Is West Plains Safe, Pros and cons of living in West Plains
West Plains, Missouri, nestled in the Ozark region, offers a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities. This city in Howell County provides a glimpse into a slower pace of life, appealing to those seeking a community-oriented environment. Understanding the various facets of life in West Plains, from its safety and cost of living to its employment opportunities and climate, is crucial for anyone considering a move to this Ozark community.
The city’s location within the Ozarks contributes to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. West Plains serves as a hub for surrounding rural areas, offering essential services and a gathering place for residents. As you explore the possibility of making West Plains your home, a comprehensive look at its key characteristics will help you determine if it aligns with your lifestyle and priorities.
Is it Safe to Live in West Plains?
Crime Overview
West Plains has an overall crime rate that is 2% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). The chance of being a victim of violent crime in West Plains is 1 in 276, with a rate of 4 per one thousand inhabitants (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are higher than average, with 18 per one thousand population, meaning an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime (according to NeighborhoodScout).
However, other sources indicate a more favorable safety profile. One report suggests West Plains has a crime rate that is 50% below the national average, with a crime safety grade of A (according to DoorProfit). This report also states the violent crime rate is 48% lower than the national average, with residents having roughly a 1 in 509 chance of becoming a violent crime victim. Larceny/theft is the most common crime, with a rate of 925.7 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 34% below the national average (according to DoorProfit).
Neighborhood Safety
Safety can vary significantly by neighborhood within West Plains. Residents generally consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest, with fewer incidents compared to other areas (according to CrimeGrade.org and AreaVibes). Your chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 16 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 49 in the northeast (according to CrimeGrade.org).
It is strongly recommended to research specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting West Plains. This detailed approach will provide a clearer picture of local safety conditions and help you make an informed decision about where to settle within the city (according to DoorProfit).
Cost of Living in West Plains
Overall Affordability
West Plains is recognized for its affordability, with a cost of living index that is 20% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). It is also 10% lower than the average cost of living in Missouri (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
The city’s affordability extends to housing, which is 43.2% less than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This makes West Plains an attractive option for those looking to reduce their living expenses, with housing costs significantly impacting net income positively.
Housing Costs
The median home price in West Plains is approximately $169,615 (according to AreaVibes), with Realtor.com reporting a median listing price of $239,000. This is considerably lower than the national average. Renting is also an affordable option, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $515 per month (according to Apartments.com) or $520 per month (according to Zillow).
For those seeking to rent, a studio apartment averages about $476 per month, while a two-bedroom unit can be found for around $719 per month (according to Apartments.com). Even three-bedroom rentals are more accessible than in many other parts of the country.
Income and Expenses
The median household income in West Plains is approximately $44,002 per year (according to Data USA). While this is lower than the national average, the significantly lower cost of living helps to balance this figure. Household expenditures average around $73,998 per year (according to ZoomProspector).
Food costs in West Plains are more affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Transportation and healthcare costs are also generally more affordable than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
Job Market and Employment
Major Industries and Employers
The employment sectors that are most prominent for West Plains residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Retail Trade (according to Data USA). These sectors provide a significant number of job opportunities within the city.
The job market is powered by a substantial number of working residents, with a large percentage employed in professional or administrative positions. A significant portion also work in hands-on or service-based jobs, indicating a diverse employment landscape (according to Point2Homes).
Salary and Unemployment
The average salary for jobs in West Plains, Missouri, is approximately $57,393 per year, or $28 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). This figure represents the median wage, with 25% of earners making less than $32.3K and 75% making less than $67.8K (according to ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in West Plains is currently at 4.50%, which is lower than the long-term average of 5.91% (according to YCharts). This suggests a relatively stable job market for those seeking employment in the area.
Climate and Weather
Temperature and Seasons
West Plains experiences four distinct seasons, with a climate that is humid subtropical. Summers are hot and muggy, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 89°F (according to Weatherbase). The hot season typically runs from June to September.
Winters are cold and can be snowy, with average low temperatures in January around 27°F (according to Weatherbase). The cold season generally lasts from late November to late February.
Precipitation and Sunshine
The city receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 47 inches (according to Livability.com) or 49 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). The wet season runs from March to August, with May typically seeing the most rainfall, around 4.17 inches (according to Weatherbase).
Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with January being the driest month, averaging about 2.0 inches (according to Weatherbase). Snowfall is most common from January to March, with February usually recording the most snow (according to myPerfectWeather).
Education and Schools
School District Overview
The West Plains School District is a public school district serving the community. It has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, with a total of 2,668 students across various grade levels (according to Niche). The district is considered above average, earning an overall Niche grade of B.
State test scores indicate that 36% of students are proficient in math and 39% are proficient in reading (according to Niche). The district is ranked among the top in Missouri for its teachers and overall performance.
School Performance
West Plains Senior High School has a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1, with 1,145 students in grades 9-12. It holds a B+ overall Niche grade, with 33% of students proficient in math and 50% in reading (according to Niche). Howell Valley Elementary School is recognized as one of the best public elementary schools in Missouri, earning a rating of 4 out of 5 on Niche.
West Plains Elementary School, serving grades PK-4, has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 and a B- Niche grade. Approximately 30% of its students are proficient in math, and 37% in reading (according to Niche).
Demographics
Population and Diversity
West Plains has a population of approximately 12,441 residents (according to Niche). The city is growing at an annual rate of about 0.3% (according to Data USA). The median age in West Plains is 36.3 years (according to Data USA).
The racial composition of West Plains is predominantly White, making up about 94.1% of the population. Other racial groups, such as Two or More races and Black or African American, represent smaller percentages (according to Data USA).
Household and Family Structure
The median household income in West Plains is $44,002 (according to Data USA). However, 28.1% of families in West Plains live below the poverty line, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA).
There are slightly more females than males in West Plains, with a ratio of 84.0 males for every 100 females (according to Data USA). The average number of people per household is 2.5 (according to AreaVibes).