Is Excelsior Springs Safe, Pros and cons of living in Excelsior Springs

Excelsior Springs, Missouri, offers a blend of historic charm and small-town appeal, situated northeast of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Its identity is deeply rooted in its natural springs, which once made it a popular health resort destination. Today, the city continues to attract residents with its community-focused atmosphere and access to both natural beauty and urban amenities.

The city’s development has been shaped by its unique history, from its boom as a spa town to its current role as a commuter-friendly community. This evolution has created a distinct character that appeals to those seeking a quieter pace of life without being entirely removed from larger city conveniences. Understanding the various facets of living in Excelsior Springs is key for anyone considering a move to this Missouri locale.

Is it Safe to Live in Excelsior Springs?

Excelsior Springs presents a mixed safety profile, with overall crime rates that are higher than the national average. There were 35 reported violent crimes, equating to 330 per 100,000 individuals, which is 8.2% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, property crimes are a significant concern, with 254 reported incidents, amounting to 2391 per 100,000 residents, which is 35.9% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).

The overall crime rate in Excelsior Springs is approximately 28% higher than the national average, translating to about 0.79 crimes per day (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, there’s a 1 in 304 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 42 chance of being a victim of property crime (as reported by AreaVibes). The city has one of the nation’s higher rates of motor vehicle theft, with a 1 in 238 chance of experiencing this type of crime (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Excelsior Springs is generally more affordable than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Housing costs are notably lower, with an average rent of $1,080 per month, which is 46% below the national average (as reported by Zillow and Zumper). This affordability extends to utilities, transportation, and healthcare, which are also generally less expensive than the national benchmarks (as reported by Salary.com).

While most expenses are below the national average, food costs are slightly higher, running about 3.0% above average (as reported by Salary.com). The median household income in Excelsior Springs is approximately $72,609 (as reported by Data USA). The city’s overall cost of living is estimated to be 1% lower than the U.S. national average, with monthly expenses around $2,301 for a single person and $5,139 for a family of four (as reported by Salary.com).

Housing Market

The housing market in Excelsior Springs offers a range of options, with a median home value of $223,588 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). The median listing price for homes is around $260,000 to $272,500, depending on the source and specific market data (as reported by Realtor.com® and Zillow). The homeownership rate in Excelsior Springs is 68.2%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Rental prices in Excelsior Springs are also competitive, with an average rent of $1,080 per month (as reported by Zillow). Other reports indicate an average rent of $900 per month as of May 2026, with a two-bedroom apartment averaging around $984 (as reported by RentCafe). The rental market has seen some fluctuations, with a slight year-over-year increase of 7.2% in average rent reported as of May 2026 (as reported by RentCafe).

Job Market and Economy

Excelsior Springs’ economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade being prominent sectors. The city employs approximately 5.32k people, with retail trade being the largest employer (as reported by Data USA). The highest-paying industries include public administration, professional, scientific, and technical services, and finance and insurance (as reported by Data USA).

The average annual salary in Excelsior Springs is around $44,358, or approximately $21.33 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, salary ranges can vary significantly, with the 75th percentile reaching up to $55,881 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Major employers in the area include Elms Resort & Spa, Treehouse Brands, Excelsior Springs School District, and the City of Excelsior Springs (as reported by Townfolio).

Major Employers

Several key organizations form the backbone of Excelsior Springs’ employment landscape. Elms Resort & Spa is a significant employer, providing over 1100 jobs (as reported by Townfolio). Treehouse Brands, a food manufacturer, also contributes substantially with nearly 600 employees (as reported by Townfolio).

The public sector is also a major contributor, with the Excelsior Springs School District employing around 375 individuals and the City of Excelsior Springs government providing jobs for over 300 residents (as reported by Townfolio). These anchors demonstrate a mix of hospitality, manufacturing, education, and municipal services within the local economy.

Climate

Excelsior Springs experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, with partly cloudy conditions prevalent throughout the year. The temperature typically ranges from a low of 22°F in January to a high of 88°F in July (as reported by Time and Date). The hot season generally spans from late May to mid-September, while the cold season lasts from late November to late February.

Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with the highest monthly precipitation occurring in June (as reported by AreaVibes). The clearest part of the year is typically from June to October, with August being the clearest month (as reported by Time and Date). The weather can vary, and data from nearby Kansas City Downtown Airport, located about 25 miles away, may offer a comparative perspective on regional climate patterns (as reported by Time and Date).

Education

The Excelsior Springs School District serves the educational needs of the community, with a reported overall Niche grade of B minus. The district has approximately 2,638 students across various grade levels, supported by a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that about 33% of students are proficient in math and 40% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).

Within the district, Excelsior Springs High School holds a B minus rating from Niche, serving students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). Excelsior Springs Technical High School, catering to grades 10-12, has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1, though state test proficiency scores are lower, with 5% in math and 5% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Excelsior Springs has a population of approximately 10,553 residents as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The city is growing at a modest rate, with a projected population of 10,798 in 2026 (as reported by Population.us). The racial composition is predominantly White, making up about 84.72% of the population, followed by Black or African American at 3.26%, and other races comprising smaller percentages (as reported by Population.us).

The median age in Excelsior Springs is around 35.9 years, with a nearly equal balance of males and females (as reported by Population.us). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with 99% holding citizenship (as reported by Data USA). The median household income is approximately $72,609, with a poverty rate of 15.17% (as reported by Population.us).