Cost of Living in St. Clair, MO

Population 4,767 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023

53
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

St. Clair's median household income of $40,933 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 (17% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 45 miles west of St. Louis, St. Clair falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 28% lower than St. Louis' $185,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 44
Rent 67

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

About the Cost of Living in St. Clair

The median home value in St. Clair is $134,100 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $874/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,933/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, 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, St. Clair has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$134,100
56% below avg
Median Rent
$874/mo
33% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.8x
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 54.2%
Renter-occupied 45.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$874
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,488/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
27.3 min
1% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
72.0%
Carpooled
20.2%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
Work from home
6.2%

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
$40,933
45% below avg
Per Capita Income
$23,961
Unemployment Rate
7.7%
61% above avg
Poverty Rate
16.8%
Labor Force Participation
55.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 6.4%
Graduate degree 1.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.1
Male median age 34.1
Female median age 43.5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in St. Clair, MO?

St. Clair has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.

What is average rent in St. Clair, MO?

The median gross rent in St. Clair is $874 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in St. Clair?

The median home value in St. Clair is $134,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in St. Clair?

The median household income in St. Clair is $40,933 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in St. Clair, MO?

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

Is St. Clair, MO affordable?

Yes, St. Clair is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.

St. Clair at a Glance

Population
4,767
Median Income
$40,933
Home Value
$134,100
Median Rent
$874/mo
Unemployment
7.7%
Sales Tax
8.4%
View all cities in Missouri →
🗺️ County data for Missouri

Explore county-level cost of living data

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