Kirkwood 78 Exceptional
Kirkwood Livability #27 ranked city in Missouri#2,393 ranked city in the USARanks better than 91% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Kirkwood

PROS
  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

What's it like Living in Kirkwood?

Kirkwood is a medium-sized city located in the state of Missouri. The city has a population of 28,511 residents. In Kirkwood, there are 3,113 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 87% of Kirkwood residents are White, 5% Black and 1% Asian. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Kirkwood your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 23 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Kirkwood, Missouri could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Kirkwood and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, housing and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Kirkwood has received a livability score of 79/100. This score is ranked in the 94th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a phenomenal score, as Kirkwood ranks well in multiple categories! Kirkwood also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Kirkwood scores well for crime (A-), education (A+) and housing (A+)

The Kirkwood unemployment rate of 2.2% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Kirkwood schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 69%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Kirkwood an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Kirkwood market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Assuming that Kirkwood meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Kirkwood. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Kirkwood are simply unattainable. The median home price for Kirkwood homes is $606,786, which is 143.2% higher than the Missouri average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Kirkwood, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.4, which is 29.4% higher than the Missouri average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Kirkwood

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Kirkwood?

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      Kirkwood transportation information

      Statistic Kirkwood Missouri National
      Average one way commute23min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.6%81.6%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.9%9.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.0%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.0%1.9%2.8%
      Working from home10.9%4.6%4.6%
      Source: The Kirkwood, MO data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.