Is Holts Summit Safe, Pros and cons of living in Holts Summit
Holts Summit, Missouri, offers a unique blend of suburban convenience and rural tranquility. Located in Callaway County, it provides residents with a peaceful atmosphere while remaining close to larger urban centers like Jefferson City and Columbia. This proximity allows for access to a wider range of amenities and employment opportunities without sacrificing the charm of a smaller community.
The town is characterized by its rolling hills and wooded areas, creating a scenic backdrop for daily life. Many residents appreciate the slower pace and the sense of community that Holts Summit provides. Its location offers a balance for those seeking both a connection to nature and the benefits of being near established metropolitan areas.
Is it Safe to Live in Holts Summit?
Holts Summit is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than national averages. The overall crime rate is reported to be 94% lower than the national average, with a combined rate of 5 crimes per 1,000 residents (NeighborhoodScout). This statistic suggests a low likelihood of becoming a victim of crime, with a chance of one in 205.
Violent crime rates in Holts Summit are also notably low, aligning with or falling below national averages. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is approximately one in 673 (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are also below the national average, meaning residents are less likely to experience incidents like larceny, burglary, or vehicle theft.
Crime Statistics Overview
The community experiences an average of 0.02 daily crimes, with a breakdown of 0.02 violent incidents and zero property-related offenses (AreaVibes). This low incidence contributes to Holts Summit being safer than 82% of cities in the United States (AreaVibes). Year-over-year crime in Holts Summit has seen a significant decrease of 93% (AreaVibes).
The cost of crime per resident in Holts Summit is also considerably lower than the state and national averages. Annually, crime costs residents approximately $334 per person, which is $327 less than Missouri’s state average (CrimeGrade.org). This financial aspect further underscores the safety and security experienced by the community.
Cost of Living in Holts Summit
The cost of living in Holts Summit, Missouri, is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget. Overall, the cost of living is approximately 9% lower than the national average (Payscale). This affordability extends to various essential expenses, contributing to a higher quality of life for its residents.
Housing expenses in Holts Summit are particularly favorable, falling about 22% below the national average (Payscale). This makes homeownership or rental more accessible compared to many other areas. Utility prices are also lower, with costs being 7% less than the national average (Payscale).
Housing Expenses and Utilities
The median property value in Holts Summit was $191,900 in 2024 (Data USA), which is significantly lower than the national median of $332,700 (Niche). The homeownership rate stands at a healthy 79.9%, indicating a strong sense of investment within the community (Data USA). For renters, the average rent in May 2026 was $687 per month, which is 58% lower than the national average (Apartments.com).
Utility costs, including electricity, are also quite reasonable. The average electric bill for a typical home is around $140 per month, thanks in part to Three Rivers Electric, a cooperative (Cheryl Maupin). This is considerably lower than what many might expect in other regions, further contributing to the town’s affordability.
Grocery and Transportation Costs
Grocery prices in Holts Summit are 6% lower than the national average (Payscale). This allows residents to save money on everyday necessities. Transportation expenses, however, are slightly higher, with gas prices and bus fares being about 2% above the national average (Payscale).
Despite the slight increase in transportation costs, the overall savings in housing, utilities, and groceries make Holts Summit a financially sensible choice for many. The average commute time for residents is also relatively short, at 22.9 minutes, with most people driving alone to work (Data USA).
Job Market and Economy
Holts Summit’s economy is supported by a range of local businesses and its proximity to larger employment hubs. The unemployment rate in Holts Summit city has seen a significant decrease, falling to 1.1% in 2023 from 4.4% in 2017 (CensusDepth). This indicates a robust and improving job market within the area.
While specific major employers within Holts Summit are not extensively detailed, its location near Jefferson City and Columbia provides access to a broader economic landscape. Major employers in the Jefferson City metropolitan area include the State of Missouri, Quaker Windows & Doors, MU Health Care, and Scholastic Inc. (Jefferson City Regional Economic Partnership).
Employment Trends and Opportunities
The average annual salary for employees in Holts Summit is approximately $83,076 as of April 2026 (Holts Summit, PayScale). However, salary ranges can vary significantly depending on the role and experience level, with typical ranges between $72,648 and $95,051 (Holts Summit, PayScale). For drivers specifically, the average hourly wage is $19.14 (Indeed).
The cost of living being lower than the national average means that salaries in Holts Summit can provide a good standard of living. The median household income in Holts Summit was $85,064 in 2024 (Data USA), further supporting the idea that residents can live comfortably in this community.
