Cost of Living in Dexter, MO

Population 7,906 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023

48
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Dexter run well below national norms — a median of $47,647 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $133,000). Around 24% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Dexter lies roughly 115 miles north of the nearest major metro, Memphis — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 16% lower than Memphis' $157,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 44
Rent 55

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Dexter

The median home value in Dexter is $132,700 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $717/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,647/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.9%, 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%. Overall, Dexter has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$132,700
56% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$159,665
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$717/mo
45% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.4x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.0%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$623
1 BR
$668
2 BR
$826
3 BR
$1,142
4 BR
$1,311
Owner-occupied 56.4%
Renter-occupied 43.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$717
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,331/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
22.8 min
16% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
88.5%
Carpooled
4.8%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
1.4%
Work from home
3.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.4%
State rate 4.2%
Avg local rate 4.1%
Property Tax 1.0%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$47,647
36% below avg
Per Capita Income
$23,357
Unemployment Rate
1.9%
60% below avg
Poverty Rate
23.8%
Labor Force Participation
52.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.6%
Graduate degree 6.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38
Male median age 36.7
Female median age 38.6

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 37 — Good
71.8%
Good air days/yr
98
Max AQI recorded
110
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

97%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.7:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
2,088
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Dexter, MO?

Dexter has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.

What is average rent in Dexter, MO?

The median gross rent in Dexter is $717 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Dexter?

The median home value in Dexter is $132,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Dexter?

The median household income in Dexter is $47,647 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Dexter, MO?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dexter is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Dexter, MO affordable?

Yes, Dexter is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.

Dexter at a Glance

Population
7,906
Median Income
$47,647
Home Value
$132,700
Median Rent
$717/mo
Unemployment
1.9%
Sales Tax
8.4%
View all cities in Missouri →
🗺️ County data for Missouri

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs