Cost of Living in Imperial, MO
Population 5,617 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Imperial offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $222,000 — costs less than 2.5 times median household income of $87,949, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.
Imperial sits roughly 20 miles southwest of St. Louis — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 20% higher than St. Louis' $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Imperial
The median home value in Imperial is $221,900 — 27% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,255/month, 4% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $87,949/year is 18% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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, Imperial has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% less expensive.
Imperial 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
💨 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 Imperial, MO?
Imperial has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.
What is average rent in Imperial, MO?
The median gross rent in Imperial is $1,255 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Imperial?
The median home value in Imperial is $221,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Imperial?
The median household income in Imperial is $87,949 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Imperial, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Imperial is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Imperial, MO affordable?
Yes, Imperial is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.
Imperial at a Glance
- Population
- 5,617
- Median Income
- $87,949
- Home Value
- $221,900
- Median Rent
- $1,255/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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