Willard 73 Excellent
Willard Livability #79 ranked city in Missouri#5,242 ranked city in the USARanks better than 82% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Willard

PROS
  • Cost Of Living 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.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing 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.

  • Ratings 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.

CONS
  • Amenities 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 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 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.

What's it like Living in Willard?

Willard is a smaller city located in the state of Missouri. The city has a population of 5,734 people. At 95%, the majority of the Willard population is White; this is followed by 1% American Indian and Alaskan and 0% Black. Willard could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 33 years old is below the nation’s average. If you are looking for a family friendly city, Willard might be a good fit as 74% of the population over 15 years old are married, and 49% have kids who are 18 years old or younger. 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 Willard 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.

Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Willard 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. The best areas in Willard and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Missouri and national averages.

Using data and statistics Willard has received a livability score of 72/100. This score is ranked in the 80th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Willard ranks well for crime (B), cost of living (A+), employment (A) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Willard ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 198 crimes per 100,000 residents, Willard has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Willard, 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. Willard 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.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Willard. 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 Willard are affordable. Median real estate prices in Willard come in at $255,957, which is 2.6% higher than the Missouri average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Willard, the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 29.4% lower than the Missouri average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Willard

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      Willard transportation information

      Statistic Willard Missouri National
      Average one way commute23min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work85.0%81.6%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.5%9.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.1%1.9%2.8%
      Working from home7.5%4.6%4.6%
      Source: The Willard, 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.