West Plains, Missouri

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Population in 2021: 12,170 (92% urban, 8% rural).
Population change since 2000: +12.0%
 
Males: 5,835  (48.0%)
Females: 6,335  (52.0%)
Median resident age:

34.2 years
Missouri median age:

39.2 years

Zip codes: 65775.

Estimated median household income in 2021: $38,914 (it was $24,122 in 2000)
West Plains:

$38,914
MO:

$61,847

Estimated per capita income in 2021: $21,892 (it was $15,019 in 2000)

West Plains city income, earnings, and wages data

Estimated median house or condo value in 2021: $118,426 (it was $67,600 in 2000)
West Plains:

$118,426
MO:

$198,300

Mean prices in 2021: all housing units: $152,382; detached houses: $152,664; mobile homes: $6,314

Median gross rent in 2021: $676.

March 2022 cost of living index in West Plains: 74.7 (low, U.S. average is 100)
Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2021: 34.0%
(34.2% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 100.0% for Black residents, 50.0% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 18.7% for two or more races residents)

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  • Races in West Plains, MO (2021)
    • 11,37094.0%White alone
    • 3883.2%Two or more races
    • 890.7%Hispanic
    • 670.6%Black alone
    • 430.4%American Indian alone
    • 270.2%Asian alone

Races in West Plains detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth



According to our research of Missouri and other state lists, there were 90 registered sex offenders living in West Plains, Missouri as of March 18, 2024.
The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in West Plains is 137 to 1.


Crime rates in West Plains by year

Type

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Murders
(per 100,000)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
2
(16.6)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
1
(8.1)
0
(0.0)
2
(16.2)
1
(8.1)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
3
(24.3)
Rapes
(per 100,000)
2
(17.1)
2
(17.0)
4
(32.9)
2
(16.7)
5
(41.6)
3
(24.8)
5
(40.5)
2
(16.2)
9
(73.0)
7
(56.8)
9
(72.8)
5
(40.7)
10
(81.4)
5
(40.5)
Robberies
(per 100,000)
2
(17.1)
7
(59.5)
8
(65.7)
5
(41.7)
7
(58.2)
2
(16.5)
4
(32.4)
5
(40.6)
7
(56.8)
7
(56.8)
5
(40.4)
3
(24.4)
2
(16.3)
4
(32.4)
Assaults
(per 100,000)
35
(299.8)
34
(289.0)
55
(451.7)
43
(358.8)
52
(432.3)
53
(438.5)
24
(194.4)
26
(211.0)
26
(210.9)
20
(162.2)
22
(177.9)
36
(293.2)
40
(325.6)
36
(291.9)
Burglaries
(per 100,000)
160
(1,371)
204
(1,734)
147
(1,207)
176
(1,468)
135
(1,122)
134
(1,109)
140
(1,134)
92
(746.7)
81
(656.9)
89
(721.6)
96
(776.3)
96
(781.9)
126
(1,026)
137
(1,111)
Thefts
(per 100,000)
787
(6,742)
702
(5,968)
725
(5,955)
676
(5,640)
721
(5,993)
676
(5,593)
590
(4,779)
598
(4,854)
474
(3,844)
454
(3,681)
361
(2,919)
451
(3,674)
496
(4,038)
431
(3,495)
Auto thefts
(per 100,000)
38
(325.5)
35
(297.5)
27
(221.8)
28
(233.6)
25
(207.8)
31
(256.5)
24
(194.4)
34
(276.0)
21
(170.3)
35
(283.8)
34
(274.9)
38
(309.5)
87
(708.2)
73
(592.0)
Arson
(per 100,000)
2
(17.1)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
City-Data.com crime index470.5473.2476.8444.7505.3434.4367.1352.1331.0347.7315.2325.0425.1414.2

The City-Data.com crime index weighs serious crimes and violent crimes more heavily. Higher means more crime, U.S. average is 254.8. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities.

