Is Kirkwood Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kirkwood
Kirkwood, a historic suburb of St. Louis, Missouri, offers a blend of established charm and modern amenities. Founded in 1853, it holds the distinction of being the first planned suburb west of the Mississippi River. This city provides a dense suburban feel with a significant portion of residents owning their homes, contributing to a stable and engaged community.
The community is known for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring numerous restaurants and parks that enhance the quality of life for its residents. Kirkwood tends to attract families and retirees, fostering a welcoming environment for diverse age groups. The local political leanings are generally described as liberal, reflecting a progressive outlook within the community.
Is it Safe to Live in Kirkwood?
Kirkwood presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are lower than both the national and state averages. The city’s overall crime rate is reported to be significantly below the national average, positioning it favorably in terms of safety. This contributes to a sense of security for those living in or considering a move to the area.
Specifically, violent crime rates in Kirkwood are substantially lower than the national average (as reported by FBI data). Property crime also tends to be below national benchmarks. While crime exists, the prevailing data suggests that Kirkwood is a safer community compared to many other cities across the United States.
Violent Crime Rates
Violent crime in Kirkwood is notably lower than the national average. For instance, the annual rate for violent crimes is reported at 54.8 per 100,000 residents, which is considerably less than the national average of 106.2 per 100,000 residents (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). This indicates a lower incidence of crimes involving force or threat of force.
Further breaking down violent crime, offenses like robbery have a lower annual rate compared to the national average. Aggravated assault also shows a lower rate per 100,000 residents when compared to national figures (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). While specific crime types can fluctuate, the overall trend indicates a relatively safe environment regarding violent incidents.
Property Crime Rates
Property crime rates in Kirkwood are also below the national average. The average property crime rate stands at 75.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 53.9% below the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). This suggests a lower likelihood of property-related offenses within the city.
Over a five-year period, Kirkwood recorded a substantial number of property crimes, yet the rate per capita remains lower than national statistics. This trend contributes to Kirkwood’s reputation as a relatively secure place to live, with a lower risk of property loss compared to many other areas (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in Kirkwood is comparable to the national average, with some expenses being more affordable. Overall, it is considered slightly less expensive than the national average, and more expensive than the average city within Missouri. This balance makes it a potentially attractive option for those seeking a balance between affordability and access to amenities.
Housing costs in Kirkwood are a significant factor in the overall cost of living. The median home price in Kirkwood was around $435,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). Rental prices are also a key consideration, with the average rent in Kirkwood being approximately $1,695 (as of April 2026) (as reported by Zillow).
Median Home Prices
The median sale price of a home in Kirkwood was $435,000 in March 2026, showing a slight increase of 1.8% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes typically sell within 18 days on the market, indicating a competitive housing environment. The median sale price per square foot is $254, which has increased by 4.1% since last year (as reported by Redfin).
Another source indicates the typical home value in Kirkwood was $462,235 as of March 31, 2026, with a 1-year value change of +3.4% (as reported by Zillow). This suggests a stable or slightly appreciating housing market, making it a potentially sound investment for homeowners.
Rental Market
The rental market in Kirkwood shows a median rent of approximately $1,695 per month as of April 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This is noted as being 15.25% lower than the national average rent of $2,000 (as reported by Zillow). The rental price range for properties in Kirkwood can vary, typically from $900 to $5,750 (as reported by Zillow).
More recent data from March 2026 indicates an average rent of $1,881, with a month-over-month change of -0.6% and a year-over-year change of 6.8% (as reported by Zillow). There are typically a number of rentals available, offering options for those seeking to rent in the area.
Job Market and Economy
Kirkwood’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, contributing to a stable job market. The average annual salary in Kirkwood is approximately $42,718 as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This figure provides a general benchmark for earning potential within the city.
The job market benefits from various industries present in the area. While specific major employers were not detailed in the search results, the presence of diverse job opportunities suggests a healthy economic landscape. The unemployment rate for the broader St. Louis metropolitan area, which Kirkwood is part of, would provide further context, though specific Kirkwood unemployment data was not readily available.
Average Salary and Income
The average annual salary in Kirkwood is reported at $42,718 as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This equates to approximately $20.54 per hour, $821 per week, or $3,559 per month (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Kirkwood range between $29,301 and $53,066 annually, representing the 25th to 75th percentiles (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The median household income in Kirkwood is reported at $121,270 (as of 2024) (as reported by World Population Review). This median household income is notably higher than the state and national averages, indicating a strong economic standing for many households in the community.
