Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sedalia, MO
Considering a move to Sedalia, MO? With around 22,000 residents, Sedalia offers affordable living—median home prices are just $137,000 and average rents about $790. The city has a short average commute of 18 minutes, moderate crime rates, and features family-friendly amenities like Smith-Cotton High School and State Fair Community College. Enjoy four seasons with 59% sunny days annually and a welcoming, small-town atmosphere perfect for new beginnings.
Demographics - Sedalia, MO
Demographics - Sedalia, MO
Sedalia, Missouri is home to about 21,900 residents, offering a balanced community with a median age of 37 and a near-equal gender ratio. The city is predominantly White, with a growing mix of other ethnicities and around 7% of residents speaking a language other than English. Its moderate population density provides a blend of small-town comfort and urban convenience.
Population:
21,900
Density:
1,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.1%
Black:
5.6%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
11.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sedalia, MO?
Sedalia stands out for its affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $137,000 and average rent of $790, both well below national averages. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and the overall cost of living index sits at 80.4, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. State taxes range from 1.5% to 5.4%, contributing to the city’s overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$137,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,370
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
1.5%
|
High:
5.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.4
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
53.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
81.0
Health Care:
90.0
Miscellaneous:
85.0
Crime
Is Sedalia, MO a safe place to live?
Sedalia experiences moderate crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 418 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 3,140 per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is roughly 1 in 239. While property crime is more common, many residents find the city's overall safety acceptable for families and newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
418
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,140
Crime Index:
3,558
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 239
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Sedalia, MO year-round?
Residents in Sedalia enjoy all four seasons, with mild winters averaging lows around 21°F and warm summers peaking near 88°F. The area receives about 42 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 59% of days, making outdoor activities accessible much of the year. This climate supports a variety of recreational opportunities throughout every season.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
The community in Sedalia is close-knit, with a median household income of $43,000 and a family income averaging $53,500. About 83% of adults hold at least a high school diploma, and the unemployment rate is a low 3.7%. Most residents have short commute times and affordable rents, fostering a friendly and accessible local lifestyle.
Median Income:
$33,400
Household Income:
$43,000
Family Income:
$53,500
Per Capita Income:
$22,800
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$31,600
Poverty Rate:
18.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
17.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.5%
Bachelors or More:
15.4%
Education
How are the schools in Sedalia, MO?
Sedalia offers quality educational options, including public schools like Smith-Cotton High School and Sedalia Middle School, as well as private choices such as Sacred Heart School. State Fair Community College provides local higher education, while the University of Central Missouri is just 30 miles away. Families benefit from a range of K-12 and college opportunities within easy reach.

Public Schools
Name:
Smith-Cotton High School
Street:
2010 Tiger Pride Blvd
Phone:
660-851-5300
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Sedalia Middle School
Street:
2205 S Ingram Ave
Phone:
660-826-5500
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7

Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart School
Street:
416 W 3rd St
Phone:
660-827-3800
Students:
420

Colleges
Name:
State Fair Community College
City:
Sedalia
State:
MO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,600
Name:
University of Central Missouri
City:
Warrensburg
State:
MO
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
10,500
Healthcare
Sedalia provides solid healthcare options, anchored by Bothwell Regional Health Center, which offers emergency and surgical services. There are about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% have health insurance coverage, supporting the well-being of the community. The healthcare index reflects good access for a city of its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Bothwell Regional Health Center
Address:
601 E 14th St, Sedalia, MO 65301
Phone:
(660) 826-8833
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.4%
Health Care Index:
65.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sedalia, MO?
The Sedalia housing market is notably affordable, with a median home price of $137,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $790. Over half of residents own their homes, and the city has a healthy 5.1% annual home appreciation rate. Rental vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, making it an appealing market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$137,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$790
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Sedalia residents handle vehicle and driver licensing through the Missouri Department of Revenue's local office at 208 W. 16th St. Services cover all standard DMV needs, and the office can be reached at 1-573-526-3669 or online. The DMV offers convenient access for new arrivals looking to update their records.
State:
Missouri
Department:
Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing
Address:
208 W. 16th St, Sedalia, MO 65301
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.