What to know when moving to Ozark, MO
Ozark at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 34.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 25.3% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $76,552, offering a solid financial foundation.
- The Reality Check:
- Public transit use stands at 0%, indicating a car-dependent lifestyle.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $991, which is manageable for the area.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Ozark features a population of 34,112, reflecting a diverse community with a relatively high median income. With a significant percentage of the population being homeowners, the housing market is primarily owner-occupied, showcasing a stable community. The area experiences an average of 69 rainy days per year, so having rain gear is a wise choice.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transit, as only 0% of residents commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $991, making it affordable compared to many urban areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $253,700, providing options for homebuyers.
- 34.6% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 11.1%, indicating some economic challenges in the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Missouri, property crime has a state annual rate of 1,682.4 per 100,000, which is 8.8% higher than the national rate. Over the last few years, the rate has decreased by 30.4%. Violent crime stands at 422.6 per 100,000, significantly above the national average, but has also seen a 15.6% decline.
- Violent crime: 422.6 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3
- Property crime: 1,682.4 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 31.6% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Missouri).
Schools & Higher Ed
Ozark has access to six postsecondary institutions, with one located within Christian County and five in nearby Greene County. This provides a variety of educational options for residents.
- Evangel University-James River Assembly of God Church (Ozark, MO)
- Bryan University (Springfield, MO)
- Columbia College - Springfield (Springfield, MO)
- Midwest Technical Institute-Missouri (Springfield, MO)
- Paul Mitchell the School-Springfield (Springfield, MO)
- WellSpring School of Allied Health-Springfield (Springfield, MO)
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Ozark sees an average annual precipitation of 35.3 inches, with 69 rainy days each year, so it's good to be prepared for wet weather. Snow is minimal, with only about 0.7 inches annually.
- Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park - 4.9 stars, 4648 reviews
- Sequiota Park - 4.7 stars, 3324 reviews
- Finley River Park - 4.5 stars, 1200 reviews
- Smallin Civil War Cave - 4.7 stars, 1000 reviews
- Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse - 4.6 stars, 597 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.