Is Park Hills Safe, Pros and cons of living in Park Hills

Park Hills, Missouri, offers a glimpse into a community with a distinct character, shaped by its history and its present-day realities. This city, nestled in St. Francois County, presents a unique blend of small-town charm and the practical considerations that come with establishing roots in a new place. Understanding the nuances of daily life, from safety and cost of living to employment opportunities and community services, is crucial for anyone contemplating a move to this part of the state.

The decision to relocate is significant, and for Park Hills, a thorough examination of its various facets is essential. This includes delving into the economic landscape, the quality of local schools, and the general environment that defines the city. By exploring these key areas, prospective residents can gain a comprehensive understanding of what life in Park Hills truly entails.

Is it Safe to Live in Park Hills?

Safety in Park Hills is a topic with varied perspectives, as crime statistics present a complex picture. The overall crime rate in Park Hills is reported as being higher than the national average across all communities, with 22 crimes per one thousand residents (NeighborhoodScout). However, when analyzed more closely, the violent crime rate is about average for communities across America, with your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime being one in 670 (NeighborhoodScout). Conversely, property crime is a greater concern, with a rate of 21 per one thousand population (NeighborhoodScout).

Further analysis indicates that Park Hills ranks in the 16th percentile for safety, suggesting it is safer than only 16% of cities, while being less safe than 84% of them (CrimeGrade). The crime rate is cited as 41.52 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (CrimeGrade). Residents often consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest, with chances of being a victim of crime varying from 1 in 21 in the southwest neighborhoods to 1 in 29 in the northeast (CrimeGrade).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Park Hills presents an affordable option compared to national averages. The median home value in Park Hills is approximately $122,075 (Livability.com), and the median house price is around $130,673 (BestNeighborhood.org). This is significantly less expensive than the U.S. median of $393,134 (BestNeighborhood.org) and also below Missouri’s average of $230,523 (BestNeighborhood.org).

Rental costs in Park Hills are also considerably lower than the national average. The average rent in Park Hills is $928 per month, which is 53.6% lower than the national average of $2,000 (Zillow). Specifically, a one-bedroom apartment averages $499, a two-bedroom is $970, and a three-bedroom is $1,500 (Zillow). Alternatively, Zumper reports a median rent of $840 as of April 2026, with apartments averaging $819 and houses around $719 per month (Zumper).

Cost of Living Index

Park Hills’s overall cost of living is notably lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated based on various expenses, including food, transportation, healthcare, rent, utilities, and taxes (ERI Economic Research Institute). Park Hills is ranked among the more affordable cities, with its cost of living index placing it in the lower range when compared to other cities across the nation (ERI Economic Research Institute).

Living costs in Park Hills are approximately 3% lower than the U.S. national average and 76% lower than Missouri’s state average (Salary.com). Housing costs are about 15.1% lower than the national average, with monthly expenses for a single person totaling around $2,208 and for a family of four, about $4,930 (Salary.com).

Job Market and Economy

The economy of Park Hills employs approximately 4.01k people, with a growth rate of 3.46% from the previous year (Data USA). The largest industries in Park Hills include Retail Trade (879 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (636 people), and Construction (437 people) (Data USA). The highest-paying industries are Construction ($92,083), Information ($78,430), and Transportation & Warehousing ($67,629) (Data USA).

The average annual salary in Park Hills is $45,158, which equates to roughly $21.71 per hour (ZipRecruiter). The median wage is around $43,300 annually, with most salaries falling between $30,833 and $54,542 (ZipRecruiter). Major employers in the area contribute to the local economy, including Piramal Glass, MOCAP, Lee Mechanical, Bulk Tank, the County’s 911 facility, and The Missouri Job Center, all located within the Park Hills Industrial Park (City of Park Hills). Other notable companies include Raider Mechanical, Inc., First State Community Bank, and The Doe Run Company (Lensa, Zippia).

Unemployment Rate

As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in Missouri was 3.9%, which is unchanged from the previous month (USAFacts). This rate is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and represents the percentage of the labor force actively seeking employment (USAFacts). For Park Hills specifically, local data may vary, but the statewide rate provides a general indicator of the job market’s health (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Climate and Weather

Park Hills experiences a climate characterized by hot and muggy summers and cold, snowy winters, with generally partly cloudy conditions throughout the year (myPerfectWeather). Temperatures typically range from 25°F to 89°F, rarely falling below 9°F or exceeding 96°F (myPerfectWeather). The hot season extends from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 79°F, and July being the hottest month with highs around 88°F and lows of 68°F (myPerfectWeather).

Conversely, the cold season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 51°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 26°F and highs of 42°F (myPerfectWeather). The area sees an average annual rainfall of 45 inches, with May being the wettest month (myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages around 9 inches annually, with January typically receiving the most snow (myPerfectWeather).

Education and School Ratings

The public schools in Park Hills are generally considered above average (Niche). Central High School, serving grades 9-12, has a B overall Niche grade and a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (Niche). State test scores indicate that 38% of students are proficient in math and 51% in reading (Niche). Other local school districts include Farmington R-VII School District, which is ranked highly within the state, and West St. Francois County R-IV School District (Niche).

Park Hill School District, while located in Kansas City, MO, is a highly rated district with a strong performance in state test scores (Niche). Within Park Hills itself, schools like Jefferson Elementary School receive an A-minus overall Niche grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 (Niche). The Central R-III School District, serving Park Hills, is rated as above average, with 37% of students proficient in math and 41% in reading (Niche).

Demographics

Park Hills has a population of approximately 8,438 residents (Livability.com), with recent estimates placing it around 8,755 (Missouri State Authority). The median age in Park Hills is 33 years, with 31.6 years for males and 34.3 years for females (Missouri State Authority). The median household income is reported at $52,563 (Livability.com), with a poverty rate of 14.38% (Missouri State Authority).

The population is predominantly of White ethnicity. Foreign-born residents constitute a small percentage of the population, around 0.91% as of 2024, indicating a slight increase from the previous year (Data USA). The community tends to be conservative, with many families residing in the area (Niche).