Vandalia, MO
Population 3,260 · Missouri
About Vandalia, MO
Vandalia is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 3,260 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,649 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Vandalia features a median home value of $75,600, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Vandalia one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $762, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,184 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (660 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (312 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Vandalia shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Vandalia have an average one-way commute time of 21 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.5% of Vandalia 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 0.8% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Vandalia, MO
Compared to national averages, Vandalia has a median household income of $58,649 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $75,600, which is 69% below the national median. Monthly rent at $762 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Vandalia's income is 4% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 50% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Vandalia, MO?
Vandalia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $75,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $762/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,649) that falls below the national average. However, Vandalia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Vandalia has a population of 3,260 with a median age of 40.5 years. Compare Vandalia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Vandalia
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Creek | 3,261 | $57,467 | $104,800 | Compare |
| Louisiana | 3,231 | $46,006 | $81,100 | Compare |
| St. Paul | 3,292 | $154,022 | $421,900 | Compare |
| Cassville | 3,208 | $52,102 | $152,600 | Compare |
| Carrollton | 3,335 | $53,160 | $101,800 | Compare |
| Cuba | 3,172 | $44,217 | $171,000 | Compare |
| Country Club | 3,171 | $82,614 | $206,200 | Compare |
| Byrnes Mill | 3,168 | $87,663 | $249,500 | 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 Vandalia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Vandalia
What is the population of Vandalia, MO?
The population of Vandalia, MO is 3,260 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 Vandalia?
The median household income in Vandalia, MO is $58,649 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Vandalia?
The median home value in Vandalia, MO is $75,600, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Vandalia?
The median monthly rent in Vandalia, MO is $762, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Vandalia?
The unemployment rate in Vandalia, MO is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Vandalia, MO a good place to live?
Vandalia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,260 and a median age of 40.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Vandalia, MO?
8.5% of residents in Vandalia 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 Vandalia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Vandalia, MO: median home value is $75,600 (69% below national), median rent is $762/month, and median household income is $58,649. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Vandalia?
The poverty rate in Vandalia, MO is 15.8%, 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 Vandalia, MO?
Vandalia's population is 0.8% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 10.9% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.