Is Doolittle Safe, Pros and cons of living in Doolittle
Doolittle, Missouri, offers a glimpse into small-town American life with a blend of rural tranquility and community spirit. Situated in Phelps County, this charming locale provides a unique living experience for those seeking a quieter pace away from bustling urban centers. Its history is intertwined with the development of the region and a notable namesake from World War II, adding a layer of historical significance to its present-day character.
The community is characterized by its close-knit atmosphere, where neighbors often know each other and a sense of shared identity prevails. Doolittle’s setting in Phelps County places it within a region known for its natural beauty and access to outdoor recreational activities. This positioning contributes to its appeal for individuals and families looking for a lifestyle that embraces both community engagement and the great outdoors.
Is it Safe to Live in Doolittle?
Doolittle’s crime rates present a complex picture, with overall crime being higher than the national average. Specifically, violent crimes in Doolittle are reportedly 63% higher than the national average, and property crimes are also above the national average by 40% (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents have a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Doolittle.
Despite these statistics, year-over-year crime in Doolittle has decreased by 6%. The city is considered safer than only 10% of cities in the United States, though it is noted as being safer than 15% of other cities in Missouri. Detailed crime data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program for Doolittle specifically is not consistently available, with some sources indicating a lack of comprehensive data from the local law enforcement agency for ranking purposes (as reported by AreaVibes, Police Scorecard). However, some sources do provide an “A+” crime and safety grade as of 2026, based on FBI UCR data and local law enforcement reports (as reported by DoorProfit).
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in Doolittle is generally considered affordable, particularly when compared to national averages. The median property value in Doolittle was $119,200 in 2024, which is significantly lower than the national average of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA). Between 2023 and 2024, the median property value saw an increase of 13.3%.
Housing costs in Doolittle are also quite reasonable. The median gross rent is $633 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). For homeowners, the median housing cost is $601 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). The homeownership rate in Doolittle is high, standing at 83.4% (as reported by Data USA), indicating a strong preference for ownership within the community.
Job Market and Economy
Doolittle’s economy is supported by a workforce of approximately 184 individuals (as reported by Data USA). The most prominent industries in the area include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Public Administration. These sectors provide the primary employment opportunities for Doolittle residents.
The highest-paying industries in Doolittle are Finance & Insurance, and Real Estate & Rental & Leasing, with an average annual earning of $63,281. Educational Services also offers a competitive salary, averaging $55,750 (as reported by Data USA). However, employment in Doolittle has seen a decline of 10.2% between 2023 and 2024.
Salaries and Income
The average annual household income in Doolittle was reported as $59,957 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau via Point2Homes). This figure represents a 6.4% decrease from the previous year. The median household income in Doolittle was $40,417 in 2024 (as reported by Niche and Data USA), which has seen a year-over-year decrease of 9.2%.
Income levels vary by age group, with households led by residents aged 45 to 64 earning a median income of $91,875. In contrast, households led by those aged 25 to 44 have a median income of $36,477 (as reported by Point2Homes). The poverty rate in Doolittle is 14.3%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Climate and Environment
Doolittle, Missouri, experiences a climate typical of the Midwestern United States, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm to hot, with average high temperatures reaching into the mid-80s Fahrenheit. August, for instance, sees daily high temperatures ranging from 84° to 93°F, with overnight lows between 63° and 72°F (as reported by AccuWeather).
Winters are cold, with average temperatures dropping below freezing. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with some months experiencing higher chances of precipitation, including thunderstorms. For example, in mid-May, there’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms, with precipitation probabilities ranging from 20% to 80% on various days (as reported by The Weather Network).
Education and Schools
The educational landscape serving Doolittle primarily falls under the Rolla School District and the Newburg R-II School District. Wyman Elementary School, serving younger students, has received a B+ overall Niche grade and has a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 (as reported by Niche). Rolla Senior High School also holds a B grade, with a rating of 3.82 out of 5 based on 152 reviews (as reported by Niche).
Other schools in the vicinity include Rolla Middle School and Rolla Junior High School, both receiving B grades. Newburg Elementary School has a C-minus rating (as reported by Niche). The overall quality of the school districts serving Doolittle is rated highly, with Rolla School District receiving a 4.17 out of 5 rating from 23 reviews (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Diversity
Doolittle is a small community with a population of approximately 561 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The population is predominantly White, accounting for about 90.6% of residents, a figure that is considerably higher than the Missouri state average (as reported by Census Dots). The community has seen a slight increase in racial diversity since the 2020 Census, with smaller percentages of Multiracial, Asian, Black, and Native American residents.
The median age in Doolittle is 35.9 years (as reported by Data USA and Census Dots). The gender distribution shows approximately 44.7% males and 55.3% females (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant majority of the population, around 83.4%, are homeowners (as reported by Data USA), contributing to a stable community feel.
Pros and Cons of Living in Doolittle
One of the primary advantages of living in Doolittle is its affordability, particularly concerning housing costs. The median home value is significantly below the national average, making homeownership more accessible for many (as reported by Data USA). The community also offers a slower pace of life, which can be appealing to those seeking a break from the intensity of larger cities.
However, Doolittle faces challenges, including higher-than-average crime rates and a declining employment landscape. The median household income is also below the national average, and a notable portion of the population lives below the poverty line (as reported by Data USA). While the community is generally safe and affordable, these economic and safety factors are important considerations for potential residents.