MissouriPop. 103,656Mid-size cities
Is Lee's Summit a Good Place to Live? Lee's Summit, Missouri: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lee's Summit ranks #179 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #22 of 256 mid-size cities and #5 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (112 per 100,000, #14 of 235) and low poverty (5.7%, #16 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Lee's Summit by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lee's Summit'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 Lee's Summit?
Lee's Summit'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 $1,422/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $340,900.
| Measure | Lee's Summit | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 92.5#337 of 1,308 | 90.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $340,900#633 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,422/mo#655 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 16.6%#130 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Is Lee's Summit safe?
Lee's Summit recorded 112 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 66% below the US rate of 328 and 73% below Missouri's 418. That ranks #151 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #14 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lee's Summit Police Department. Property crime runs 1,953 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lee's Summit | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 112#151 of 1,085 | 418 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,953#697 of 1,085 | 1,644 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Lee's Summit?
The median household in Lee's Summit earns $102,531, 23% above the US figure of $83,163 and 43% above Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lee's Summit | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $102,531#305 of 1,312 | $71,589 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 5.7%#152 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lee's Summit?
The median resident of Lee's Summit is 38.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 48.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #283 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lee's Summit | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 38.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 48.8%#283 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 73.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lee's Summit's schools and health?
Lee's Summit's 26 public schools graduate 92.2% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $13,741 spent per pupil. 32.6% of adults are obese and 9.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Lee's Summit | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 92.2%#219 of 1,063 | 89.8% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.9#445 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,741#736 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 32.6%#580 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.5%#297 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.7%#563 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 6.4%#186 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 17,769 students are enrolled in Lee's Summit's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lee's Summit?
The average commute in Lee's Summit is 25.2 minutes (Missouri 24); 0.1% of workers take transit and 20.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lee's Summit scores 8.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #933 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 | Lee's Summit | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 25.2 min#793 of 1,312 | 24 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3%#191 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.4% | 74.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.8% | 1.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 20.8% | 11.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.5#933 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | Lee's Summit | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 55.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 77°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 33.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 38.3 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Lee's Summit?
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 | Lee's Summit | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#344 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Lee's Summit compare with similar-size cities?
Lee's Summit is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #22 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 103,656.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #179 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 | 25.2 min |
| Buckeye, AZPop. 104,923 | #478 | 58.4 | $99,486 | $1,963/mo | 159 | 33.3 min |
| Edinburg, TXPop. 104,550 | #1013 | 49.8 | $59,466 | $996/mo | 213 | 21.8 min |
| Columbia, MDPop. 104,338 | #36 | 71.5 | $131,490 | $2,042/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| Rialto, CAPop. 104,143 | #1065 | 48.5 | $88,857 | $1,759/mo | 583 | 31.9 min |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #288 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 | 16.3 min |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #863 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 | 20.2 min |
| Highlands Ranch, COPop. 102,257 | #109 | 68.0 | $159,307 | $2,531/mo | no data | 24.2 min |
| Quincy, MAPop. 102,114 | #150 | 66.1 | $98,882 | $2,118/mo | 302 | 34.7 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 Lee's Summit compare with the rest of Missouri?
Lee's Summit ranks #5 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 65 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 43% above the Missouri median. Violent crime is 73% below the statewide rate.
| 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 Lee's Summit's score calculated?
Lee's Summit scores 65 out of 100, #179 of 1,312 (grade A, 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 Lee's Summit. Similar-size median 52.9.
68.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lee's Summit's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
85.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lee's Summit. Similar-size median 53.8.
60.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lee's Summit's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
63.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lee's Summit's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
70.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lee's Summit. Similar-size median 51.2.
74.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lee's Summit. Similar-size median 42.1.
52.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lee's Summit. Similar-size median 50.1.
54.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lee's Summit's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
39.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
61.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lee's Summit's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit
Is Lee's Summit, MO a good place to live?
Lee's Summit ranks #179 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #22 of 256 mid-size cities and #5 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (112 per 100,000, #14 of 235) and low poverty (5.7%, #16 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Lee's Summit?
Lee's Summit'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 $1,422/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $340,900.
What is the crime rate in Lee's Summit?
Lee's Summit recorded 112 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 66% below the US rate of 328 and 73% below Missouri's 418. That ranks #151 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #14 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lee's Summit Police Department. Property crime runs 1,953 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lee's Summit?
The median household in Lee's Summit earns $102,531, 23% above the US figure of $83,163 and 43% above Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lee's Summit?
Median rent in Lee's Summit is $1,422/mo (Census), #655 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 16.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lee's Summit?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Lee's Summit is $340,900, #633 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Lee's Summit?
Lee's Summit's 26 public schools graduate 92.2% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $13,741 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lee's Summit?
The average commute is 25.2 minutes, #793 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across Missouri. 3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lee's Summit?
Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit walkable?
Lee's Summit scores 8.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #933 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 Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit?
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 Lee's Summit?
Lee's Summit has 103,656 residents. The median resident of Lee's Summit is 38.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 48.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #283 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lee's Summit compare with the rest of Missouri?
Lee's Summit ranks #5 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 65 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 43% above the Missouri median. Violent crime is 73% below the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to Lee's Summit?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lee's Summit's population of 103,656 are Buckeye, AZ (#478 overall), Edinburg, TX (#1013 overall), Columbia, MD (#36 overall), Rialto, CA (#1065 overall), and Bend, OR (#288 overall). Lee's Summit is #179.