Is Higginsville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Higginsville
Higginsville, Missouri, offers a blend of small-town charm and affordability, making it an appealing option for those seeking a quieter pace of life. This community, located about 30 miles east of Kansas City, provides a distinct escape from the urban bustle, fostering a strong sense of community and a more relaxed atmosphere. Its appealing characteristics are further enhanced by its cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive choice for individuals and families looking to stretch their budgets further.
The city’s appeal is rooted in its friendly environment and the genuine sense of neighborliness that permeates its streets. Higginsville embraces a lifestyle that values community connections and the simple pleasures of life. This focus on a balanced lifestyle, combined with its financial advantages, positions Higginsville as a noteworthy consideration for potential residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Higginsville?
Higginsville is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. The city reports a crime rate that is 67.6% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes are particularly low, with zero reported incidents, translating to a rate of 0 per 100,000 individuals, which is 100% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Property crime rates also remain considerably lower than the national figures. Higginsville recorded 35 property crimes, amounting to 754 per 100,000 residents, which is 61.4% lower than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). The overall crime rate in Higginsville is 754 per 100,000 people, making it one of the safer places to reside across the United States (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents generally consider the central part of the city to be the safest (according to Crime Grade).
Housing and Cost of Living
The cost of living in Higginsville is notably lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside. Overall living costs in Higginsville are 1% lower than the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com). Housing costs are a significant factor in this affordability, with expenses being 13.4% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com).
The median home value in Higginsville is approximately $137,100 (according to Kurby AI), though more recent data from Zillow indicates an average home value of $224,365 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This median home value is considerably lower than the national average of $350,000 (as reported by Kurby AI). The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $650 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $928 per month (according to Zillow).
The median listing price for homes in Higginsville is $287,500 (as reported by Realtor.com), with other sources indicating a median home price around $225,350 (as reported by Homes.com). These figures suggest a competitive yet accessible housing market. The homeownership rate in Higginsville is 74.5% (as reported by Data USA), which is higher than the national average of 65.2%.
Job Market and Economy
Higginsville’s job market is supported by a workforce of approximately 2,673 residents (as reported by Data USA). The primary employment sectors for residents include Healthcare & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (according to Data USA). The unemployment rate in Higginsville stands at 4.4% (according to Point2Homes), indicating a stable job market.
The median household income in Higginsville was $81,033 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). This income level is generally considered robust for a small city and supports a comfortable standard of living. The city’s economy is also characterized by a significant portion of its workforce being employed in professional or administrative positions, with a smaller percentage in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes).
Climate and Weather
Higginsville experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The hot season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 78°F. July is the hottest month, with highs around 88°F and lows of 69°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Conversely, the cold season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures falling below 49°F. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 23°F and a high of 40°F (according to Weather Spark). The city experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with June typically being the wettest month, receiving an average of 4.8 inches of rain.
The amount of sunshine varies throughout the year, with August being the clearest month, and February being the cloudiest. Annual precipitation averages around 41.98 inches (as reported by World Climate), with an average winter low temperature of 19°F and an average summer high temperature of 88°F (as reported by Homes.com).
Education and Schools
Higginsville is served by the Lafayette County C-I School District, which includes four public schools. The district has an overall Niche grade of B- (as reported by Niche). Public schools in Higginsville have an average math proficiency score of 31% and a reading proficiency score of 38% (according to Niche). These scores are below the Missouri public school averages of 40% for math and 43% for reading.
The schools in Higginsville have an average ranking of 3 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Missouri public schools (as reported by Niche). Lafayette County High School, a public school serving grades 9-12, has an above-average rating and a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (as reported by Niche). Rolling Meadow School and Lafayette Co. Middle School are also among the top-ranked public schools in the area (according to Niche).
Demographics
Higginsville has a population of approximately 4,781 residents, with a median age of 44.6 years (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). The population is composed of roughly 49.8% males and 50.2% females (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial makeup of Higginsville is predominantly White, accounting for about 83.3% of the population, followed by those identifying with Two or More races at 7.2%, and Black or African American at 4.4% (as reported by Census Dots).
The majority of Higginsville residents are U.S. citizens, with 98.6% holding citizenship (as reported by Data USA). The foreign-born population is relatively small, at 4.52% of residents (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Higginsville was $81,033 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes), with a poverty rate of 0.9% for families (as reported by Point2Homes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Higginsville
Higginsville offers a compelling mix of advantages for those considering a move. Its significantly lower crime rates compared to national averages provide a sense of security and peace of mind (as reported by AreaVibes). The cost of living, particularly housing, is substantially more affordable than in many other parts of the country, allowing for greater financial flexibility (as reported by Salary.com and Kurby AI).
The strong sense of community and the slower pace of life are also significant draws for residents seeking a more tranquil existence. The city’s demographics indicate a stable population with a well-established community fabric. However, the educational system’s performance, as indicated by proficiency scores and rankings, presents an area for potential improvement (as reported by Niche).