Is Hannibal Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hannibal

Hannibal, Missouri, a city rich in history and nestled along the Mississippi River, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and growing economic opportunities. Known as the boyhood home of Mark Twain, the city provides a distinctive cultural backdrop for its residents. Hannibal’s strategic location facilitates commerce and transportation, contributing to its development over the years.

The city’s economy is anchored by key industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. Hannibal boasts a resilient economic base, supported by major employers and a commitment to workforce development. Its historical significance, combined with modern infrastructure, presents a compelling case for those considering a move to this Missouri community.

Is it Safe to Live in Hannibal?

Hannibal’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a D- safety grade (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The city experiences a crime rate of 50.71 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents often perceive the western parts of the city as safer than the eastern neighborhoods. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime varies, with a higher chance in the east and a lower chance in the west (as reported by AreaVibes).

Violent crime in Hannibal is comparable to the national average, with 358 reported violent crimes per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). However, property crime rates are notably higher than the national average, at 2404 per 100,000 people (as reported by AreaVibes). The total projected cost of crime per resident in Hannibal is approximately $738 annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Hannibal presents an affordable option for many. The median home value in Hannibal is approximately $135,699 (as reported by Livability.com). Housing costs in Hannibal are also significantly lower than the national average, with figures suggesting they are 36% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

For renters, the median monthly rent in Hannibal is around $805 (as reported by Niche). This is considerably lower than the national median rent. Specifically, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Hannibal is $1,325 as of April 2026, which is 32% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper).

Job Market and Major Employers

Hannibal’s economy is primarily driven by healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture (as reported by Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council). The largest industry in the region is healthcare, with Hannibal Regional Hospital and Hannibal Clinic being significant employers (as reported by Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council). Manufacturing also plays a crucial role, with companies like BASF Chemical Corporation, General Mills, and Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co. being major players (as reported by Wikipedia).

Employment in Hannibal saw a slight decline of 2.87% from 2023 to 2024, with the total number of employees decreasing to 17.1k (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Hannibal is approximately $55,728 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Cost of Living

Hannibal offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. The overall cost of living index in Hannibal is 85, meaning it is 15% less expensive than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including groceries and transportation.

Food costs in Hannibal are more affordable than the United States average (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Similarly, transportation expenses are also less than the national average (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). However, healthcare costs in Hannibal are noted to be slightly more expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

Climate and Weather

Hannibal experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by significant temperature swings. Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 18°F to 86°F (as reported by Livability.com). The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 40 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Summers in Hannibal are warm and can be humid, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 86°F and a low of 67°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, with January seeing average highs around 35°F and lows near 18°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education in Hannibal

Hannibal’s public school system is considered above average by some metrics (as reported by Niche). The district serves approximately 3,405 students across 10 public schools. Math proficiency in Hannibal public schools averages 49%, slightly above the Missouri average, while reading proficiency is 42%, close to the state average (as reported by Niche).

Oakwood Elementary School, Hannibal Sr. High School, and Mark Twain Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools in Hannibal (as reported by Niche). Hannibal Senior High School notably has a strong four-year graduation rate of 90.9% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics and Population

As of the most recent data, Hannibal is home to approximately 16,771 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is fairly balanced, with 46.1% males and 53.9% females (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Hannibal is 38 years old (as reported by Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of Hannibal is predominantly White, accounting for about 87.4% of the population. African Americans constitute the next largest group at 5.7% (as reported by Point2Homes). In terms of citizenship, 99.1% of the population are US-born citizens (as reported by Point2Homes).