Is Bolivar Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bolivar
Bolivar, Missouri, offers a blend of small-town charm and growing opportunities, making it an appealing location for those seeking a change of pace. This city in Polk County provides a community feel with access to amenities that cater to various needs and interests. As you consider a move to Bolivar, understanding its key characteristics is essential for making an informed decision about your future home.
From its economic landscape to its natural surroundings, Bolivar presents a unique profile for potential residents. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what life in Bolivar is like, covering aspects such as safety, cost of living, job market, education, and climate. By exploring these facets, you can gain a clearer picture of whether Bolivar aligns with your lifestyle and aspirations.
Is it Safe to Live in Bolivar?
Crime Rates
Bolivar experiences crime rates that are above the national average. Property crime rates are 45.8% higher than the national average, with an annual rate of 238.5 per 100,000 residents (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). Violent crime rates are also elevated, standing 41.4% above the national average, with a rate of 150.2 per 100,000 residents (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).
The most common offense reported in Bolivar is property crime, while aggravated assault has the lowest rate among violent crimes (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). Between 2019 and 2024, the city recorded 1,323 violent crimes and 1,656 property crimes (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). In addition, one hate crime incident was reported during this period, with motivations including race, religion, and sexual orientation (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).
Safety Perceptions
Community perceptions of safety in Bolivar show a mixed outlook. Approximately 46% of residents feel “pretty safe” with some minor concerns, while 31% feel “somewhat safe” and acknowledge noticeable safety concerns (as reported by Niche). A smaller segment, 23%, reports feeling “very safe” with no safety concerns.
These perceptions are influenced by various factors, including the types of crime prevalent in the area. While overall crime rates are higher than the national average, specific crime types like murder have a rate of 0, which is significantly lower than the national average of 6.1 (as reported by Niche).
Cost of Living in Bolivar
Overall Cost of Living
Bolivar’s overall cost of living is approximately 9% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This makes it a more affordable place to live compared to many other U.S. cities. Household bills in Bolivar are also notably lower, sitting 32% below the U.S. median (as reported by doxo).
The cost of living can vary based on individual circumstances, such as career and salary. However, the general trend indicates that Bolivar offers financial advantages for residents. The median household income in Bolivar was $49,622 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
Housing Expenses
Housing expenses in Bolivar are 14% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The median property value in Bolivar was $201,600 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The median listing price for homes in Bolivar is around $259,900 (as reported by Realtor.com®), with homes selling for approximately the asking price on average (as reported by Realtor.com®).
For renters, the median rent in Bolivar is approximately $850 per month (as reported by Realtor.com®). However, other sources indicate a median rent of $950 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zumper), and an average rent of $473 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). The homeownership rate in Bolivar is 54%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).
Other Living Expenses
Utility prices in Bolivar are 21% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation expenses, including gas prices and bus fares, are also 10% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices in Bolivar are 6% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Conversely, healthcare in Bolivar is 16% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Despite this, the overall lower costs in housing, utilities, and transportation contribute to Bolivar’s affordability.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers and Industries
The job market in Bolivar is supported by a diverse range of industries. The most common employment sectors for Bolivar residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). These sectors collectively employ a significant portion of the working population.
Major employers in Bolivar include facilities like Citizens Memorial Healthcare, Southwest Baptist University, and Walmart. These organizations provide a substantial number of job opportunities across various skill levels. Employment in Bolivar grew by 12.6% between 2023 and 2024, indicating a healthy and expanding job market (as reported by Data USA).
Employment Statistics
The unemployment rate in Bolivar stands at 4.7% (as reported by Point2Homes). This rate is calculated among residents aged 16 or older who are in the labor force and actively seeking employment. The total labor force in Bolivar is approximately 9,092 individuals, with 95.33% employed and 4.67% unemployed (as reported by townfolio.co).
The most common job groups in Bolivar are Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Education Instruction & Library Occupations (as reported by Data USA). These roles reflect the city’s economic drivers and the skills of its workforce.
Income and Poverty
The median household income in Bolivar was $49,622 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), with a reported year-over-year change of +11.2%. The average annual household income was $72,266 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). However, 18.8% of the population lives below the poverty line, which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA).
Poverty in Bolivar disproportionately affects certain demographics, with the largest groups living below the poverty line being males aged 18-24, followed by females aged 25-34 and males aged 6-11 (as reported by Data USA). The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line is White (as reported by Data USA).
