East Prairie, MO
Population 2,930 · Missouri
About East Prairie, MO
East Prairie is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 2,930 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,159 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in East Prairie features a median home value of $58,000, which is 76% below the national median of $244,900. This makes East Prairie one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $825, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,520 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (568 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (769 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in East Prairie shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 30.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in East Prairie have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.3% of East Prairie residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in East Prairie, MO
Compared to national averages, East Prairie has a median household income of $31,159 (59% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $58,000, which is 76% below the national median. Monthly rent at $825 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, East Prairie's income is 49% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 62% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in East Prairie, MO?
East Prairie offers affordable housing with a median home value of $58,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $825/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,159) that falls below the national average. However, East Prairie’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
East Prairie has a population of 2,930 with a median age of 40.6 years. Compare East Prairie with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near East Prairie
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckner | 2,917 | $84,572 | $177,100 | Compare |
| Clever | 2,977 | $77,403 | $179,400 | Compare |
| Ava | 2,978 | $44,722 | $134,800 | Compare |
| Portageville | 2,869 | $36,924 | $150,000 | Compare |
| Villa Ridge | 2,994 | $67,129 | $153,100 | Compare |
| Piedmont | 2,857 | $37,868 | $102,400 | Compare |
| Gray Summit | 2,847 | $54,883 | $140,200 | Compare |
| Knob Noster | 2,824 | $60,294 | $146,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare East Prairie With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about East Prairie
What is the population of East Prairie, MO?
The population of East Prairie, MO is 2,930 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Missouri.
What is the median household income in East Prairie?
The median household income in East Prairie, MO is $31,159 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in East Prairie?
The median home value in East Prairie, MO is $58,000, which is 76% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in East Prairie?
The median monthly rent in East Prairie, MO is $825, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in East Prairie?
The unemployment rate in East Prairie, MO is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is East Prairie, MO a good place to live?
East Prairie offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,930 and a median age of 40.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is East Prairie, MO?
9.3% of residents in East Prairie aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in East Prairie?
Key cost-of-living indicators for East Prairie, MO: median home value is $58,000 (76% below national), median rent is $825/month, and median household income is $31,159. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in East Prairie?
The poverty rate in East Prairie, MO is 30.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is East Prairie, MO?
East Prairie's population is 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.