Everything You Should Know Before Moving to East Prairie, MO
Considering a move to East Prairie, MO? This friendly small town of 2,943 offers affordable living, with a median home price around $98,400 and typical rent at $635. Average commute times are a quick 19 minutes, and while property crime is somewhat higher than average, the community enjoys quiet neighborhoods and a strong sense of local pride. Residents benefit from a low cost of living, nearby healthcare, and a mild climate with 62% sunny days per year. Explore local schools, housing, and lifestyle details below to see if East Prairie is your new hometown!
Demographics - East Prairie, MO
Demographics - East Prairie, MO
East Prairie is a small, close-knit community of just under 3,000 residents, with a median age of 38.2 years and a population density that supports a friendly, small-town atmosphere. The city is predominantly White, and the percentage of non-English speakers is low, making it a welcoming place for newcomers.
Population:
2,943
Density:
1,560 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.8%
Black:
5.8%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in East Prairie, MO?
East Prairie offers a highly affordable cost of living, with a median home value of about $98,400 and average rent around $635 per month. Essentials like groceries, utilities, and healthcare are all below the national average, making this city particularly budget-friendly for families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$98,400
Gross Rent:
$635
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$890
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$325
State Taxes:
Low:
1.5%
|
High:
5.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.1
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
47.0
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
88.7
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
90.2
Crime
Is East Prairie, MO a safe place to live?
While East Prairie maintains a peaceful, community-oriented feel, property crime rates are higher than average, with a 1 in 45 chance annually. Violent crime is less common, at a rate of 365 incidents per 100,000 people, so residents generally feel safe, especially in residential neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
365
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,565
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 274
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in East Prairie, MO year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate with warm summers reaching highs around 90°F and cool winters with lows near 28°F. The city experiences roughly 62% sunny days each year and receives almost 49 inches of rainfall, supporting lush local landscapes.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
East Prairie’s neighbors are hardworking and community-focused, with a median household income of $35,000 and a poverty rate of 26%. Most residents commute about 19 minutes to work, and educational attainment is solid, with nearly 75% having at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$27,400
Household Income:
$35,000
Family Income:
$47,500
Per Capita Income:
$17,500
Income Male:
$30,100
Income Female:
$24,300
Poverty Rate:
26.1%
Non English Speakers:
2.7%
Rent:
$635
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
19.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
74.6%
Bachelors or More:
11.2%
Education
How are the schools in East Prairie, MO?
East Prairie is served by public schools with favorable student-to-teacher ratios and a strong sense of community involvement. For higher education, students have access to Southeast Missouri State University just 35 miles away, offering a range of academic programs.

Public Schools
Name:
East Prairie Elementary School
Street:
304 E Walnut St
Phone:
573-649-3564
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
East Prairie High School
Street:
304 E Walnut St
Phone:
573-649-3564
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7

Colleges
Name:
Southeast Missouri State University
City:
Cape Girardeau
State:
MO
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
10,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is convenient, with the Mississippi County Hospital System located nearby and 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents. Most people have health insurance coverage, ensuring that medical needs are met within a supportive community environment.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mississippi County Hospital System
Address:
200 E Warren St, Charleston, MO 63834
Phone:
(573) 683-3721
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.9%
Health Care Index:
65.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in East Prairie, MO?
The housing market in East Prairie is very accessible, with a median home price of about $98,400 and a high rate of owner-occupied homes. Rental options are affordable, and the local real estate market has shown steady appreciation, making it attractive for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$98,400
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$635
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Missouri Department of Revenue, with services available both online and at the state office in Jefferson City. The process is streamlined for convenience, making it easy to manage registrations and renewals locally.
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.