Cost of Living in Lemay, MO

Population 16,431 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023

54
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Lemay is a smaller Missouri community of around 16000 residents, where median household incomes of $59,026 and housing costs ($139,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 2.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Lemay sits roughly 7 miles south of St. Louis — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than St. Louis' $185,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 46
Rent 67

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

About the Cost of Living in Lemay

The median home value in Lemay is $139,100 — 54% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $879/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,026/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.0%, 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, Lemay has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$139,100
54% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$165,697
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$879/mo
33% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,412/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.2x
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 78.7%
Renter-occupied 21.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$879
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,493/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
25.6 min
5% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.9%
Carpooled
11.1%
Public transit
0.4%
Work from home
9.4%

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
$59,026
21% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,418
Unemployment Rate
2.0%
58% below avg
Poverty Rate
14.3%
Labor Force Participation
65.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.9%
Graduate degree 5.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.9
Male median age 35.2
Female median age 36.8

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lemay, MO?

Lemay has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.

What is average rent in Lemay, MO?

The median gross rent in Lemay is $879 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lemay?

The median home value in Lemay is $139,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Lemay?

The median household income in Lemay is $59,026 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lemay, MO?

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

Is Lemay, MO affordable?

Yes, Lemay is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.

Lemay at a Glance

Population
16,431
Median Income
$59,026
Home Value
$139,100
Median Rent
$879/mo
Unemployment
2.0%
Sales Tax
8.4%
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🗺️ County data for Missouri

Explore county-level cost of living data

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