Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Considering a move to Fort Leonard Wood, MO? With a population of about 15,700 and affordable median home prices around $180,000, the city features a low cost of living and short average commutes of just 15 minutes. Residents benefit from strong public schools, military community resources, and ample sunny days (58% per year). While crime rates are moderate, the area offers access to both military and regional healthcare options, making it a practical choice for families and service members alike.
Demographics - Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Demographics - Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Fort Leonard Wood is home to approximately 15,761 residents, with a notably young median age of 23.8 years and a higher proportion of males due to its military presence. The community is diverse, with over 18% identifying as Black and 8.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Population density is moderate, giving the area a close-knit feel without feeling crowded.
Population:
15,761
Density:
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
23.8
Gender Ratio:
130 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
61.5%
Black:
18.0%
Asian:
2.7%
Others:
17.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Leonard Wood, MO?
The cost of living in Fort Leonard Wood is significantly below the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.5 and median home values around $180,000. Housing and utilities remain affordable, and state tax rates are moderate, making the area attractive for budget-conscious families. Residents also benefit from competitive grocery and healthcare costs compared to many U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$180,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1.5%
|
High:
5.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
91.0
Health Care:
94.2
Miscellaneous:
87.4
Crime
Is Fort Leonard Wood, MO a safe place to live?
Fort Leonard Wood experiences moderate crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 273 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,457 per 100,000. The likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 366, while property crime risk is approximately 1 in 69. Overall, these rates are in line with or slightly lower than many comparably sized communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
273
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,457
Crime Index:
1,730
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 366
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Leonard Wood, MO year-round?
Residents in Fort Leonard Wood enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and winters with lows around 22°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine 58% of the year, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes bring a balanced climate suitable for a variety of lifestyles.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Local households earn a median income of about $54,900, with a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.7% and a poverty rate of 13.1%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commutes average just over 15 minutes, making daily life convenient. A small percentage rely on public transportation, reflecting the area's car-friendly infrastructure.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$54,900
Family Income:
$56,700
Per Capita Income:
$21,500
Income Male:
$35,800
Income Female:
$28,400
Poverty Rate:
13.1%
Non English Speakers:
8.4%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
15.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.1%
Bachelors or More:
24.3%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Leonard Wood, MO?
Fort Leonard Wood offers access to quality public and private schools, with student-teacher ratios averaging around 15:1 and strong graduation rates. Higher education options include a local Drury University campus and nearby Missouri University of Science & Technology, just 30 miles away. The area’s commitment to education makes it attractive for families and students seeking diverse learning opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Waynesville High School
Street:
200 GW Lane, Waynesville, MO 65583
Phone:
573-842-2400
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Name:
Thayer Elementary School
Street:
781 Iowa Ave, Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473
Phone:
573-842-2200
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Private Schools
Name:
Maranatha Baptist Academy
Street:
77 Y Hwy, St Robert, MO 65584
Phone:
573-336-5972
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Missouri University of Science & Technology
City:
Rolla
State:
MO
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
7,300
Name:
Drury University – Fort Leonard Wood Campus
City:
Fort Leonard Wood
State:
MO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
800
Healthcare
Fort Leonard Wood is served by both military and regional healthcare facilities, including the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital and nearby Phelps Health Rolla. Health insurance coverage is high at 93.5%, and there are 1.7 physicians available per 1,000 residents. The healthcare index suggests services are accessible and meet the needs of most families and service members.
Major Hospitals
Name:
General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital
Address:
4430 Missouri Ave, Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473
Phone:
(573) 596-0035
Type:
Military/General
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Phelps Health Rolla
Address:
1000 W 10th St, Rolla, MO 65401
Phone:
(573) 458-8899
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Leonard Wood, MO?
The local housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $180,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $1,050. Homeownership rates are lower than average at 38.5%, reflecting a strong rental market, while vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low. Recent appreciation of 4.6% indicates steady, moderate growth for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$180,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
38.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Fort Leonard Wood are managed by the Missouri Department of Revenue, with main offices in Jefferson City and accessible online resources. Residents can handle most DMV services conveniently, including renewals and registrations, through the department’s user-friendly website. The state offers clear guidance and support for new arrivals and long-term residents alike.
State:
Missouri
Department:
Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing
Address:
301 West High Street, Room 370, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone:
1-573-526-3669
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.