Climate and Weather
Holts Summit experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The temperature typically ranges from 23°F in January to 88°F in July, rarely dropping below 7°F or exceeding 96°F (Weather Spark). The summers are warm, humid, and wet, while the winters are very cold, snowy, and short.
The area receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, with an annual average of approximately 43.64 inches (Plantmaps). May is typically the wettest month, with an average of 12.3 days experiencing precipitation (Weather Spark). January is the driest month, with an average of 4.9 days with precipitation (Weather Spark).
Seasonal Temperature Variations
The hot season in Holts Summit spans from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 79°F (Weather Spark). July is the hottest month, with an average high of 88°F and a low of 69°F (Weather Spark). The cold season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 50°F (Weather Spark).
January is the coldest month, with an average low of 24°F and a high of 41°F (Plantmaps). The average annual temperature is around 44.6°F for lows and 65.2°F for highs (Plantmaps). Frost is common, with an average of 100-125 days with frost per year (Plantmaps).
Education and Schools
Holts Summit is served by the Jefferson City School District, and its public schools are generally considered above average. Niche.com gives the schools in Holts Summit a B+ overall rating (Niche). The district has a student-teacher ratio that is competitive with state and national averages.
Within Holts Summit, Callaway Hills Elementary School and North Elementary School serve students from kindergarten through 5th grade. Callaway Hills Elementary is noted for its improved statewide ranking and strong test scores in math and science (SchoolDigger.com). St. Stanislaus School and St. Peter Catholic School are also options for elementary education in the area (Niche).
School District Performance
Callaway Hills Elementary has shown improvement, moving to the 433rd ranked elementary school in Missouri and earning a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger (SchoolDigger.com). While both elementary schools face challenges such as high chronic absenteeism and a significant percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, they provide a solid educational foundation (SchoolDigger.com).
The Jefferson City School District as a whole receives a B+ rating from Niche, with 16 schools serving approximately 8,560 students (Niche). This district is recognized for its state test scores, college readiness, and graduation rates, contributing to the overall positive educational environment in Holts Summit.
Demographics and Community
Holts Summit is a growing community with a population of approximately 4,609 residents as of the latest Census data (Data USA, Niche). The population has seen an increase of 7.58% since the 2020 census (Data USA). The median age in Holts Summit is 33.3 years, with a slightly higher male population at 106.2 males per 100 females (Data USA).
The racial makeup of Holts Summit is predominantly White, at 91.97%, with smaller percentages of Black or African American, Native American, and Asian populations (Data USA). Hispanic or Latino residents constitute 2.23% of the population (Data USA).
Age and Household Composition
In terms of age distribution, 22.7% of residents are under 18, and 12.8% are 65 or older (Data USA). The median household income in Holts Summit was $85,064 in 2024 (Data USA), with a poverty rate of 4.78%, which is lower than the national average (Data USA). The majority of households are owner-occupied, with a homeownership rate of 79.9% (Data USA).
Households with children under 18 living with them account for 39.1% of the total (Data USA). Married couples living together make up 50.6% of households, while 14.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.3% are non-families (Data USA). The average household size is 2.35 people (Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Holts Summit
Holts Summit offers a compelling mix of advantages for potential residents, primarily centered around its affordability and peaceful environment. The cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, especially in housing and utilities, allowing residents’ money to stretch further (Payscale, Cheryl Maupin). This financial benefit, combined with a lower-than-average crime rate, contributes to a high quality of life.
The community boasts a strong sense of closeness and a relaxed pace of life, appealing to those who prefer a quieter setting. Its proximity to Jefferson City and Columbia provides convenient access to employment, shopping, and entertainment without the congestion of a major city. The natural surroundings, with rolling hills and wooded areas, offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Potential Downsides to Consider
While Holts Summit offers many benefits, potential residents should also consider its limitations. The town has limited nightlife and public transportation options, which might be a drawback for those accustomed to more urban amenities (Cheryl Maupin). Job opportunities within Holts Summit itself may be less diverse, potentially requiring a commute to nearby cities for certain career paths.
Additionally, while schools are generally rated as above average, the district faces challenges such as high chronic absenteeism and a significant percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch (SchoolDigger.com). These factors, combined with the generally rural feel, might not appeal to everyone seeking a more dynamic or fast-paced lifestyle.