Demographics and Community
Population and Diversity
Bolivar has an estimated population of 11,170 residents as of the most recent Census data (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is projected to reach 11,921 by 2026 (as reported by Bolivar Demographics). The city is currently growing at an annual rate of 1.59% (as reported by Bolivar Demographics).
The racial makeup of Bolivar is predominantly White, accounting for 91.4% of the population (as reported by Bolivar Demographics). Other racial groups include Hispanic (3.6%), Multiracial (3.3%), Black (0.9%), Asian (0.4%), and Native American/Other (0.4%) (as reported by Bolivar Demographics). The percentage of White residents is significantly higher than the Missouri state average (as reported by Bolivar Demographics).
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in Bolivar is 34.1 years (as reported by Bolivar Demographics). The population is distributed with approximately 17.8% under 15, 21.9% between 15 and 24, 22.1% between 25 and 44, 17.7% between 45 and 64, and 20.4% aged 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). This indicates a balanced age distribution within the community.
Gender-wise, 45.8% of Bolivar locals are male, and 54.2% are female (as reported by Point2Homes). For every 100 females, there are approximately 84.5 males (as reported by Bolivar Demographics).
Household and Family Structure
Bolivar has approximately 4,475 households, with an average of 2 members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). Of these, 54.9% are families, while the remaining 45.1% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). The average family size is 2.89 (as reported by Bolivar Demographics).
The homeownership rate in Bolivar is 54%, with 46% of occupied housing units being rented (as reported by Point2Homes). This indicates a significant portion of the population are renters, contributing to the local rental market.
Education in Bolivar
School District Overview
Bolivar is served by the Bolivar R-1 School District, which serves the city and surrounding areas. Information regarding specific school ratings and performance is best obtained directly from the district or educational rating websites like Niche or GreatSchools. While specific current ratings were not found in the provided search results, general data on higher education institutions is available.
The city is home to Southwest Baptist University, which awarded 648 degrees in 2023, and Bolivar Technical College, which awarded 46 degrees in 2023 (as reported by Data USA). These institutions contribute to the educational landscape and provide opportunities for higher learning within the community.
Educational Attainment
While detailed statistics on K-12 educational attainment for Bolivar were not explicitly found, the presence of higher education institutions suggests a community that values education. The median age of 34.1 years (as reported by Bolivar Demographics) indicates a population that includes many individuals who have completed or are pursuing higher education.
A community’s education levels can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher educational attainment often aligns with more job opportunities and stable incomes, potentially influencing housing demand and rental availability.
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Seasons
Bolivar experiences distinct seasons, with summers being hot, muggy, and wet, while winters are very cold and snowy (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Bolivar Missouri, United States). Temperatures typically vary between 27°F and 89°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 10°F or exceeding 98°F (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Bolivar Missouri, United States).
The hot season lasts from June to September, with average daily high temperatures above 80°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs of 89°F and lows of 70°F (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Bolivar Missouri, United States). The cold season spans from November to February, with average daily high temperatures below 52°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 27°F and highs of 44°F (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Bolivar Missouri, United States).
Precipitation and Weather Patterns
Bolivar receives an annual precipitation of approximately 46 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). May is typically the rainiest month, with an average of 5.9 inches of precipitation and a 41.0% chance of rain on any given day (as reported by Bolivar Average Rainfall by Month). January is the driest month, with an average of 1.4 inches of rain (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Bolivar Missouri, United States).
Wet days, defined as days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, occur more frequently during the wetter season, which lasts from March to September. The month with the most wet days is May, averaging 13.1 days (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Bolivar Missouri, United States). Conversely, January has the fewest wet days, averaging 5.0 days (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Bolivar Missouri, United States).
Pros and Cons of Living in Bolivar
Pros
Bolivar offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average, particularly in housing, utilities, and transportation (as reported by Payscale, doxo). The city also boasts a growing job market with key employers in healthcare, education, and retail (as reported by Data USA). Its community-oriented atmosphere and access to natural surroundings provide a desirable environment for many.
The median age of 34.1 years (as reported by Bolivar Demographics) suggests a community with a mix of established residents and younger families. This demographic profile can contribute to a vibrant and engaged community life.
Cons
Bolivar’s crime rates, particularly for property and violent crimes, are higher than the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). Additionally, the poverty rate is above the national average, indicating potential socioeconomic challenges within parts of the community (as reported by Data USA).
While healthcare costs are higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale), the overall affordability of Bolivar remains a strong point. Residents should be aware of these factors when considering a move to the area.