Cost of Living in Scott City, MO

Population 4,354 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023

51
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Scott City sits on the smaller end of the Missouri city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 3.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Scott City lies roughly 105 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, St. Louis — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 27% lower than St. Louis' $185,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 44
Rent 60

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

About the Cost of Living in Scott City

The median home value in Scott City is $134,900 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $791/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,581/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, 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, Scott City has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$134,900
56% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$119,834
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$791/mo
40% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.2x
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 65.1%
Renter-occupied 34.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$791
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,405/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
23.3 min
14% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.9%
Carpooled
9.4%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
0.3%
Work from home
5.8%

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
$61,581
17% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,599
Unemployment Rate
3.0%
38% below avg
Poverty Rate
15.5%
Labor Force Participation
67.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.8%
Graduate degree 4.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.2
Male median age 36.5
Female median age 36

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

97%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.4:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
847
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Scott City, MO?

Scott City has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.

What is average rent in Scott City, MO?

The median gross rent in Scott City is $791 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Scott City?

The median home value in Scott City is $134,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Scott City?

The median household income in Scott City is $61,581 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Scott City, MO?

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

Is Scott City, MO affordable?

Yes, Scott City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.

Scott City at a Glance

Population
4,354
Median Income
$61,581
Home Value
$134,900
Median Rent
$791/mo
Unemployment
3.0%
Sales Tax
8.4%
View all cities in Missouri →
🗺️ County data for Missouri

Explore county-level cost of living data

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