Is Scott City Safe, Pros and cons of living in Scott City

Scott City, Missouri, presents a unique blend of small-town charm and accessible amenities, making it a noteworthy option for those considering a relocation. Nestled within Scott County, this community offers a distinct lifestyle influenced by its Midwestern roots and proximity to larger regional centers. Understanding the various facets of life in Scott City is key for anyone contemplating a move to this area.

The town’s character is shaped by its demographics, economic landscape, and the general cost of living. Prospective residents often weigh these factors heavily when choosing a new place to call home. Scott City provides a snapshot of a community that balances traditional values with the practicalities of modern living.

Is it Safe to Live in Scott City?

Scott City, Missouri, generally offers a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Scott City is notably lower than the national average, with statistics indicating it is 48% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). This translates to approximately 0.13 daily incidents, comprising about 0.04 violent crimes and 0.1 property crimes.

Breaking down the crime statistics further, Scott City’s violent crime rate is 17% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes are also significantly lower, at 54.3% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents have a 1 in 91 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Scott City, and the city is considered safer than 40% of other cities in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes).

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crimes in Scott City are reported to be lower than national figures in several categories. For instance, the assault rate is 252.9 per 100,000, which is below the national rate of 282.7 (as reported by Niche). Murder rates are also significantly lower, with 23 per 100,000 compared to the national rate of 6.1 (as reported by Niche).

While rape statistics are also reported below the national average, with 23 per 100,000 compared to 40.7 nationally (as reported by Niche), robbery rates are reported as 0, significantly lower than the national figure of 135.5 (as reported by Niche). However, it’s important to note that violent crime did see an increase of 18.3% from the previous year, with one murder recorded in 2024 (as reported by OpenCrime).

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime statistics in Scott City also indicate a favorable safety profile compared to national benchmarks. Burglary rates stand at 46 per 100,000 residents (as reported by Niche). Larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft rates are also detailed within crime statistics, though specific comparative figures to national averages for these categories are not consistently provided across all sources.

Overall, the crime rate in Scott City is considered moderate, with a crime risk assessment indicating a 37% moderate risk (as reported by Augurisk). The city’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4 (as reported by Homes.com). Year over year, crime in Scott City has decreased by 17% (as reported by AreaVibes).

Demographics and Population

Scott City, Missouri, is a community with a population of approximately 4,371 residents as of 2026, showing a slight increase from the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). The median age in Scott City is around 38.6 years, with a slightly higher proportion of residents aged 65 and older compared to those under 18 (as reported by Wikipedia). The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with slightly more females than males.

The racial makeup of Scott City is predominantly White, accounting for about 88.2% of the population. Multiracial individuals make up approximately 8.9%, with Hispanic or Latino residents at 2.5% (as reported by Census Dots). This demographic profile indicates a community that is less diverse than the state of Missouri overall.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The White population constitutes the largest segment of Scott City’s residents, at 88.2% (as reported by Census Dots). This percentage is notably higher than the statewide average in Missouri. Hispanic or Latino individuals represent a smaller portion of the population at 2.5% (as reported by Census Dots).

Scott City has become more racially diverse since the 2020 Census, particularly with an increase in its Multiracial population, which has grown by an estimated 109.1% (as reported by Census Dots). Despite this growth, the city remains less diverse than Missouri as a whole.

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in Scott City is approximately 38.6 years (as reported by Wikipedia). A significant portion of the population, 23.6%, is under the age of 18, while 17.3% are 65 years of age or older (as reported by Wikipedia). The gender distribution shows a slight skew towards females, with about 94.1 males for every 100 females (as reported by Wikipedia).

For individuals aged 18 and over, the male-to-female ratio is 89.0 males for every 100 females (as reported by Wikipedia). This age and gender breakdown provides insight into the community’s generational composition and social structure.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Scott City, Missouri, is generally considered affordable, being lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living index is 78.9, which is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 100 (as reported by Data USA). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.

Housing costs are a significant contributor to this affordability, being substantially lower than the national average. This makes Scott City a potentially appealing location for those looking to purchase or rent a home without incurring excessive expenses.

Housing Costs

Housing expenses in Scott City are considerably lower than the national average. The cost of living is 44% lower than the national average for housing (as reported by AreaVibes). This trend is consistent across different data sources, with median sale prices for homes in Scott City, MO, reported around $162,500 as of the last 12 months (as reported by Homes.com).

For renters, the average rent in Scott City, MO, is approximately $975 per month (as reported by Trulia and Zillow). This figure is substantially lower than the national average rent of $2,000 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Everyday Expenses

Beyond housing, other everyday expenses in Scott City also contribute to its affordability. While specific detailed breakdowns for all categories are not uniformly available, general cost of living indicators suggest that expenses such as groceries, transportation, utilities, and healthcare are also likely to be below national averages. The cost of living index of 78.9 (as reported by Data USA) reflects these overall lower expenses.

For example, the cost of living is 15% lower than the national average overall (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests that residents can expect to spend less on daily necessities compared to many other parts of the country.

