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Is Blue Springs a Good Place to Live? Blue Springs, Missouri: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Blue Springs ranks #348 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #166 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #31 of 437) and low living costs (92.5, #77 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Blue Springs by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Blue Springs's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Blue Springs?
Blue Springs's cost of living index is 92.5, 7% below the US level of 100 and #337 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,277/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $311,297, 16% above the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
| Measure | Blue Springs | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 92.5#337 of 1,308 | 90.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $311,297#409 of 1,187 | $267,879 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,713/mo#523 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $263,100#427 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,277/mo#510 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17.2%#173 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Blue Springs housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Blue Springs is in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro.
Missouri housing market →Is Blue Springs safe?
Blue Springs recorded 228 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% below the US rate of 328 and 45% below Missouri's 418. That ranks #410 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #191 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Blue Springs Police Department. Property crime runs 1,717 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Blue Springs | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 228#410 of 1,085 | 418 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,717#582 of 1,085 | 1,644 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Blue Springs?
The median household in Blue Springs earns $88,920, 7% above the US figure of $83,163 and 24% above Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Blue Springs | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $88,920#478 of 1,312 | $71,589 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7%#241 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Blue Springs?
The median resident of Blue Springs is 37.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 35% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #608 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Blue Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 35%#608 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 68.9% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Blue Springs's schools and health?
Blue Springs's 16 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $12,950 spent per pupil. 34.3% of adults are obese and 9.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Blue Springs | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 89.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.2#498 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,950#834 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.3%#719 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.9%#383 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.7%#992 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8%#372 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,289 students are enrolled in Blue Springs's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Blue Springs?
The average commute in Blue Springs is 25.7 minutes (Missouri 24); 0% of workers take transit and 14.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Blue Springs scores 8.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77°F and winters 33.5°F, with 38.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Blue Springs | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.7 min#828 of 1,312 | 24 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.3%#446 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 79.2% | 74.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.3% | 1.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 14.8% | 11.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.9#851 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39 | 22.1 | 1 |
| Feb | 44.3 | 25.9 | 1.4 |
| Mar | 55.4 | 35.4 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 65.5 | 45.5 | 4.2 |
| May | 74.8 | 55.9 | 5.7 |
| Jun | 84 | 65.4 | 5 |
| Jul | 88.3 | 69.7 | 4.6 |
| Aug | 86.9 | 67.6 | 4.5 |
| Sep | 79 | 59 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 67.1 | 47.2 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 54 | 36.2 | 2.1 |
| Dec | 43.2 | 26.3 | 1.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lees Summit Muni Airport.
| Measure | Blue Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 77°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 33.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lees Summit Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Blue Springs?
Jackson County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 57% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jackson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Blue Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#344 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Jackson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Jackson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.014% | 89% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.017% | 79% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 34% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.068% | 33% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0011% | 31% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Blue Springs compare with similar-size cities?
Blue Springs is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #166 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 59,965.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Springs, MOPop. 59,965 | #348 | 61.0 | $88,920 | $1,277/mo | 228 | 25.7 min |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #997 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 | 14.9 min |
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #908 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 | 17.1 min |
| Madison, ALPop. 60,106 | #28 | 72.1 | $134,655 | $1,453/mo | 152 | 20.2 min |
| Revere, MAPop. 60,012 | #394 | 60.2 | $86,969 | $2,076/mo | 314 | 34.2 min |
| Corvallis, ORPop. 59,960 | #600 | 56.7 | $65,012 | $1,391/mo | 173 | 16.1 min |
| Hanford, CAPop. 59,754 | #956 | 50.8 | $76,461 | $1,309/mo | 345 | 22.6 min |
| West Allis, WIPop. 59,612 | #305 | 62.0 | $67,611 | $1,007/mo | 183 | 21 min |
| Burlington, NCPop. 59,610 | #1087 | 48.1 | $56,880 | $1,051/mo | 640 | 23.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Blue Springs compare with the rest of Missouri?