Major Employers and Employment Trends
Information regarding specific major employers within Kirkwood was not detailed in the provided search results. However, Kirkwood Community College is a significant educational institution and employer in the broader region, offering various programs and services. The college itself is listed as one of Cedar Rapids’ top employers, indicating its economic impact in that area (as reported by Kirkwood Community College).
Workforce reports from Kirkwood Community College indicate that over 62% of employers in its service area have experienced difficulty filling positions over the past year. This suggests a competitive hiring market with challenges related to finding qualified candidates and wage competition (as reported by Corridor Business Journal).
Climate and Weather
Kirkwood experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are generally hot and humid, while winters are cold and can bring snow. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, making them appealing seasons for outdoor activities and enjoying the area’s natural beauty.
The average annual precipitation in Kirkwood is moderate, supporting a range of outdoor activities throughout the year. The temperature typically ranges from a low of 25°F in January to a high of 89°F in July, with rare extremes outside this range (as reported by NOAA).
Average Temperatures
The hot season in Kirkwood lasts from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures frequently exceeding 79°F. July is typically the hottest month, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 70°F (as reported by NOAA). Conversely, the cold season spans from late November to late February, with daily high temperatures generally below 50°F.
January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 25°F and highs of 41°F (as reported by NOAA). The temperature variation throughout the year provides a distinct seasonal experience for residents.
Rainfall and Precipitation
Kirkwood receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year. The wettest month is typically May, with an average rainfall of about 4.1 inches (as reported by NOAA). The driest month is January, receiving an average of 1.6 inches of rain (as reported by NOAA).
The average annual rainfall for Kirkwood is approximately 45 inches (as reported by Livability.com). This level of precipitation supports the region’s climate and contributes to its green landscapes.
Education and Schools
Kirkwood is served by the highly-rated Kirkwood School District, which is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence. The district consistently receives high marks, positioning it as a strong choice for families prioritizing education for their children.
Kirkwood Senior High School, in particular, is well-regarded, ranking among the best public high schools in Missouri. The district’s overall performance suggests a robust educational environment for students from pre-kindergarten through high school.
School District Ratings
The Kirkwood School District holds an overall Niche grade of A+, indicating a high level of performance and satisfaction (as reported by Niche). It serves students from PK-12 and has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. State test scores show that 61% of students are proficient in math and 68% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Kirkwood Senior High School is also highly rated, ranking #8 among public high schools in Missouri and #8 in the St. Louis Area (as reported by Niche). These rankings reflect the district’s strong academic programs and dedicated teaching staff.
Student Performance and Teacher Quality
Students in the Kirkwood School District demonstrate strong academic performance, with high proficiency rates in both math and reading. At Kirkwood Senior High School, 38% of students are proficient in math and 70% in reading (as reported by Niche). The school’s teachers are also highly regarded, with the district ranking well for public high school teachers in Missouri.
The student-teacher ratio at Kirkwood Senior High School is 13 to 1, which allows for more individualized attention from educators. Reviews often highlight the quality of teaching and the well-rounded education provided to students (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Population
Kirkwood, Missouri, has a population of approximately 29,363 residents (as of the most recent Census data). The city is characterized by a diverse racial composition, though it is less diverse than the state of Missouri overall. The median age in Kirkwood is around 41.8 years, indicating a mix of age groups within the community.
The population is distributed with a significant percentage of residents under 18 and a notable portion aged 65 and older. The gender balance shows slightly more females than males in the population.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Kirkwood is primarily White, making up about 81.5% of the population (as reported by US Census Bureau). Black or African American residents constitute about 4.4% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 2.0%, and Hispanic residents at 2.7% (as reported by US Census Bureau). A notable portion, around 9.0%, identifies as Multiracial (as reported by US Census Bureau).
Compared to the state of Missouri, Kirkwood has a higher percentage of White residents and a lower percentage of Black residents. The Hispanic population share is similar to the state average (as reported by US Census Bureau).
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in Kirkwood is 42.1 years (as reported by Wikipedia). The population distribution shows that 24.1% of residents are under the age of 18, and 21.4% are 65 years of age or older (as reported by Wikipedia). This age distribution suggests a community with both young families and a significant senior population.
In terms of gender, for every 100 females, there are approximately 88.6 males in Kirkwood (as reported by Wikipedia). This slight male deficit is also observed in the adult population, with 83.4 males for every 100 females aged 18 and over.