Is Monett Safe, Pros and cons of living in Monett
Monett, Missouri, offers a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it a point of interest for those considering a move to the Ozarks region. This city provides a look into a community that balances affordability with a decent quality of life. Understanding the various facets of living in Monett, from its economic landscape to its climate, can help potential residents make an informed decision.
The city is situated in southwestern Missouri, located within both Barry and Lawrence counties. It benefits from its position along Interstate 44, which provides convenient access to larger metropolitan areas like Joplin and Springfield. This strategic location offers a balance between a quieter, more rural lifestyle and access to urban conveniences and job markets.
Is it Safe to Live in Monett?
Monett’s overall crime rate is considered higher than the national average, with specific concerns regarding property crime. However, when compared to similarly sized communities, the crime rate is closer to the average for that group. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Monett is approximately 1 in 778, which is about the national average for communities of all sizes (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are higher, with a chance of becoming a victim of one in 71 (NeighborhoodScout).
When examining violent crime specifically, Monett’s rate is considered about average for all communities in America, regardless of size (NeighborhoodScout). Violent crimes include offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crimes, which include burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, present a greater concern in Monett, with a rate of 14 per 1,000 population (NeighborhoodScout). The city’s violent crime rate has seen a decrease of 26% year over year, and property crime has decreased by 31% year over year (AreaVibes).
Cost of Living in Monett
Monett is recognized for its affordability, with a cost of living that is generally lower than both the state and national averages. Housing costs are a significant contributor to this affordability, being substantially lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This makes Monett an attractive option for individuals and families looking to manage their expenses effectively.
The overall cost of living in Monett is approximately 17% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Housing expenses are particularly favorable, falling about 39% below the national average (AreaVibes). For a single person, monthly expenses, including housing, food, energy, transportation, and healthcare, are estimated at around $2,093, and for a family of four, approximately $4,738 (Salary.com). These figures indicate a cost of living that is among the least expensive in America.
Housing Costs
The housing market in Monett presents a compelling case for potential homeowners due to its affordability. The median home value in Monett is around $180,956, which has seen a slight decrease of 1.1% over the past year (Zillow). This median value is considerably lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
For renters, Monett also offers relatively affordable options. The median rent for all property types is reported to be around $895 per month (Zumper). However, other sources indicate a higher average rent, with Zillow reporting an average rent of $1,550 as of May 2026, and Apartments.com stating an average of $445 per month as of May 2026. These varying figures may reflect different methodologies or specific types of rentals included in the data, but generally, rental prices are significantly below the national average (Apartments.com).
Average Salary and Income
The economic landscape of Monett includes a median household income that is lower than the national average. As of the most recent data, the median household income in Monett is $49,390 (Data USA). This figure reflects a positive year-over-year growth of 7.8% (Data USA).
The median wage in Monett is approximately $39,800 per year, with the 25th percentile earning around $30,400 and the 75th percentile earning about $54,000 (ZipRecruiter). While these figures are lower than national averages, the significantly lower cost of living helps to offset this difference, potentially allowing residents to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Job Market and Major Employers
Monett’s job market is characterized by a diverse range of industries, with manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare and social assistance being prominent sectors. The city’s employment has seen a slight decline, with a 1.82% decrease in employed individuals from the previous year (Data USA).
Key employers in Monett include those in the manufacturing sector, which employs a substantial number of residents. Other significant employment areas include office and administrative support, as well as management occupations (Data USA). The Monett Chamber of Commerce serves as a resource for local businesses and can provide insights into current employment opportunities and major companies operating within the area (Monett Chamber of Commerce).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Missouri, which Monett is a part of, has remained stable. As of the latest reports, the unemployment rate for the state is at 3.90% (YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average for the state, suggesting a relatively stable job market (YCharts).
While specific unemployment data for Monett is not readily available, the statewide figures provide a general indication of the employment conditions in the region. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the primary source for official unemployment data in Missouri (FRED).
Climate in Monett
Monett experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 26°F in the winter to 89°F in the summer, with occasional dips below 10°F or highs above 97°F (Time and Date). This creates a varied climate throughout the year.
Summers in Monett are hot and can be quite humid, particularly from May to September, with July being the muggiest month (Time and Date). Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month, experiencing average low temperatures of 26°F and highs around 45°F (Time and Date). The city also experiences significant wind, especially from October to May, with March being the windiest month (Time and Date).
Temperature and Precipitation
The average high temperature in Monett during July, the hottest month, is around 88°F, while the average low is 68°F (Time and Date). In contrast, January sees average highs of 45°F and lows of 26°F (Time and Date). The city experiences considerable seasonal variation in temperature.
Annual precipitation in Monett averages about 46 inches, with May typically being the wettest month, receiving around 6 inches of rain (myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is generally light, with an average of 7 inches per year (myPerfectWeather). The number of days with comfortable weather, characterized by mild temperatures and low humidity, is approximately 127 days per year, with the best times to visit being mid-April to May and September to October (myPerfectWeather).
Education in Monett
Monett is served by the Monett R-I School District, which provides educational services for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district as a whole receives a highly rated A-minus from Niche, indicating a strong overall performance. The student-teacher ratio across the district is approximately 13 to 1 (Niche).
Individual schools within the district also show strong performance. Monett High School has an overall Niche grade of B+, with particular strengths in diversity and sports (Niche). Monett Intermediate School and Monett Elementary School both hold B+ and B grades, respectively, with strong academic and diversity ratings (Niche). Monett Middle School also receives a B+ grade (Niche).
School Ratings
Monett High School is rated as an above-average public school, with 37% of students proficient in math and 47% in reading according to state test scores (Niche). The school is noted for its diversity, ranking among the top public high schools in Missouri for this aspect (Niche).
Monett Intermediate School is also considered above average, with 48% of students proficient in math and 49% in reading (Niche). The Monett R-I School District itself is highly rated, recognized as one of the most diverse school districts in Missouri (Niche). The district’s commitment to academics, diversity, and extracurricular activities contributes to its favorable ratings.
Demographics of Monett
Monett has a population of approximately 9,873 residents, with a slight annual growth rate (Data USA). The population is diverse, with White (Non-Hispanic) residents forming the largest group, followed by Hispanic residents. The city’s population is also relatively young, with a median age of 34 years (Data USA).
The racial composition of Monett includes a significant Hispanic population, which is considerably higher than the state average for Missouri (Census Dots). This diversity contributes to the unique cultural fabric of the city. Approximately 93.2% of Monett residents are U.S. citizens (Data USA).
Population and Diversity
As of the latest estimates, Monett’s population is around 9,873 people (Data USA). The city’s diversity is notable, with a substantial Hispanic population making up about 27.5% of the residents, which is significantly higher than the Missouri state average (Census Dots). White residents constitute the largest demographic group, at 63.6% (Census Dots).
The city is more diverse than Missouri overall, with a diversity index that indicates a good probability of selecting individuals from different racial or ethnic groups. The Hispanic population has seen growth, increasing its share of Monett’s population since the 2020 Census (Census Dots). Other demographic groups include multiracial individuals, Native American/Other, Asian, and Black or African American populations, contributing to the city’s varied demographics.