Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Health & Safety
Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.
Schools
The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.
Vandalia, Missouri is a smaller city with a population of 3,993 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (83% White). Given that fact, Vandalia could be considered less diverse than other cities. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 44% of the Vandalia population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Vandalia will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 18 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Vandalia could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Missouri if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, health & safety, education, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Vandalia and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Vandalia to Missouri and the national average.
Vandalia, MO receives 62 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #364 in Missouri and #16,288 in the USA. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Vandalia ranks well for housing (A+) On a more negative note, Vandalia does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F), crime (D-), education (F) and employment (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Achieving a cost-effective lifestyle can be pivotal in managing your monthly expenditures, especially given the ongoing upward trajectory of everday goods and housing prices. In Vandalia, residents are fortunate to experience a cost of living that is 20.38% below the national average. This advantageous positioning extends its impact to a wide spectrum of expenses, encompassing not only goods and services but also transportation and health care costs. As a result, this area stands out as a place where your money stretches further, ensuring that you can maintain a more economical and sustainable lifestyle. This affordability becomes increasingly valuable in an era marked by soaring costs, making Vandalia an attractive choice for those seeking financial prudence without compromising on quality of life.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Vandalia, the unemployment rate stands at 1.4%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Vandalia excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Vandalia real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Vandalia. Median real estate prices in Vandalia come in at $119,667, which is 52% lower than the Missouri average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Vandalia, the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 38.2% lower than the Missouri average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Vandalia | Missouri | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 90.0% | 81.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.8% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.3% | 1.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 0.8% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Missouri
Most Dangerous States In The US
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Missouri