What to know when moving to Lees Summit, MO
TL;DR: Lees Summit at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 38.8% of residents are renters and the median household income is $77,966.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to nearby parks, with Jackson County Parks + Rec rated 4.6 stars from over 2,500 reviews.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 12.5% indicates some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 0.3% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,151 in monthly rent on average.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Lees Summit has a population of about 21,430, with 34.4% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a relatively educated community. The housing market shows that the median gross rent is $1,151, while the median home value is $242,800, indicating typical suburban affordability. With 0.3% of residents commuting via public transit, this is a car-dependent area.
Probably not your spot if you prefer to rely on public transportation, as it's minimal here.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,151, which suggests budgeting around that amount monthly.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $242,800, reflecting typical suburban home prices.
- 34.4% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to community character.
- The poverty rate stands at 12.5%, indicating some economic challenges in the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Missouri's crime rates show some concerning trends, though they are somewhat improving. The state annual violent crime rate for 2025 is 422.6 per 100,000 people, which is 29.9% higher than the national average. Property crime is at 1,682.4 per 100,000, roughly 8.8% above the national rate.
- Violent crime: 422.6 per 100,000 vs. 325.3 nationally, with a 15.6% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,682.4 per 100,000 vs. 1,546.9 nationally, down 30.4% since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped by 31.6% since 2022, now at 7.2 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Missouri).
Schools & Higher Ed
Lees Summit has access to a total of 6 postsecondary institutions, primarily in nearby Jackson County. Notable options include:
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Kansas City
- Research College of Nursing
- Calvary University
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Jackson County receives about 32.9 inches of precipitation annually, with an average of 97 rainy days. Winter snowfall is minimal at just 0.9 inches per year, with about 4 snow days. For outdoor enthusiasts, several parks are highly rated:
- Jackson County Parks + Rec - 4.6 stars from 2,547 reviews
- Lea McKeighan Park - South - 4.7 stars from 1,375 reviews
- Burrus Old Mill Park - 4.7 stars from 1,156 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.