Is Festus Safe, Pros and cons of living in Festus
Festus, Missouri, offers a blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience, making it an appealing place for many to consider relocating. Situated in Jefferson County, it provides a distinct atmosphere from the nearby larger metropolitan areas, fostering a sense of community while remaining accessible to urban amenities.
The city presents a cost-of-living advantage, particularly in housing, which can be a significant draw for individuals and families looking to manage their expenses. Festus also boasts a generally pleasant climate, characterized by distinct seasons that offer a varied experience throughout the year.
Is it Safe to Live in Festus?
Festus presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant consideration. The overall crime rate in Festus is reported to be 42.8% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes occur at a rate of 183 per 100,000 residents, which is 49.2% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
However, other reports indicate a different perspective. One analysis states that Festus has a crime rate considerably higher than the national average, with the chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime being 1 in 83 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This same report notes that Festus is not one of the safest communities in America and has a crime rate higher than 68% of Missouri’s cities and towns (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Violent Crime Statistics
Violent crime in Festus is reported to occur at a rate higher than in most communities of all population sizes in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime, such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder, is 1 in 549, equating to a rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). In 2014, the total number of violent crimes reported in Festus was 61, with a violent crime rate of 513.34 per 100,000 residents (as reported by the FBI UCR data).
Property Crime Statistics
Festus’s rate for property crime is 10 per one thousand population, indicating an above-average chance of becoming a victim compared to all other communities in America of all population sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crimes include motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary. In 2014, the total number of property crimes was 243, with a property crime rate of 2,044.94 per 100,000 residents (as reported by the FBI UCR data).
Cost of Living in Festus
Festus offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. The overall cost of living in Festus is 15% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, from housing to utilities.
Housing expenses in Festus are notably lower, being 36% less than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Utility prices are also more affordable, coming in 6% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are 10% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Costs
The housing market in Festus presents a favorable landscape for prospective homeowners and renters alike. The median home value in Festus is approximately $188,800 (as reported by Kurby AI). As of March 2026, home prices in Festus were down 10.5% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $250,000 (as reported by Redfin).
For renters, the average rent in Festus is around $1,300 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure is 19% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Festus was $1,325 as of May 2026, which is 32% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper).
Income and Expenses
The median household income in Festus was reported as $73,532 (as reported by VertexAI Search). In contrast, another source indicates a median income of $68,253 (as reported by Livability.com). The average annual household income in Festus was $86,606 in 2024 (as reported by VertexAI Search).
Daily expenses are also generally lower. Grocery prices in Festus are 3% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare costs are on par with the national average (as reported by Payscale), while utility prices are 6% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Job Market and Economy
Festus’s economy is supported by a workforce of approximately 5,722 residents. A significant portion of the working population, 76.6%, is employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by VertexAI Search).
The unemployment rate in Festus stood at 6.6% according to one report (as reported by VertexAI Search). However, another source states the unemployment rate is 7.0% (as reported by VertexAI Search). The broader unemployment rate for Missouri was 3.9% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts).
Major Employers
While specific details on the largest employers within Festus are not exhaustively detailed, common large employers found in many communities are present. These include major retail chains like Walmart, McDonald’s, Dollar General, and Dollar Tree (as reported by Indeed.com). Additionally, logistics companies like UPS, and service providers such as Starbucks, also contribute to the local employment landscape.
For those in specialized fields, companies like Community Treatment (COMTREA Health Center) offer services in behavioral and mental health, while First State Community Bank provides local financial services (as reported by Zippia). Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance also operates in the region (as reported by Zippia).
Average Salary
The average annual salary for an average job in Festus is approximately $44,000 per year, or $21.15 per hour (as reported by Zippia). Other sources place the median wage at $41,500 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). For government positions specifically, the average annual pay in Festus is around $95,522 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The minimum wage in Festus is $10.30 per hour (as reported by Zippia). The average salary for jobs in Festus, MO, is around $45,968, with most popular job roles tending to fall at or below this figure (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate in Festus
Festus experiences a climate with distinct seasons, offering warm summers and cold winters. The temperature typically varies from 26°F to 90°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 10°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by Google Search).
Summers are hot and muggy, with the hot season lasting from late May to mid-September. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 70°F (as reported by Google Search). Winters are cold and snowy, with the cold season extending from late November to late February. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 26°F and highs of 42°F (as reported by Google Search).
Temperature and Rainfall
The average annual temperature in Festus is around 67°F high and 44°F low (as reported by Livability.com). The city receives an average annual rainfall of 43 inches, with 10 inches of snowfall (as reported by Livability.com). Festus has a wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording approximately 44 inches of rain/snowfall per year (as reported by Best Time to Visit).
May is typically the wettest month, averaging about 5.1 inches of precipitation across 15 rainy days (as reported by Best Time to Visit). January is the driest month, with around 2.2 inches of snow/rainfall over 7 days (as reported by Best Time to Visit).
Education in Festus
The Festus R-VI School District serves the community, generally receiving good ratings. The district itself holds an “A minus” rating from Niche, ranking it among the better districts in the state and local area (as reported by Niche). Festus Senior High School has an overall Niche grade of B, with specific strengths noted in athletics (as reported by Niche).
Festus Elementary School is highly rated, with an “A” grade from Niche. It serves students in grades K-3 and shows strong performance in state test scores, with 69% of students proficient in math and 63% in reading (as reported by Niche). Festus Intermediate School also serves students in grades 4-6 and has a rating of 3 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).
School District Performance
The Festus R-VI School District is recognized for its overall quality, ranking among the top school districts in Missouri and the St. Louis area (as reported by Niche). Within the district, Festus Senior High School is noted for being above average, with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 56% of students are proficient in math and 65% in reading at the high school level (as reported by Niche).
Festus Elementary School demonstrates strong academic performance, with 69% of students proficient in math and 63% in reading (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio at the elementary level is 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche). These indicators suggest a commitment to educational standards within the Festus school system.
Demographics of Festus
Festus is home to a population of approximately 13,201 residents, with a slight majority being male at 50.5% (as reported by VertexAI Search). The median age in Festus is 37 years old, with about 24.3% of the population being children under 15 (as reported by VertexAI Search).
The racial makeup of Festus is predominantly White, accounting for 86.4% of the population. Other racial groups include African American at 3.2%, Asian at 0.4%, and those identifying with two or more races at 9.4% (as reported by VertexAI Search). The Hispanic population is 3.7% (as reported by Census Dots).
Population Trends
Festus has experienced population growth, with an estimated increase from the 2020 Census figure of 12,706 to a current population of around 13,201 (as reported by Census Dots). The percentage of U.S. citizens in Festus is 99.7%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). However, the citizenship rate has seen a slight decrease from 99.8% in the previous year (as reported by Data USA).
The city has become more racially diverse since the 2020 Census, though it remains less diverse than Missouri overall (as reported by Census Dots). The Hispanic population, in particular, has seen a significant growth of an estimated 55.9% since the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots).
Age and Household Composition
The age distribution in Festus shows that adults between 25 and 44 make up the largest segment of the population at 30.7%. Those aged 45 to 64 constitute 19.3%, while 15.8% are 65 or older (as reported by VertexAI Search). The median age of 37.4 years was noted in the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia).
Festus has 5,091 households, with an average of 3 members per household (as reported by VertexAI Search). A significant portion, 68.6%, are families, while the remaining 31.4% are individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by VertexAI Search).