Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Strain, MO
Considering a move to Strain, MO? This tiny rural community of fewer than 500 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $162,000 and rents near $750. The area boasts a peaceful, safe environment, low population density, and a typical commute of about 27 minutes. While amenities are limited locally, nearby Sullivan provides schools and healthcare, and you’ll enjoy a climate with four seasons and plenty of sunny days. Strain is ideal for those seeking small-town life and budget-friendly housing.
Demographics - Strain, MO
Demographics - Strain, MO
Strain, Missouri is a close-knit rural community with fewer than 500 residents, featuring a median age of 44 and a predominantly White population. The town has a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, creating a welcoming environment for those seeking a quiet, traditional lifestyle.
Population:
Estimate: <500
Density:
Approx. 30 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.5%
Black:
2.3%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Strain, MO?
Strain offers a notably affordable cost of living, with median home values around $162,000 and average rents at $750 per month. The area’s cost of living index is well below the national average, making it attractive for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
1.5%
|
High:
5.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.9
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
68.3
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
88.0
Health Care:
91.2
Miscellaneous:
89.5
Crime
Is Strain, MO a safe place to live?
Residents of Strain enjoy a relatively safe environment, with violent crime rates significantly lower than urban centers and a 1 in 400 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime risk is moderate but still below national averages, contributing to the town’s overall sense of security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
250
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,650
Crime Index:
1,900
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 400
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Strain, MO year-round?
Strain experiences all four seasons, with summer highs reaching the upper 80s and winter lows dipping into the low 20s. The area receives about 42.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly 60% of the year, making for a comfortable and varied climate.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
42°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn around $56,500, with a poverty rate slightly above 13% and an unemployment rate of 4.3%. Most residents commute about 27 minutes to work and have strong educational attainment, with nearly 88% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$56,500
Family Income:
$64,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,300
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
4.3%
Public Transport Usage:
<1%
Commute Time:
27.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.6%
Bachelors or More:
16.4%
Education
How are the schools in Strain, MO?
Strain’s students attend schools in nearby Sullivan, with public options like Sullivan High and Middle Schools offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Private and higher education needs are served by local parochial schools and East Central College, located just 20 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Sullivan High School
Street:
1073 East Vine St
Phone:
573-468-5171
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Name:
Sullivan Middle School
Street:
415 Pine St
Phone:
573-468-5171
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Private Schools
Name:
St. Anthony Catholic School
Street:
118 N. Taylor Street, Sullivan, MO 63080
Phone:
573-468-4423
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
East Central College
City:
Union
State:
MO
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is supported by facilities such as Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital, and over 90% of residents have health insurance coverage. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, basic medical needs are met within a short drive of Strain.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital
Address:
751 Sappington Bridge Rd, Sullivan, MO 63080
Phone:
(573) 468-4186
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.4%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Strain, MO?
Strain’s housing market is characterized by affordability and stability, with a median home price of $162,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 74%. Home values have appreciated modestly over the past year, while rental vacancies remain low, reflecting steady local demand.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle and driver licensing services for Strain residents are managed by the Missouri Department of Revenue, with resources available both online and at the Jefferson City office. The DMV provides essential services for registration, licensing, and renewals statewide.
State:
Missouri
Department:
Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle & Driver License
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.