Steele, MO
Population 1,449 · Missouri
About Steele, MO
Steele is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 1,449 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,750 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.3 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 Steele features a median home value of $115,900, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Steele one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $729, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 807 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (292 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (281 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Steele shows an unemployment rate of 22.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Steele have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.6% of Steele 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, 0.6% 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 Steele, MO
Compared to national averages, Steele has a median household income of $33,750 (55% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $115,900, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $729 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Steele's income is 45% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 23% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Steele, MO?
Steele offers affordable housing with a median home value of $115,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $729/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,750) that falls below the national average. However, Steele’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Steele has a population of 1,449 with a median age of 34.3 years. Compare Steele with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Steele
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Knob | 1,445 | $51,852 | $304,700 | Compare |
| Princeton | 1,434 | $55,066 | $69,200 | Compare |
| Bel-Nor | 1,472 | $106,875 | $204,100 | Compare |
| Pierce City | 1,472 | $45,000 | $112,000 | Compare |
| Belle | 1,476 | $55,341 | $141,100 | Compare |
| Edina | 1,420 | $42,125 | $79,900 | Compare |
| Lakeshire | 1,478 | $61,346 | $260,300 | Compare |
| Tarkio | 1,478 | $60,250 | $86,900 | 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 Steele With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Steele
What is the population of Steele, MO?
The population of Steele, MO is 1,449 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 Steele?
The median household income in Steele, MO is $33,750 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Steele?
The median home value in Steele, MO is $115,900, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Steele?
The median monthly rent in Steele, MO is $729, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Steele?
The unemployment rate in Steele, MO is 22.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Steele, MO a good place to live?
Steele offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,449 and a median age of 34.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Steele, MO?
16.6% of residents in Steele 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 Steele?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Steele, MO: median home value is $115,900 (53% below national), median rent is $729/month, and median household income is $33,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Steele?
The poverty rate in Steele, MO is 27.5%, 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 Steele, MO?
Steele's population is 0.0% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 15.5% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.