Cost of Living in West Plains, MO
Population 12,341 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $39,897, median household incomes in West Plains land roughly 47% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 31% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Located 85 miles east of Springfield, West Plains is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Springfield's $165,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in West Plains
The median home value in West Plains is $158,700 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $762/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,897/year is 47% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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, West Plains has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% 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 West Plains, MO?
West Plains has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.
What is average rent in West Plains, MO?
The median gross rent in West Plains is $762 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in West Plains?
The median home value in West Plains is $158,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in West Plains?
The median household income in West Plains is $39,897 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in West Plains, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Plains is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is West Plains, MO affordable?
Yes, West Plains is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.
West Plains at a Glance
- Population
- 12,341
- Median Income
- $39,897
- Home Value
- $158,700
- Median Rent
- $762/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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