Is Smithville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Smithville

Smithville offers a unique blend of community charm and practical living, making it a consideration for those seeking a new place to call home. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what life in Smithville entails, covering aspects from safety and cost of living to employment and education.

Understanding the various facets of a city is crucial when making a significant decision like relocating. This article delves into the specifics of Smithville, presenting data-driven insights to help potential residents assess its suitability for their lifestyle and needs.

Is it Safe to Live in Smithville?

Smithville, MO, faces challenges regarding its crime rates. The city has a violent crime rate of 184 per 100,000 residents, which is 160% above the national average (as reported by FBI data). Property crime is also a concern, with a rate of 707 per 100,000 residents (as reported by FBI data).

These statistics contribute to Smithville receiving an overall safety grade of F (High Risk) (as reported by PlainCrime). While crime rates can fluctuate, these figures suggest a higher risk compared to many other U.S. cities. The chance of being a victim of a crime in Smithville is approximately 1 in 113, with a 1 in 545 chance of being a victim of violent crime (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Smithville, MO, shows a steady increase in home values. The average home value in Smithville, MO, was approximately $371,403 as of March 2026, reflecting a 2.4% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median list price for homes in Smithville, MO, was $464,567 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow).

Rental costs in Smithville, MO, are above the national average. The average rent for all property types in Smithville, MO, is $2,262 per month, which is 13.1% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow). This figure indicates that housing, whether purchasing or renting, is a significant expense in Smithville.

Regarding the cost of living, data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) indicates that the cost of living varies significantly across urban areas. While specific composite cost of living index data for Smithville, MO, is not readily available from these sources, the housing costs suggest a higher overall cost of living compared to national averages.

Job Market and Economy

Smithville, MO, has a diverse employment landscape. Major industries in Smithville, TX, include Transportation and Warehousing, Education, and Health Care and Social Services (as reported by City of Smithville Community Insights). The average annual salary in Smithville, GA, was approximately $46,329 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). For Smithville, MO, employee salaries average around $44,000 annually, with a typical range between $37,502 and $52,329 (as reported by 6figr.com and ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate for Missouri was 3.9% in March 2026 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). National unemployment figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate a rate of 4.3% in April 2026. Specific unemployment data for Smithville, MO, is not detailed in the provided search results, but state and national figures offer a general economic context.

Major employers in Smithville, MO, are not explicitly listed in the provided search results. However, the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce in Texas highlights the presence of businesses in sectors like retail, healthcare (Ascension Seton Smithville), and transportation services (UPS, FedEx).

Climate and Environment

Smithville, MO, experiences distinct seasonal weather patterns. Summers are typically hot, humid, and wet, while winters are very cold, snowy, and windy. The climate is generally partly cloudy year-round (as reported by Weather Spark).

Temperatures in Smithville, MO, usually range from 22°F to 89°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 4°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 88°F and lows of 69°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 22°F and highs of 39°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The clearest part of the year in Smithville, MO, is from late June to late August, with a peak in the third week of July. This period is considered ideal for outdoor activities, with average temperatures conducive to warm-weather pursuits (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education and Schools

Smithville, MO, is served by the Smithville R-II School District, which has earned an overall Niche grade of A- (as reported by Niche). The district ranks among the top school districts in Missouri, particularly noted for having excellent teachers (as reported by Niche).

Smithville High School, part of this district, received an above-average B rating from Niche. It serves 884 students in grades 9-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. State test scores indicate that 48% of students are proficient in math and 61% in reading (as reported by Niche).

The district’s commitment to education is further reflected in its rankings within the Kansas City Area and Clay County, where it is recognized for its teachers and athletic programs (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Smithville, MO, has a population that is predominantly White. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 94% of the population identifies as White, with smaller percentages identifying as Black, Native American, Asian, or other races (as reported by Census Reporter). Approximately 2% identify as Hispanic or Latino (as reported by Census Reporter).

The median age in Smithville, MO, is around 32.4 years (as reported by Census Reporter). This suggests a relatively young population compared to some other areas. The marital status indicates that about 59% of the population aged 15 and over is married (as reported by Census Reporter).

For Smithville, TX, the median household income was $59,977 in 2024 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). A notable 5.4% of families in Smithville, TX, live below the poverty line (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).