Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Poplar Bluff, MO
Considering a move to Poplar Bluff, MO? With a population of about 16,225, this friendly city offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home prices around $122,000 and average rents at $810. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 16 minutes, a mild climate with 62% sunny days, and local amenities like Three Rivers College and Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. While crime rates are higher than average, Poplar Bluff’s low cost of living, small-town atmosphere, and access to outdoor recreation make it an appealing choice for many families and retirees.
Demographics - Poplar Bluff, MO
Demographics - Poplar Bluff, MO
Poplar Bluff is home to about 16,225 residents, with a median age of 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White (85.5%), with smaller Black and other minority communities, creating a mostly homogenous but welcoming atmosphere. Non-English speakers make up a small portion of the population, reflecting modest diversity.
Population:
16,225
Density:
1,170 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.5%
Black:
7.1%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
6.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Poplar Bluff, MO?
Poplar Bluff offers a notably low cost of living, with a median home value around $122,000 and average rents near $810 per month. Utility and transportation expenses are also below national averages, making it an attractive option for families and retirees. The overall cost of living index sits at 78.6, indicating you can expect your dollar to go further here.
Median House Value:
$122,000
Gross Rent:
$810
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,280
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
1.5%
|
High:
5.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.6
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
54.1
Utilities:
95.7
Transportation:
86.4
Health Care:
87.0
Miscellaneous:
85.6
Crime
Is Poplar Bluff, MO a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Poplar Bluff are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 120 chance of being a victim of violent crime and property crimes occurring more frequently. The city’s crime index reflects these elevated risks, so residents may want to consider safety measures and local crime prevention efforts. Despite this, many find the community atmosphere and affordable living outweigh these concerns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
834
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,200
Crime Index:
5,034
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 120
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 24
Weather
What is the weather like in Poplar Bluff, MO year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate with warm summers reaching up to 90°F and winters that rarely dip below 26°F. With 62% sunny days and an average annual rainfall of just over 47 inches, Poplar Bluff offers pleasant weather suitable for year-round outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are distinct, providing a variety of weather experiences throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Poplar Bluff neighborhoods have a median household income of $40,200 and a relatively high poverty rate of 23.2%, but most residents enjoy short commutes averaging under 16 minutes. The area is characterized by a strong sense of community and a modest unemployment rate of 5.8%. Education levels reflect that over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$35,250
Household Income:
$40,200
Family Income:
$54,500
Per Capita Income:
$21,000
Income Male:
$37,500
Income Female:
$28,600
Poverty Rate:
23.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$810
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
15.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.4%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Poplar Bluff, MO?
Poplar Bluff provides a range of educational opportunities, including respected public schools with manageable student-teacher ratios and private school options. The city is also home to Three Rivers College, offering local access to higher education, while Southeast Missouri State University is a short drive away. Families appreciate the supportive learning environment and options for continuing education.
Public Schools
Name:
Poplar Bluff High School
Street:
3209 Oak Grove Rd
Phone:
573-785-6471
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Name:
Poplar Bluff Junior High
Street:
1300 Victory Ln
Phone:
573-785-5566
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart Catholic School
Street:
1115 South Broadway
Phone:
573-785-5836
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Three Rivers College
City:
Poplar Bluff
State:
MO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,600
Name:
Southeast Missouri State University
City:
Cape Girardeau
State:
MO
Distance:
70 miles
Students:
10,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Poplar Bluff is anchored by major providers like Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center and the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, both offering emergency services. The city has a moderate number of physicians relative to its population, and nearly 89% of residents are covered by health insurance. Access to quality care is a key feature for local families and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center
Address:
3100 Oak Grove Rd, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone:
(573) 776-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
John J. Pershing VA Medical Center
Address:
1500 N Westwood Blvd, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone:
(573) 686-4151
Type:
Veterans / General
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.5%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Poplar Bluff, MO?
Poplar Bluff’s housing market is highly affordable, with median home prices around $122,000 and owner-occupied homes making up over half of the market. Rental options are plentiful and reasonably priced, with an average two-bedroom rent of $810 and a vacancy rate of just under 9%. The area has seen steady home appreciation, making it appealing for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$122,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$810
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services locally through the Missouri Department of Revenue office at 1112 W. Pine St. This convenient location offers licensing and vehicle registration services, with helpful staff and resources available both in-person and online. The office serves as the go-to center for all driving and vehicle-related needs in Poplar Bluff.
State:
Missouri
Department:
Missouri Department of Revenue - Driver License Bureau
Address:
1112 W. Pine St, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone:
573-686-8055
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.