Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cardwell, MO
Thinking of moving to Cardwell, MO? This friendly small town of 561 residents offers very affordable housing, with median home prices around $70,000 and average rents near $600. The cost of living is one of the lowest in Missouri, and commutes are short at just under 20 minutes. Cardwell enjoys a mild climate with 61% sunny days and is served by the Southland School District. While crime rates are about average for small towns, families enjoy a close-knit atmosphere and easy access to healthcare and higher education in nearby cities.
Demographics - Cardwell, MO
Demographics - Cardwell, MO
Cardwell is a close-knit community of 561 residents, with a population density of just over 1,000 people per square mile and a median age of 41. The town is predominantly White, and there is a nearly even balance between males and females. A small percentage of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a modest level of cultural diversity.
Population:
561
Density:
1,030 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cardwell, MO?
Cardwell offers a very low cost of living, with a median home value of just $70,000 and average rents around $600 per month. Everyday expenses, including groceries and utilities, are well below national averages, making it an affordable choice for individuals and families. Missouri state taxes are relatively low, further supporting a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$70,000
Gross Rent:
$600
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
1.5%
|
High:
5.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
76.3
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
43.4
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
83.6
Health Care:
91.5
Miscellaneous:
85.0
Crime
Is Cardwell, MO a safe place to live?
Cardwell experiences moderate crime rates for a small town, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 56 and violent crime at 1 in 312. While these numbers suggest some level of caution is needed, many residents feel secure in this rural setting. The overall crime index of 2,120 is comparable to similar small communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,800
Crime Index:
2,120
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 312
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 56
Weather
What is the weather like in Cardwell, MO year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate, with winter lows around 28°F and summer highs reaching 90°F. The area sees about 49 inches of rainfall annually and 61% of days are sunny, making outdoor activities appealing throughout the year. Seasonal changes are distinct, providing a comfortable balance for those who appreciate all four seasons.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The median household income in Cardwell is $32,300, with about 24% of residents living below the poverty line. Most neighbors commute under 20 minutes for work, and public transportation use is rare. The community values education, with over 80% holding a high school diploma or higher, though college attainment is lower than average.
Median Income:
$26,100
Household Income:
$32,300
Family Income:
$39,800
Per Capita Income:
$15,400
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
23.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.8%
Rent:
$600
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
19.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
80.5%
Bachelors or More:
10.1%
Education
How are the schools in Cardwell, MO?
Cardwell is served by the Southland School District, which offers small class sizes and a low student-teacher ratio at both the elementary and high school levels. While there are no private schools in town, higher education options such as Arkansas State University and Three Rivers College are within an hour’s drive, expanding opportunities for local students.

Public Schools
Name:
Southland Elementary School
Street:
2nd & Oak St, Cardwell, MO 63829
Phone:
573-654-3562
Students:
200
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Southland High School
Street:
2nd & Oak St, Cardwell, MO 63829
Phone:
573-654-3562
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.2

Colleges
Name:
Arkansas State University
City:
Jonesboro
State:
AR
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
13,100
Name:
Three Rivers College
City:
Poplar Bluff
State:
MO
Distance:
60 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Cardwell residents have access to major hospitals within a short drive, including Arkansas Methodist Medical Center and Pemiscot Memorial Health Systems, both offering emergency services. There are about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people, and nearly 88% of residents have health insurance coverage. Overall, healthcare services are accessible, though more specialized care may require travel to larger cities.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Arkansas Methodist Medical Center
Address:
900 W Kingshighway, Paragould, AR 72450
Phone:
(870) 239-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Pemiscot Memorial Health Systems
Address:
946 E Reed St, Hayti, MO 63851
Phone:
(573) 359-2200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cardwell, MO?
Cardwell's housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $70,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $600. About 62% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a modest home appreciation rate of 4.1% over the past year. Rental vacancy rates are slightly above average, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$70,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$600
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and driver licensing through the Missouri Department of Revenue, located in Jefferson City and accessible online or by phone. The state DMV offers comprehensive motor vehicle and licensing services for Cardwell residents. Most needs can be managed through their user-friendly website or by contacting their main office.
State:
Missouri
Department:
Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing
Address:
301 West High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone:
573-526-3669
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.