Job Market and Economy

Scott City’s job market and economy are characterized by a mix of local businesses and service-oriented industries. The unemployment rate is not explicitly detailed in the provided search results, but the types of employers suggest a stable, albeit not rapidly growing, employment landscape. The focus appears to be on essential services and local commerce.

The economic activity is supported by a variety of businesses, ranging from retail and food service to government and agricultural support. Understanding the major employers can provide insight into the primary sectors driving the local economy.

Major Employers

Key employers in Scott City, Missouri, include a range of entities that serve the community’s needs. UPS and Dollar General are present, indicating roles in logistics and retail (as reported by Indeed). Other notable employers include Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hut, and Casey’s, which represent the food service and convenience store sectors (as reported by Indeed).

Additionally, Spectrum, a communications company, and H&R Block, a tax services provider, are also listed among the employers (as reported by Indeed). These companies offer diverse employment opportunities within the city.

Average Salary and Income

The average salary in Scott City, Missouri, varies depending on the source and the specific job roles. ZipRecruiter reports a median wage of approximately $39.7K per year, with a 25th percentile at $30.8K and a 75th percentile at $50.9K (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This suggests a range of earning potentials within the city.

The median household income in Scott City, MO, is reported to be around $54,880 (as reported by Data Commons). The poverty rate in Scott City is noted at 2.8% (as reported by Data Commons), which is relatively low.

Climate and Weather

Scott City, Missouri, experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters. The temperature typically ranges from 25°F to 89°F throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city experiences a significant amount of precipitation, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 50 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The weather patterns influence the best times to visit and the overall comfort levels for residents. Understanding these climatic conditions is essential for planning outdoor activities and daily life.

Temperatures and Seasons

Summers in Scott City are hot, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 89°F and a low of 69°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hot season generally lasts from May to September. Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month, experiencing average highs of 43°F and lows of 26°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The cold season typically spans from November to February. The city experiences seasonal variations in temperature, with comfortable weather generally occurring in mid-April to May and again in September to October (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Precipitation and Rainfall

Scott City receives a substantial amount of rainfall annually, averaging around 50 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The month with the most precipitation is typically June, with an average of 3.1 inches (as reported by Extreme Weather Watch). Rain falls throughout the year, with a wetter season extending from March to August.

Snowfall is also a feature of Scott City’s winter climate, with an average of 7 inches of snowfall annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The snowy period generally lasts from October to April, with January typically seeing the most snowfall.

Education and Schools

Scott City, Missouri, is served by the Scott City R-I School District, which provides public education for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of approximately 11 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that about 38% of students are proficient in math and 38% in reading (as reported by Niche).

While the district has a C+ overall Niche grade, there are variations in performance among its schools. Scott City Middle School is noted for its strong performance, while Scott City Elementary and High School have lower statewide rankings and test scores below state averages.

School Performance

Scott City Middle School stands out within the district, consistently ranking among the top 20% of Missouri middle schools and earning a 4-star rating (as reported by SchoolDigger). A significant portion of its 8th graders demonstrate proficiency in core subjects. This suggests effective teaching strategies or better resource allocation at the middle school level.

In contrast, Scott City Elementary School and Scott City High School have faced challenges. Scott City Elementary, in particular, ranks in the bottom 20% of Missouri elementary schools, and both schools exhibit test scores below state averages. High chronic absenteeism rates and a significant population of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch are noted challenges for these schools.

District Overview

The Scott City R-I School District serves a total of 773 students across its PK-12 grade levels (as reported by Niche). The district’s overall performance is rated as a C+ by Niche. This rating reflects a mixed bag of educational outcomes within the district.

Despite the challenges faced by some of its schools, the district provides essential educational services to the community. The focus on a lower student-teacher ratio aims to support individual student needs within the educational environment.

Pros and Cons of Living in Scott City

Scott City, Missouri, offers a compelling mix of advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The primary draws include its affordability, particularly in housing, and a generally safe environment. However, considerations such as the job market and varying school performance need to be factored in.

The small-town atmosphere appeals to those seeking a quieter lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of larger metropolitan areas. This can be a significant pro for families and individuals prioritizing community connection and a slower pace of life.

Advantages

One of the most significant advantages of Scott City is its affordability. The cost of living is substantially lower than the national average, with housing costs being a major contributor to this savings (as reported by AreaVibes). This makes it an attractive option for those on a tighter budget or looking to maximize their disposable income.

The community also boasts a low crime rate, generally considered safer than many other U.S. cities (as reported by AreaVibes). This offers peace of mind for residents and contributes to a comfortable living environment.

Disadvantages

While Scott City offers affordability, its job market may present challenges. The average salaries reported are modest, and the range of high-paying industries might be limited compared to larger urban centers (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This could be a drawback for professionals seeking extensive career advancement opportunities.

Another consideration is the performance of the local school system. While the middle school is well-regarded, the elementary and high schools have lower rankings and test scores, which may be a concern for families with school-aged children (as reported by SchoolDigger).