Is Fort Leonard Wood Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood, a U.S. Army installation located in the Missouri Ozarks, serves as a significant training center for various military branches. Established in 1940, it has grown into a vital hub for the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, housing schools for Engineers, Military Police, and CBRN personnel. The community surrounding the base, including towns like St. Robert and Waynesville, plays an integral role in supporting the installation’s mission and its residents.

The area offers a blend of military-focused infrastructure and the natural beauty of the Ozarks, providing a unique living experience for service members and their families. Understanding the local environment, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is crucial for those considering a move to or near Fort Leonard Wood.

Is it Safe to Live in Fort Leonard Wood?

Fort Leonard Wood generally presents a safe environment, with its crime rate reported as 36% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). The presence of a military installation often contributes to enhanced security measures and a vigilant community atmosphere. Violent crime in Fort Leonard Wood is estimated at 244.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 36% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

However, it’s important to note that crime can vary by neighborhood. While the overall statistics are favorable, individual areas might experience different levels of safety. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 408 residents annually (as reported by DoorProfit), and the property crime rate is estimated at 2,602.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 42% higher than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Fort Leonard Wood is notably lower than the national average. Overall living expenses are approximately 10% lower than the U.S. national average and 14% lower than Missouri’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability extends to housing, with average monthly costs for a single person estimated at $2,220 and for a family of four at $4,888 (as reported by Salary.com).

Housing costs in Fort Leonard Wood are particularly attractive, being about 24.1% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). The median home value in the area is around $164,000, and it is often more affordable to purchase a home than to rent, especially for larger families (as reported by PCSgrades and Zillow). Renters can expect to pay an average of $1,169 per month, which represents about 22.42% of the average household income (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Major Employers

The primary employer in Fort Leonard Wood is, as expected, the U.S. Army itself, which supports a large number of military personnel and civilian employees. Beyond the military, the job market includes roles in retail trade, public administration, and accommodation and food services (as reported by Data USA). The average salary in Fort Leonard Wood is approximately $45,731 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

While the military is the dominant force, other employers in the area include the United States Postal Service, Starbucks, and various fast-food chains and retail establishments (as reported by Indeed.com). The unemployment rate in Pulaski County, which encompasses Fort Leonard Wood, stands at 3.3%, which is lower than the U.S. average (as reported by MilitaryINSTALLATIONS). Future job growth is predicted at 18.2% over the next decade, which is lower than the U.S. average (as reported by MilitaryINSTALLATIONS).

Climate and Weather

Fort Leonard Wood experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot, humid, and wet, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of around 88°F (as reported by NOAA and myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold and snowy, with January being the coldest month, featuring average lows around 26°F (as reported by NOAA and myPerfectWeather).

Annual rainfall averages about 46.51 inches, with May being the wettest month, receiving an average of 5.21 inches of precipitation (as reported by NOAA and myPerfectWeather). The area also experiences annual snowfall averaging around 14.4 inches, primarily in January (as reported by NOAA). The climate offers comfortable conditions in spring and fall, making those seasons pleasant for outdoor activities.

Education and School Ratings

Students in Fort Leonard Wood are primarily served by the Waynesville R-VI School District, which includes four elementary schools located on the installation (as reported by Wikipedia). The schools in Fort Leonard Wood generally receive high ratings, with an average ranking in the top 10% of Missouri public schools (as reported by Niche). Thayer Elementary School is frequently highlighted as a top-performing school within the district, earning a 5-star rating (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Math proficiency in Fort Leonard Wood public schools averages around 52%, and reading proficiency is about 55%, both higher than the Missouri public school averages (as reported by Niche). Minority enrollment in these schools is around 44%, which is higher than the state average (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Fort Leonard Wood has a population of approximately 15,432 residents (as reported by Data USA). The demographics show a significant military presence, with a younger median age of around 20.5 years (as reported by World Population Review). The population is diverse, with White residents making up about 47.7% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 26%, and Black residents at 14.7% (as reported by Census Dots).

The gender distribution shows a notable imbalance, with males significantly outnumbering females, a common characteristic in military-heavy communities. For every 100 females, there are approximately 183.1 males (as reported by Wikipedia). Citizenship is high, with about 95% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).