Cost of Living in Sugar Creek, MO

Population 3,261 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023

49
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Sugar Creek a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $105,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Sugar Creek sits roughly 5 miles northwest of Independence. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Independence's $166,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 34
Rent 71

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

About the Cost of Living in Sugar Creek

The median home value in Sugar Creek is $104,800 — 66% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $936/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,467/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, 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, Sugar Creek has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$104,800
66% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$291,307
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$936/mo
29% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,075/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
9.3x
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 69.1%
Renter-occupied 30.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$936
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,550/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
27.0 min
0% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.1%
Carpooled
13.8%
Walked
1.8%
Work from home
4.5%

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
$57,467
23% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,596
Unemployment Rate
6.2%
30% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.7%
Labor Force Participation
61.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 16.1%
Graduate degree 4.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.7
Male median age 45.6
Female median age 36.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 52 — Moderate
46.8%
Good air days/yr
155
Max AQI recorded
313
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Sugar Creek, MO?

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

What is average rent in Sugar Creek, MO?

The median gross rent in Sugar Creek is $936 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Sugar Creek?

The median home value in Sugar Creek is $104,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Sugar Creek?

The median household income in Sugar Creek is $57,467 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Sugar Creek, MO?

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

Is Sugar Creek, MO affordable?

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

Sugar Creek at a Glance

Population
3,261
Median Income
$57,467
Home Value
$104,800
Median Rent
$936/mo
Unemployment
6.2%
Sales Tax
8.4%
View all cities in Missouri →
🗺️ County data for Missouri

Explore county-level cost of living data

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