Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tarkio, MO
Thinking of moving to Tarkio, MO? With a cozy population of around 1,500, Tarkio offers small-town charm and affordability—median home prices are just $108,500 and average rents about $645. Residents enjoy low crime rates, quick 15-minute commutes, and a welcoming community. Excellent student-teacher ratios in local schools, a high owner-occupancy rate, and a climate with 62% sunny days make Tarkio a great spot for comfortable, peaceful living.
Demographics - Tarkio, MO
Demographics - Tarkio, MO
Tarkio is a close-knit community of about 1,480 people, predominantly White, with a median age nearing 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The city’s population density supports a friendly, small-town atmosphere, and only a small percentage speak languages other than English, fostering a cohesive local culture.
Population:
1,480
Density:
1,035 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.9
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
2.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Tarkio, MO?
Living in Tarkio is highly affordable, with a median home value of $108,500 and average rent around $645. The cost of living index sits well below the national average, making everyday expenses, including groceries and utilities, budget-friendly for residents.
Median House Value:
$108,500
Gross Rent:
$645
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$975
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
1.5%
|
High:
5.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.4
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
60.5
Utilities:
92.3
Transportation:
87.0
Health Care:
93.2
Miscellaneous:
85.3
Crime
Is Tarkio, MO a safe place to live?
Tarkio experiences low violent crime rates, with only 143 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents peace of mind. The chance of property crime is about 1 in 66, supporting a sense of safety within this small community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
143
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,525
Crime Index:
1,668
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 700
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 66
Weather
What is the weather like in Tarkio, MO year-round?
Tarkio's climate features cold winters and warm summers, with temperatures ranging from 17°F in winter to highs near 88°F in summer. Residents can expect about 62% sunny days each year and moderate annual rainfall, making for pleasant seasonal changes.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
37°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The typical household in Tarkio earns about $45,500, and the community enjoys a low unemployment rate of 3.8%. Most residents commute just over 15 minutes to work, and a strong educational base is evident with over 90% having completed high school.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$45,500
Family Income:
$57,300
Per Capita Income:
$23,800
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$25,200
Poverty Rate:
14.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$645
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
15.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.4%
Bachelors or More:
18.1%
Education
How are the schools in Tarkio, MO?
Local public schools in Tarkio offer small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention for students, and higher education is accessible with a major university just 29 miles away. The community values education, supporting a strong foundation for learners of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Tarkio High School
Street:
312 S 11th St
Phone:
660-736-4118
Students:
170
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.1
Name:
Tarkio Elementary School
Street:
312 S 11th St
Phone:
660-736-4177
Students:
170
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.3

Colleges
Name:
Northwest Missouri State University
City:
Maryville
State:
MO
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
7,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Tarkio is accessible, with two major hospitals nearby and nearly 90% of residents covered by health insurance. The area has a good physician-to-population ratio, supporting timely access to medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Community Hospital-Fairfax
Address:
26136 US Hwy 59, Fairfax, MO 64446
Phone:
(660) 686-2211
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mosaic Medical Center–Maryville
Address:
2016 S Main St, Maryville, MO 64468
Phone:
(660) 562-2600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Tarkio, MO?
Tarkio’s housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $108,500 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 72.5%. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a healthy, attractive environment for home buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$108,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$645
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Tarkio can access motor vehicle and driver services through the Missouri Department of Revenue, located in Jefferson City, with convenient support available by phone and online for licensing and registration needs.
State:
Missouri
Department:
Missouri Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle & Driver Licensing
Address:
301 W High St, 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.