Cost of Living in Poplar Bluff, MO
Population 16,243 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Poplar Bluff's median household income of $42,035 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (24% here). At 6.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Poplar Bluff lies roughly 115 miles north of the nearest major metro, Memphis. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Memphis' $157,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Poplar Bluff
The median home value in Poplar Bluff is $109,700 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $760/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,035/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, above 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, Poplar Bluff has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% less expensive.
🏠 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Poplar Bluff, MO?
Poplar Bluff has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.
What is average rent in Poplar Bluff, MO?
The median gross rent in Poplar Bluff is $760 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Poplar Bluff?
The median home value in Poplar Bluff is $109,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Poplar Bluff?
The median household income in Poplar Bluff is $42,035 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Poplar Bluff, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Poplar Bluff is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Poplar Bluff, MO affordable?
Yes, Poplar Bluff is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.
Poplar Bluff at a Glance
- Population
- 16,243
- Median Income
- $42,035
- Home Value
- $109,700
- Median Rent
- $760/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
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