Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Employment
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
West Plains, Missouri is a moderately-sized city with a population of 12,290 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (97% White). Given that fact, West Plains could be considered less diverse than other cities. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? West Plains offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in West Plains could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Missouri if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, commute, you can easily compare the best places to live in West Plains and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare West Plains to Missouri and the national average.
West Plains, MO receives 73 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #58 in Missouri and #4,390 in the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, West Plains has received high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (B-). There are some categories that West Plains does not rank well for, including: amenities (D), crime (F), education (D) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
The unemployment rate in West Plains has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.81%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their West Plains apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in West Plains. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in West Plains are affordable. Median real estate prices in West Plains come in at $95,400, which is 32.4% lower than the Missouri average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In West Plains, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 10.3% lower than the Missouri average.
| Statistic | West Plains | Missouri | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 85.7% | 81.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.5% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.3% | 1.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.6% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
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