MissouriPop. 35,133Small cities
Is Wildwood a Good Place to Live? Wildwood, Missouri: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Wildwood ranks #121 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #25 of 208 small cities and #2 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (2.2%, #1 of 208) and high household income ($161,060, #6 of 208), and trails on expensive homes ($495,800, #184 of 208) and high rents ($1,661/mo, #178 of 208).
Wildwood by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Wildwood's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Wildwood: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Wildwood safe?
What is the cost of living in Wildwood?
Wildwood'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 $1,661/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $583,404, 2.2 times the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
| Measure | Wildwood | 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 | $583,404#925 of 1,187 | $267,879 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $495,800#978 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,661/mo#841 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 12.4%#12 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.
Wildwood 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. Wildwood is in the St. Louis, MO-IL metro.
Missouri housing market →Is Wildwood safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Wildwood alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Wildwood crime rate or rank it on safety. Missouri as a whole records 418 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Wildwood?
The median household in Wildwood earns $161,060, 94% above the US figure of $83,163 and 2.2 times Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Wildwood | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $161,060#26 of 1,312 | $71,589 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 4% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 2.2%#9 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 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 Wildwood?
The median resident of Wildwood is 45.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 68.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #59 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 91.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Wildwood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 45.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 68.8%#59 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 91.8% | 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 Wildwood's schools and health?
Wildwood's 7 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $12,527 spent per pupil. 26.7% of adults are obese and 8.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Wildwood | 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 14.9 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,527#871 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 26.7%#210 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.9%#197 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 13.6%#94 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 4.3%#24 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. 4,956 students are enrolled in Wildwood's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Wildwood?
The average commute in Wildwood is 27.3 minutes (Missouri 24); 0.1% of workers take transit and 24.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Wildwood scores 7.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #1166 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.8°F and winters 34.4°F, with 39.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Wildwood | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 27.3 min#955 of 1,312 | 24 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.2%#228 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 68.8% | 74.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 1% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.8% | 1.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 24.7% | 11.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.5#1166 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 | 41 | 22 | 2.4 |
| Feb | 46.5 | 25.8 | 2 |
| Mar | 57.4 | 34.4 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 68.4 | 44.3 | 4.6 |
| May | 77.2 | 54.9 | 4.6 |
| Jun | 85.7 | 63.9 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 89.5 | 68 | 3.3 |
| Aug | 88.1 | 65.7 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 80.9 | 56.5 | 3 |
| Oct | 69.5 | 45.1 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 56.2 | 34.4 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 45.1 | 26.4 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at St Louis Spirit Of St Louis Airport.
| Measure | Wildwood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 56.1°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 76.8°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 34.4°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 39.8 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 Spirit Of St Louis Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Wildwood?
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 | Wildwood | 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 Wildwood compare with similar-size cities?
Wildwood is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #25 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 35,133.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildwood, MOPop. 35,133 | #121 | 67.6 | $161,060 | $1,661/mo | no data | 27.3 min |
| Norristown, PAPop. 35,893 | #697 | 55.0 | $66,701 | $1,422/mo | 487 | 26.9 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 |
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 Wildwood compare with the rest of Missouri?
Wildwood ranks #2 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 67.6 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 2.2 times the Missouri median. Homes are 2.2 times 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 Wildwood's score calculated?
Wildwood scores 67.6 out of 100, #121 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Wildwood. Similar-size median 52.9.
88.8 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Wildwood. Similar-size median 52.2.
76.1 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Wildwood's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
64.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Wildwood's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
59.5 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Wildwood. Similar-size median 46.7.
100.0 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Wildwood. Similar-size median 44.2.
42.3 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Wildwood. Similar-size median 47.3.
56.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Wildwood's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
34.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
49.6 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Wildwood alone.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Wildwood'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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood
Is Wildwood, MO a good place to live?
Wildwood ranks #121 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #25 of 208 small cities and #2 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (2.2%, #1 of 208) and high household income ($161,060, #6 of 208), and trails on expensive homes ($495,800, #184 of 208) and high rents ($1,661/mo, #178 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Wildwood?
Wildwood'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 $1,661/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $583,404, 2.2 times the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
Is Wildwood safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Wildwood alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Wildwood crime rate or rank it on safety. Missouri as a whole records 418 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Wildwood?
The median household in Wildwood earns $161,060, 94% above the US figure of $83,163 and 2.2 times Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Wildwood?
Median rent in Wildwood is $1,661/mo (Census), #841 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 12.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Wildwood?
The typical home value in Wildwood is $583,404, up 3.2% in a year, against $267,879 for Missouri and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $495,800.
How are the public schools in Wildwood?
Wildwood's 7 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $12,527 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Wildwood?
The average commute is 27.3 minutes, #955 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across Missouri. 3.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Wildwood?
Wildwood averages 56.1°F over the year, 76.8°F in summer and 34.4°F in winter, with 39.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Wildwood walkable?
Wildwood scores 7.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1166 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 Wildwood at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts St.
How is the air quality in Wildwood?
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 Wildwood?
Wildwood has 35,133 residents. The median resident of Wildwood is 45.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 68.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #59 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 91.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Wildwood compare with the rest of Missouri?
Wildwood ranks #2 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 67.6 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 2.2 times the Missouri median. Homes are 2.2 times the typical Missouri home.
What cities are similar in size to Wildwood?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Wildwood's population of 35,133 are Norristown, PA (#697 overall), Torrington, CT (#409 overall), Prairieville, LA (#494 overall), Butte, MT (#654 overall), and Lewiston, ID (#485 overall). Wildwood is #121.