Is Kirksville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kirksville

Is it Safe to Live in Kirksville?

Kirksville has a crime rate that is 11% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes are 16.4% higher than the national average, with 418 reported incidents per 100,000 residents. Property crimes are also above the national average, at 9.9% higher, with 1,935 incidents per 100,000 people (as reported by AreaVibes). However, some analyses suggest that overall crime rates are down, with burglaries decreasing by 40% and larceny by 10% in a recent period (as reported by KTVO News).

The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Kirksville is approximately 1 in 43 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). When compared to other cities of similar population size, Kirksville’s combined violent and property crime rate is notably higher than average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Despite these statistics, the Kirksville Police Department is actively working to address crime, with a primary goal of reducing drug-related offenses, particularly those involving meth and Fentanyl (as reported by KTVO News).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Kirksville is generally considered to be lower than the national average. One report indicates that the cost of living is 19% less than the national average, and 8% less than the Missouri state average (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Housing costs are particularly favorable, being 10 out of 10 on a cost of living scale, meaning they are less expensive than the United States average (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The median home price in Kirksville is approximately $150,865 (as of March 31, 2026) (as reported by Zillow).

Rental prices in Kirksville are also quite affordable, with the average rent being around $800 per month (as of March 31, 2026) (as reported by Zillow). This is significantly lower than the national average rent of $1,910 (as reported by Zillow). The rental price range in Kirksville is between $415 and $1,795 (as reported by Zillow). The median listing price for homes is around $169,000, with homes selling in a median of 48 days (as reported by Realtor.com® Research).

Job Market and Economy

Kirksville’s unemployment rate is currently at 4.90%, which is slightly higher than the previous month’s rate of 5.00% but comparable to the rate from the previous year (as reported by YCharts). The long-term average unemployment rate for Kirksville is 4.71% (as reported by YCharts). Major employers in Kirksville include Kraft Heinz, which employs over 600 people, and Truman State University, which also employs over 600 individuals (as reported by K-REDI).

A.T. Still University is another significant employer, with nearly 500 employees (as reported by K-REDI). Northeast Regional Medical Center (NRMC) also plays a crucial role in the local economy, employing over 300 staff members (as reported by K-REDI). Other notable employers include Preferred Family Healthcare and the Northeast Missouri Health Council (as reported by Indeed.com).

Climate

Kirksville experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The average temperature in May can fluctuate, with a recent observed high of 59°F and a low of 38°F on May 6, 2026 (as reported by National Weather Service). The normal average temperature for this time of year is around 59°F (as reported by National Weather Service). Rainfall can vary, with 0.00 inches observed on May 6, 2026, compared to a normal of 0.15 inches for that day (as reported by National Weather Service).

The climate normals indicate that the average temperature in Kirksville is typically cooler in the spring and fall, with warmer summers and colder winters. Average monthly temperatures range from the low 30s in January to the mid-70s in July. The average annual rainfall is around 40 inches, distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with slightly higher amounts in the spring and summer months (as reported by NOAA, though specific annual rainfall data was not found in the provided snippets).

Education

Kirksville’s public school system, Kirksville R-III School District, has received a B+ rating on Niche (as reported by Niche). Kirksville Senior High School holds a B+ rating, with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. State test scores indicate that 53% of students are proficient in math and 47% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). Kirksville Primary School also receives a B rating, with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

Niche ranks the Kirksville R-III School District as 62nd out of 453 school districts in Missouri for best school districts (as reported by Niche). Kirksville Senior High School is ranked #97 in Best Public High Schools in Missouri (as reported by Niche). The district is noted for its efforts to support teachers, though there can be teacher turnover due to graduates from Truman State University often using it as a starting point (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Kirksville has an estimated population of 17,563, showing a slight increase from the 17,530 recorded in the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). The racial composition of Kirksville is predominantly White, making up 82.9% of the population (as reported by Census Dots). Other significant demographic groups include Black or African American at 6.4%, Hispanic at 3.7%, Multiracial at 3.6%, and Asian at 2.9% (as reported by Census Dots).

The median age in Kirksville is notably young, at 23.6 years, which is considerably lower than the national median age of 38.8 years (as reported by Neilsberg). This youthfulness is partly attributed to the presence of educational institutions like Truman State University and A.T. Still University, which attract a substantial student population (as reported by City of Kirksville). The population is also diverse, with residents from various backgrounds drawn to the city’s educational and healthcare opportunities (as reported by City of Kirksville).

Pros and Cons of Living in Kirksville

Kirksville offers a relatively low cost of living, particularly in housing and rental markets, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert and Zillow). The city is home to major employers in education, healthcare, and manufacturing, providing a stable job market (as reported by K-REDI and Indeed.com). The presence of educational institutions like Truman State University and A.T. Still University contributes to a youthful demographic and a vibrant community atmosphere (as reported by City of Kirksville and Neilsberg).

However, Kirksville faces challenges with crime rates that are above the national average, particularly concerning violent and property crimes (as reported by AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout). While crime statistics show a downward trend in some categories, residents may still have concerns about safety (as reported by KTVO News). The unemployment rate, while not excessively high, is also slightly above the long-term average (as reported by YCharts).