MissouriPop. 34,685Small cities
Is University City a Good Place to Live? University City, Missouri: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
University City ranks #252 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #47 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1%, #43 of 182), and trails on low graduation rates (82%, #154 of 191).
University City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with University City'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 University City?
University City's cost of living index is 95.1, 5% below the US level of 100 and #439 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,319/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $269,331, 1% above the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
| Measure | University City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 95.1#439 of 1,308 | 90.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $269,331#298 of 1,187 | $267,879 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,454/mo#302 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $306,700#548 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,319/mo#549 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 19.6%#407 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
University City 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. University City is in the St. Louis, MO-IL metro.
Missouri housing market →Is University City safe?
University City recorded 319 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% below the US rate of 328 and 24% below Missouri's 418. That ranks #587 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #107 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by University City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,625 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | University City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 319#587 of 1,085 | 418 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,625#533 of 1,085 | 1,644 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 University City?
The median household in University City earns $80,694, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% above Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 14.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | University City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $80,694#605 of 1,312 | $71,589 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 4% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 14.5%#830 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1%#233 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in University City?
The median resident of University City is 36.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 64.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #86 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | University City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 36.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 64.9%#86 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 56.2% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are University City's schools and health?
University City's 7 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $19,144 spent per pupil. 31% of adults are obese and 11.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | University City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 82%#809 of 1,063 | 89.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 11.9#74 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $19,144#253 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 31%#457 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.3%#676 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 15.6%#351 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 6.5%#197 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 2,672 students are enrolled in University City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in University City?
The average commute in University City is 21.5 minutes (Missouri 24); 4.3% of workers take transit and 18.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index University City scores 14.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.6°F and winters 35.1°F, with 41.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | University City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 21.5 min#464 of 1,312 | 24 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3%#191 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 63.5% | 74.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 4.3% | 1% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.6% | 1.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 18.7% | 11.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.4#100 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 40.4 | 23.8 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 45.8 | 27.6 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 56.6 | 36.7 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 68 | 47 | 4.7 |
| May | 77.1 | 57.9 | 4.8 |
| Jun | 85.9 | 67.2 | 4.5 |
| Jul | 89.6 | 71.1 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 88.3 | 69.3 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 81.1 | 60.9 | 3 |
| Oct | 69.2 | 49.1 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 55.5 | 37.4 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 44.5 | 28.5 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at St Louis Lambert International Airport.
| Measure | University City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 57.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 78.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 35.1°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 41.7 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at St Louis Lambert International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in University City?
St. Louis County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts St. Louis County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, earthquake, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 55% of US counties.
| Measure | University City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#743 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for St. Louis County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, St. Louis County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.014% | 90% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.031% | 88% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0014% | 67% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.09% | 60% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.005% | 37% 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 University City compare with similar-size cities?
University City is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #47 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 34,685.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University City, MOPop. 34,685 | #252 | 63.2 | $80,694 | $1,319/mo | 319 | 21.5 min |
| Torrington, CTPop. 35,547 | #409 | 59.9 | $70,856 | $1,169/mo | 98 | 25 min |
| Prairieville, LAPop. 35,238 | #494 | 58.2 | $104,923 | $1,324/mo | no data | 31.9 min |
| Butte, MTPop. 35,052 | #654 | 55.8 | $61,857 | $856/mo | no data | 16.9 min |
| Lewiston, IDPop. 34,651 | #485 | 58.3 | $72,197 | $1,027/mo | 175 | 15.3 min |
| McMinnville, ORPop. 34,596 | #749 | 54.2 | $73,736 | $1,380/mo | 163 | 20.8 min |
| Kearney, NEPop. 34,246 | #486 | 58.3 | $69,724 | $949/mo | 229 | 13.9 min |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #1220 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 | 18.9 min |
| Alabaster, ALPop. 33,917 | #207 | 64.3 | $91,357 | $1,372/mo | 95 | 30.6 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 University City compare with the rest of Missouri?
University City ranks #7 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 63.2 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 13% above the Missouri median. Violent crime is 24% below the statewide rate. Homes are 1% 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 University City's score calculated?
University City scores 63.2 out of 100, #252 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 University City. Similar-size median 52.9.
57.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by University City's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
74.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in University City. Similar-size median 52.2.
61.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in University City's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
68.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
University City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
71.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in University City. Similar-size median 46.7.
48.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in University City. Similar-size median 44.2.
52.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in University City. Similar-size median 47.3.
64.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across University City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
70.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
49.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: University City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories University City 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 University City
Is University City, MO a good place to live?
University City ranks #252 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #47 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1%, #43 of 182), and trails on low graduation rates (82%, #154 of 191).
What is the cost of living in University City?
University City's cost of living index is 95.1, 5% below the US level of 100 and #439 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,319/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $269,331, 1% above the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
What is the crime rate in University City?
University City recorded 319 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% below the US rate of 328 and 24% below Missouri's 418. That ranks #587 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #107 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by University City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,625 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in University City?
The median household in University City earns $80,694, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% above Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 14.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in University City?
Median rent in University City is $1,319/mo (Census), #549 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,454/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in University City?
The typical home value in University City is $269,331, up 3.6% in a year, against $267,879 for Missouri and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $306,700.
How are the public schools in University City?
University City's 7 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $19,144 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in University City?
The average commute is 21.5 minutes, #464 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 University City?
University City averages 57.4°F over the year, 78.6°F in summer and 35.1°F in winter, with 41.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is University City walkable?
University City scores 14.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #100 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 University City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts St.
How is the air quality in University City?
St. Louis County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Louis County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, earthquake, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 55% of US counties.
Who lives in University City?
University City has 34,685 residents. The median resident of University City is 36.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 64.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #86 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does University City compare with the rest of Missouri?
University City ranks #7 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 63.2 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 13% above the Missouri median. Violent crime is 24% below the statewide rate. Homes are 1% above the typical Missouri home.
What cities are similar in size to University City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to University City's population of 34,685 are Torrington, CT (#409 overall), Prairieville, LA (#494 overall), Butte, MT (#654 overall), Lewiston, ID (#485 overall), and McMinnville, OR (#749 overall). University City is #252.