 | $44,002 | $169,900 | $810 |
| Pomona | 178 | $32,604 | $72,800 | $671 |
| Brandsville | 139 | $68,971 | — | — |
| Koshkonong | 198 | $28,182 | $62,900 | $743 |
| Willow Springs | 2,279 | $41,406 | $135,400 | $634 |
| Mountain View | 2,658 | $38,942 | $123,500 | $424 |
| Bakersfield | 188 | $37,043 | $97,400 | $950 |
| Thayer | 2,333 | $37,417 | $67,500 | $627 |
| Viola | 384 | $41,250 | $107,200 | $733 |
More for people moving to West Plains
West Plains ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in West Plains: FAQ
What is the median household income in West Plains, MO?
The median household income in West Plains is $44,002, 38% lower than the Missouri median of $70,702 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in West Plains?
The median home value in West Plains is $169,900, compared with $230,300 in Missouri.
How much is rent in West Plains?
The median gross rent in West Plains is $810 per month, about 28.4% of household income.
Is West Plains, MO a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 26% lower than the state median; an average commute of 21 minutes. Minuses: median household income 38% lower than the Missouri median; unemployment of 4.2%; a poverty rate of 28.1%.
What is the median age in West Plains?
The median age in West Plains is 36.3 years (Missouri: 39).
How long is the commute in West Plains?
The average commute to work in West Plains is 21 minutes; 3.6% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in West Plains?
The unemployment rate in West Plains is 4.2% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is West Plains?
17.1% of adults in West Plains have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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