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.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Employment
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
West Plains is a medium-sized city located in the state of Missouri. The city has a population of 12,673 residents. At 97%, the majority of the West Plains population is White; this is followed by 0% Black and 0% Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, West Plains is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in West Plains, Missouri. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around West Plains, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, education, employment and more.
West Plains, MO receives 76/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #42 in Missouri and #3,256 in the USA. Based on this score, West Plains would be considered a very livable city! Based on the scores for each individual category, West Plains has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A-). There are some categories that West Plains does not rank well for, including: amenities (D), crime (F), education (D) and employment (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that West Plains has an unemployment rate of 1.9% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, West Plains has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in West Plains. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in West Plains are affordable. Median real estate prices in West Plains come in at $169,615, which is 32% lower than the Missouri average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In West Plains, the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 8.8% 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 | West Plains | Missouri | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 85.7% | 81.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.5% | 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 | 0.3% | 1.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.6% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
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