Cost of Living in Fort Leonard Wood, MO

Population 15,317 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Fort Leonard Wood a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory.

Geographically, Fort Leonard Wood lies roughly 75 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Springfield. Springfield's typical home runs $165,000 for context.

Cost Overview

Rent 89

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

About the Cost of Living in Fort Leonard Wood

Median rent runs $1,169/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,629/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, 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, Fort Leonard Wood has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Rent

$1,169/mo

11% below avg

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

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$1,169

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $1,783/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

11.8 min

56% below avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

15.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

25.6%

Carpooled

3.3%

Public transit

0.2%

Walked

54.8%

Work from home

15.5%

⚡ 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

$68,629

8% below avg

Per Capita Income

$21,876

Unemployment Rate

3.6%

26% below avg

Poverty Rate

5.4%

Labor Force Participation

80.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 19.1%

Graduate degree 10.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 20.3

Male median age 20.3

Female median age 20.6

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fort Leonard Wood, MO?

Fort Leonard Wood has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.

What is average rent in Fort Leonard Wood, MO?

The median gross rent in Fort Leonard Wood is $1,169 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the median income in Fort Leonard Wood?

The median household income in Fort Leonard Wood is $68,629 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fort Leonard Wood, MO?

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

Is Fort Leonard Wood, MO affordable?

Yes, Fort Leonard Wood is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.

Fort Leonard Wood at a Glance

Population: 15,317
Median Income: $68,629
Median Rent: $1,169/mo
Unemployment: 3.6%
Sales Tax: 8.4%

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