Cost of Living in Ozark, MO

Population 21,953 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023

76
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Ozark is a smaller Missouri community of around 22000 residents, where median household incomes of $69,372 and housing costs ($231,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Ozark sits roughly 12 miles southeast of Springfield — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 40% higher than Springfield's $165,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 76
Rent 76

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

About the Cost of Living in Ozark

The median home value in Ozark is $230,600 — 24% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,003/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,372/year is 7% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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, Ozark has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$230,600
24% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$314,166
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,003/mo
24% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,444/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.2x
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 66.2%
Renter-occupied 33.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,003
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,617/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
25.2 min
7% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.7%
Carpooled
13.2%
Walked
1.7%
Work from home
8.3%

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
$69,372
7% below avg
Per Capita Income
$32,067
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
9% below avg
Poverty Rate
14.2%
Labor Force Participation
66.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.9%
Graduate degree 14.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.5
Male median age 32
Female median age 36.4

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

98%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
8
Public schools
5,913
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Ozark, MO?

Ozark has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.

What is average rent in Ozark, MO?

The median gross rent in Ozark is $1,003 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Ozark?

The median home value in Ozark is $230,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Ozark?

The median household income in Ozark is $69,372 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Ozark, MO?

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

Is Ozark, MO affordable?

Yes, Ozark is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.

Ozark at a Glance

Population
21,953
Median Income
$69,372
Home Value
$230,600
Median Rent
$1,003/mo
Unemployment
4.4%
Sales Tax
8.4%
View all cities in Missouri →
🗺️ County data for Missouri

Explore county-level cost of living data

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