Is Fredericktown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fredericktown

Fredericktown, Missouri, offers a glimpse into a community deeply rooted in its history while navigating the landscape of modern living. Situated in Madison County, this town balances a quiet, rural atmosphere with the conveniences of a more developed area. Its historical significance, particularly its ties to lead mining, provides a unique backdrop for the daily lives of its residents.

The town’s growth and development reflect a steady pace, with a population that continues to evolve. Understanding the various facets of life in Fredericktown, from its economic landscape to its community feel, is essential for anyone considering making this Missouri town their home. This exploration delves into the current realities of living in Fredericktown, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview.

Is it Safe to Live in Fredericktown?

Fredericktown’s crime rate presents a mixed picture, with overall rates being higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is 31.8% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, there were 9 violent crimes reported, equating to 198 per 100,000 residents, which is 44.9% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Property crime rates are also a consideration, with 118 property crimes reported, amounting to 2,595 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average by 47.4% (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Fredericktown varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 25 in the east neighborhoods to 1 in 35 in the northwest (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and Augurisk).

While the town’s crime rate is higher than the national average, it’s important to note that Fredericktown ranks in the 25th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 25% of cities but less safe than 75% (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The cost of crime per resident is approximately $560 per year, which is $96 more than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The northwest part of the city is generally considered the safest by residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living in Fredericktown

Fredericktown offers a cost of living that is notably lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living in Fredericktown is 23% less expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). It is also 12% less expensive to live in than the average city in Missouri (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. Housing costs, in particular, are significantly lower, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage expenses. The median home value is $136,100 (as reported by Fredericktown Authority and Niche), with a homeownership rate of 60.2% (as reported by Fredericktown Authority).

Renting in Fredericktown also presents a more affordable option compared to many other areas. The median rent is $846 per month (as reported by Fredericktown Authority, Point2Homes, and Niche), which is below the Missouri median rent of $1,033 (as reported by Fredericktown Authority). This makes Fredericktown a financially accessible place to live for a wide range of individuals and families.

Housing Market and Rental Trends

The housing market in Fredericktown presents opportunities for both buyers and sellers, with a median listing price of $217.5K (as reported by Realtor.com®). The market has seen a faster pace for buyers, with homes for sale spending a median of 36 days on the market (as reported by Realtor.com®). Year-over-year, the median sale price has risen by 8.8%, indicating consistent buyer demand (as reported by Realtor.com®).

For renters, the market offers a range of options. The median gross rent is $846 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). The rent-to-income ratio in the area is 28.4%, suggesting a manageable portion of earnings goes towards housing expenses (as reported by Point2Homes).

Fredericktown is currently considered a buyer’s market, meaning the supply of homes is greater than the demand (as reported by Fredericktown, MO Housing Market & Rental trends – Home Prices, Rent, Inventory & More). This dynamic can offer favorable conditions for those looking to purchase a home. The median home value is $136,100 (as reported by Fredericktown Authority).

Job Market and Major Employers

Fredericktown’s job market is supported by a diverse range of industries and employers. The most common employment sectors for residents include Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA). These sectors provide a variety of employment opportunities for the local workforce.

Major employers in the area include prominent retail and service-based companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dollar General (as reported by Indeed.com and Lensa). Other significant employers span various sectors, contributing to the local economy and employment landscape. The employment rate in Fredericktown is 94.1%, with a workforce of 1,996 residents (as reported by Point2Homes).

The unemployment rate in Fredericktown stands at 5.9% (as reported by Point2Homes). This figure reflects the portion of the workforce actively seeking employment. The average annual household income in Fredericktown was $82,828 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes), with a median income of $49,375 (as reported by Point2Homes and Fredericktown, MO Demographics). This indicates a stable income base for many households within the community.

Climate and Weather

Fredericktown experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot and humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically varies from 26°F to 88°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 10°F or exceeding 96°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summers are hot and muggy, with the hottest month being July, averaging a high of 88°F and a low of 68°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The cold season lasts for approximately three months, from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 51°F. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 26°F and a high of 42°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The town receives an annual precipitation of about 46 inches, with May being the wettest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages around 9 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The weather is generally partly cloudy year-round, with August being the clearest month and February being the cloudiest (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and School Ratings

Fredericktown is served by the Fredericktown R-I School District, which includes four public schools catering to approximately 1,801 students. The district’s overall testing ranking is 4 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of Missouri public schools (as reported by Public School Review and Niche).

Student proficiency scores in math and reading are slightly below the state averages, with math proficiency at 34% and reading proficiency at 40% (as reported by Public School Review). The district’s graduation rate is 87%, which has seen a decrease over recent years (as reported by Public School Review).

While the district has areas for improvement, it is noted for its strong athletic programs and community connections (as reported by Niche). Top-ranked schools within the district include Fredericktown Intermediate, Fredericktown High School, and Kelly A. Burlison Middle School (as reported by Best Public Schools in Fredericktown, MO).

Demographics and Community

Fredericktown has a population of approximately 4,507 residents, with a projected growth rate of 0.8% annually (as reported by Fredericktown, MO Demographics and Fredericktown Population 2026). The population is predominantly White, making up 94.4% of residents, with smaller percentages identifying as Hispanic, Multiracial, Black, or Asian (as reported by Fredericktown, MO Demographics and Census Dots).

The median age in Fredericktown is 38.1 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by Fredericktown Population 2026). The community tends to be conservative, with many families and retirees choosing to reside there (as reported by Niche).

The majority of residents are US-born citizens, and most households do not report speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language (as reported by Fredericktown, MO Demographics). This suggests a relatively homogeneous linguistic and cultural environment within the town.