Cost of Living in Carl Junction, MO
Population 8,257 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Carl Junction offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $206,000 — costs less than 2.7 times median household income of $77,855, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 70 miles west of Springfield, Carl Junction is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 25% higher than Springfield's $165,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carl Junction
The median home value in Carl Junction is $206,400 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,222/month, 7% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $77,855/year is 4% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. The climate averages highs of 68.8°F and lows of 47.4°F. Overall, Carl Junction has a cost of living index of 78 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% less expensive.
Carl Junction has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45 | 50 | 60 | 69 | 77 | 86 | 90 | 90 | 82 | 71 | 58 | 48 |
| Low °F | 25 | 29 | 37 | 47 | 56 | 65 | 70 | 68 | 59 | 48 | 37 | 29 |
| Precip" | 1.92 | 1.98 | 3.29 | 4.99 | 6.56 | 5.60 | 3.97 | 3.36 | 4.18 | 3.80 | 3.33 | 2.60 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Carl Junction, MO?
Carl Junction has a cost index of 78 (100 = national average). It is 22% below the national average.
What is average rent in Carl Junction, MO?
The median gross rent in Carl Junction is $1,222 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carl Junction?
The median home value in Carl Junction is $206,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carl Junction?
The median household income in Carl Junction is $77,855 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carl Junction, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carl Junction is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Carl Junction, MO affordable?
Yes, Carl Junction is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 78 — about 22% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Carl Junction?
Carl Junction has average high temperatures of 68.8°F and average lows of 47.4°F. Annual precipitation is 45.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Carl Junction at a Glance
- Population
- 8,257
- Median Income
- $77,855
- Home Value
- $206,400
- Median Rent
- $1,222/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
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