Festus, MO
Population 12,965 · Missouri
About Festus, MO
Festus is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 12,965 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,085 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Festus features a median home value of $206,200, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Festus in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $935, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,389 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (2,779 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (2,139 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Festus shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Festus have an average one-way commute time of 26.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.6% of Festus 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 3.1% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Festus, MO
Compared to national averages, Festus has a median household income of $70,085 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $206,200, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $935 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Festus's income is 15% above the state average of $61,047, and home values are 37% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Festus, MO?
Festus offers affordable housing with a median home value of $206,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $935/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,085) that falls below the national average. However, Festus’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Festus has a population of 12,965 with a median age of 35.4 years. Compare Festus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Festus
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jennings | 12,900 | $37,356 | $62,300 | Compare |
| St. Ann | 12,865 | $52,059 | $118,600 | Compare |
| Neosho | 12,857 | $55,159 | $148,600 | Compare |
| Dardenne Prairie | 13,137 | $155,585 | $392,300 | Compare |
| Webb City | 13,139 | $61,502 | $156,200 | Compare |
| Branson | 12,760 | $54,961 | $237,900 | Compare |
| Fulton | 12,611 | $55,015 | $144,500 | Compare |
| Union | 12,560 | $71,760 | $199,100 | 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 Festus With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Festus
What is the population of Festus, MO?
The population of Festus, MO is 12,965 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Festus?
The median household income in Festus, MO is $70,085 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Festus?
The median home value in Festus, MO is $206,200, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Festus?
The median monthly rent in Festus, MO is $935, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Festus?
The unemployment rate in Festus, MO is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Festus, MO a good place to live?
Festus offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,965 and a median age of 35.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Festus, MO?
21.6% of residents in Festus 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 Festus?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Festus, MO: median home value is $206,200 (16% below national), median rent is $935/month, and median household income is $70,085. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Festus?
The poverty rate in Festus, MO is 16.6%, 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 Festus, MO?
Festus's population is 3.1% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 3.2% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.