Is Pevely Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pevely
Pevely, Missouri, offers a blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience, situated within the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. This community provides a distinct lifestyle for its residents, balancing a quieter pace with access to urban amenities. As of the most recent data, Pevely is home to approximately 6,055 residents, with a median age of 33.2 years, suggesting a community with a significant portion of working-age adults and families (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). The town’s demographic profile indicates a predominantly White population, with a small percentage of residents identifying with other racial or ethnic groups (as reported by Data USA and Wikipedia).
The cost of living in Pevely is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Housing expenses, in particular, are significantly less than the national benchmark. This economic landscape is complemented by a local job market that, while not as robust as a major metropolitan center, offers opportunities within various sectors. Understanding these fundamental aspects provides a solid foundation for anyone considering a move to Pevely.
Is it Safe to Live in Pevely?
Pevely’s safety profile presents a mixed picture, with crime rates that warrant careful consideration. While some sources indicate that the overall crime rate is lower than the national average, others suggest it is higher than many similar-sized communities in Missouri and the U.S. Specifically, Pevely has a crime rate of 32.05 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Pevely is approximately 1 in 436, and the chance of being a victim of property crime is about 1 in 91 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
When comparing Pevely to other communities, the data suggests a higher-than-average crime rate relative to its population size. NeighborhoodScout indicates that Pevely’s crime rate is higher than 72% of Missouri’s cities and towns of all sizes. However, other analyses suggest Pevely has a crime safety grade of A-, with the overall crime rate being 48% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). It’s important to note that crime can vary significantly by neighborhood within Pevely, with some areas being considerably safer than others (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Costs and Market Trends
The housing market in Pevely offers relatively affordable options compared to national averages. The median home value in Pevely is around $216,954 (as reported by Livability.com), though other sources indicate a median listing price of $277.5K (as reported by Pevely, MO Housing Market & Rental trends). This figure is substantially lower than the national median home value, which is approximately $332,700 (as reported by Niche). The cost of housing in Pevely is reported to be 40% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Rental prices in Pevely also tend to be more affordable. The median gross rent is approximately $875 per month (as reported by Point2Homes and Niche). Other sources indicate an average rent of $699 per month, which is 65.62% lower than the national average (as reported by Trulia and Zillow). However, it’s worth noting that one source indicates a median rent for all bedroom counts and property types at $1,742 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zumper), which is 11% lower than the national average. Availability of rental properties may be limited, with one report noting only one rental listing available in Pevely (as reported by Pevely, MO Housing Market & Rental trends).
Job Market and Employment Opportunities
Pevely’s economy is supported by a variety of industries, with manufacturing, education, and retail being leading sectors (as reported by ZoomProspector). The city has a labor force of approximately 3,624 individuals, with a significant portion employed in white-collar roles (as reported by ZoomProspector). Major employment sectors for residents include professional, scientific, and technical services, as well as healthcare and social assistance (as reported by Data USA).
The unemployment rate in Pevely is notably low, standing at 1.8% (as reported by Point2Homes). This low rate suggests strong job prospects and a stable local economy. However, overall employment in Pevely has seen a slight decline of -2.19% from 2023 to 2024, with the number of employees decreasing to 3,080 (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the area include companies like EDGE Manufacturing, MetalTek, and various retail establishments such as McDonald’s and Dollar General (as reported by Indeed and Lensa).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Pevely experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from a low of 26°F in January to a high of 90°F in July (as reported by Country Studies and Time and Date). The area receives an average annual precipitation of about 44 inches, with the wettest month being May and the driest being January (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Country Studies).
Summer months, particularly July and August, can be uncomfortably humid (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Conversely, winter brings cold temperatures and snowfall, with January being the coldest month. The region experiences approximately 132 days of comfortable weather annually, with the most pleasant times to visit being from mid-April to June and from September to October (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The nearest weather station data from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport indicates average annual rainfall of 3.52 inches and average high temperatures around 90°F in July and average lows around 25°F in January (as reported by Time and Date).
Education and School System
Pevely is served by the Dunklin R-V School District, which includes Pevely Elementary School. Pevely Elementary School serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade and has received a B-minus rating on Niche, with a GreatSchools Rating of 3 out of 10 (as reported by Homes.com). The school has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
State test scores indicate that about 28% of students at Pevely Elementary are proficient in math, and 39% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). The Dunklin R-V School District as a whole serves approximately 1,564 students across four schools. Within the district, about 48.9% of students are considered economically disadvantaged (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While Pevely Elementary School’s ratings may be modest, the overall public school system in Pevely aims to provide education within the community.
Demographics and Community Profile
Pevely is home to approximately 6,055 residents, with a median age of 33.2 years (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). The population is fairly balanced in terms of gender, with a slight majority of males (50.4%) compared to females (49.6%) (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial makeup of Pevely is predominantly White, accounting for about 91% of the population, with smaller percentages identifying as Two or More Races, Asian, or other ethnicities (as reported by Data USA and Wikipedia).
The median household income in Pevely is reported to be around $56,000 annually (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA), though another source indicates a median household income of $76,572 (as reported by Livability.com). A significant portion of residents, about 17.9%, live below the poverty line (as reported by Data USA). The community consists of approximately 2,366 households, with an average of three members per household, and a majority of these are family households (as reported by Point2Homes).
Cost of Living and Affordability
Pevely’s cost of living is approximately 15% lower than the national average, making it a more affordable place to live (as reported by PayScale). This affordability extends to various expense categories, with housing costs being particularly notable. Housing expenses in Pevely are about 40% lower than the national average, and utility prices are 6% lower (as reported by PayScale).
Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are also lower, by about 10% compared to the national average. Grocery prices in Pevely are slightly below the national average, by about 3%. Healthcare costs are comparable to the national average, with no significant difference reported (as reported by PayScale). Overall, the lower cost of living, particularly in housing, contributes to Pevely’s appeal for budget-conscious individuals and families.