Blue Springs ranks #10 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 61 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 24% above the Missouri median. Violent crime is 45% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% above the typical Missouri home.
| City | Rank in MO | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesterfield, MOPop. 49,574 | #1 | 70.5 | $133,037 | $1,644/mo | 120 |
| Wildwood, MOPop. 35,133 | #2 | 67.6 | $161,060 | $1,661/mo | no data |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #3 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #4 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #5 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #6 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 |
| University City, MOPop. 34,685 | #7 | 63.2 | $80,694 | $1,319/mo | 319 |
| St. Charles, MOPop. 71,508 | #8 | 63.0 | $85,937 | $1,251/mo | 184 |
| Oakville, MOPop. 35,333 | #9 | 61.4 | $106,362 | $1,091/mo | no data |
| Blue Springs, MOPop. 59,965 | #10 | 61.0 | $88,920 | $1,277/mo | 228 |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #11 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #12 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #13 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #14 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #15 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 |
| Cape Girardeau, MOPop. 40,344 | #16 | 49.4 | $55,658 | $876/mo | 467 |
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #17 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 |
| Joplin, MOPop. 52,593 | #18 | 47.5 | $52,097 | $962/mo | 559 |
| Springfield, MOPop. 169,954 | #19 | 46.4 | $49,311 | $964/mo | 1,233 |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #20 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 |
All 20 Missouri cities we track, by overall score. Missouri statewide: median income $71,589, violent crime 417.8 per 100,000.
How is Blue Springs's score calculated?
Blue Springs scores 61 out of 100, #348 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Missouri's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Blue Springs. Similar-size median 55.5.
59.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Blue Springs's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
79.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Blue Springs. Similar-size median 58.9.
53.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Blue Springs's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
64.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Blue Springs's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
75.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Blue Springs. Similar-size median 56.1.
66.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Blue Springs. Similar-size median 42.4.
47.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Blue Springs. Similar-size median 50.0.
45.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Blue Springs's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
41.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
61.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Blue Springs's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Blue Springs has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Blue Springs
Is Blue Springs, MO a good place to live?
Blue Springs ranks #348 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #166 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #31 of 437) and low living costs (92.5, #77 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Blue Springs?
Blue Springs's cost of living index is 92.5, 7% below the US level of 100 and #337 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,277/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $311,297, 16% above the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
What is the crime rate in Blue Springs?
Blue Springs recorded 228 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% below the US rate of 328 and 45% below Missouri's 418. That ranks #410 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #191 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Blue Springs Police Department. Property crime runs 1,717 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Blue Springs?
The median household in Blue Springs earns $88,920, 7% above the US figure of $83,163 and 24% above Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Blue Springs?
Median rent in Blue Springs is $1,277/mo (Census), #510 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,713/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Blue Springs?
The typical home value in Blue Springs is $311,297, up 2.1% in a year, against $267,879 for Missouri and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $263,100.
How are the public schools in Blue Springs?
Blue Springs's 16 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $12,950 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Blue Springs?
The average commute is 25.7 minutes, #828 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across Missouri. 4.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Blue Springs?
Blue Springs averages 55.7°F over the year, 77°F in summer and 33.5°F in winter, with 38.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Blue Springs walkable?
Blue Springs scores 8.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Blue Springs at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jackson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Blue Springs?
Jackson County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 57% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Blue Springs?
Blue Springs has 59,965 residents. The median resident of Blue Springs is 37.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 35% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #608 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Blue Springs compare with the rest of Missouri?
Blue Springs ranks #10 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 61 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 24% above the Missouri median. Violent crime is 45% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% above the typical Missouri home.
What cities are similar in size to Blue Springs?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Blue Springs's population of 59,965 are Great Falls, MT (#997 overall), Owensboro, KY (#908 overall), Madison, AL (#28 overall), Revere, MA (#394 overall), and Corvallis, OR (#600 overall). Blue Springs is #348.