Click on a table row to update graph
City-data.com crime index in West Plains, MO

Crime rate in West Plains detailed stats: murders, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, arson

Full-time law enforcement employees in 2021, including police officers: 39 (31 officers - 28 male; 3 female).
Officers per 1,000 residents here:

2.50
Missouri average:

2.60
Recent articles from our blog. Our writers, many of them Ph.D. graduates or candidates, create easy-to-read articles on a wide variety of topics.
West Plains, MO forum
Recent posts about West Plains, Missouri on our local forum with over 2,400,000 registered users. West Plains is mentioned 619 times on our forum:
Looking to relocate to West Plains BUT...  (26 replies)
Is the ‘Midwesternness’ of Northern Missouri overstated?  (99 replies)
West Plains, Mo for retirees  (1 reply)
Missouri Outlaw History  (3406 replies)
Moving to West Plains, MO  (29 replies)
How "southern" is Kansas City?  (188 replies)

Latest news from West Plains, MO collected exclusively by city-data.com from local newspapers, TV, and radio stations

Ancestries: American (21.2%), English (20.1%), German (8.4%), Irish (7.0%), Italian (5.2%), French (5.2%).

Current Local Time: CST time zone

Incorporated in 1883

Elevation: 991 feet

Land area: 12.4 square miles.

Population density: 985 people per square mile   (low).

West Plains, Missouri map

61 residents are foreign born

This city:

0.5%
Missouri:

4.2%

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2021: $847 (0.7%)
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2021: $782 (0.7%)

Nearest city with pop. 50,000+: Springfield, MO (84.7 miles , pop. 151,580).

Nearest city with pop. 200,000+: Memphis, TN (154.3 miles , pop. 650,100).

Nearest city with pop. 1,000,000+: Dallas, TX (390.3 miles , pop. 1,188,580).

Nearest cities:

South Fork, MO (3.1 miles ),
Pomona, MO (3.1 miles ),
Brandsville, MO (3.3 miles),
Koshkonong, MO (4.0 miles ),
Willow Springs, MO (4.3 miles ),
Thomasville, MO (4.3 miles),
Mountain View, MO (4.5 miles ),
Bakersfield, MO (4.6 miles )

Latitude: 36.74 N, Longitude: 91.86 W

Daytime population change due to commuting: +5,217 (+43.1%)
Workers who live and work in this city: 3,851 (81.3%)

Area code: 417

Distribution of median household income in West Plains, MO in 2021
Distribution of house value in West Plains, MO in 2021
West Plains satellite photo by USGS

Single-family new house construction building permits:

  • 2021: 34 buildings, average cost: $216,700
  • 2020: 12 buildings, average cost: $242,100
  • 2019: 12 buildings, average cost: $242,100
  • 2018: 12 buildings, average cost: $175,000
  • 2017: 18 buildings, average cost: $118,400
  • 2016: 8 buildings, average cost: $99,500
  • 2015: 8 buildings, average cost: $137,500
  • 2014: 9 buildings, average cost: $111,400
  • 2013: 43 buildings, average cost: $125,800
  • 2012: 19 buildings, average cost: $92,600
  • 2011: 5 buildings, average cost: $210,400
  • 2010: 14 buildings, average cost: $91,100
  • 2009: 17 buildings, average cost: $104,100
  • 2008: 20 buildings, average cost: $108,100
  • 2007: 44 buildings, average cost: $146,200
  • 2006: 49 buildings, average cost: $108,200
  • 2005: 117 buildings, average cost: $87,600
  • 2004: 95 buildings, average cost: $89,600
  • 2003: 56 buildings, average cost: $76,000
  • 2002: 79 buildings, average cost: $90,500
  • 2001: 28 buildings, average cost: $139,900
  • 2000: 44 buildings, average cost: $103,200
  • 1999: 36 buildings, average cost: $107,500
  • 1998: 30 buildings, average cost: $112,200
  • 1997: 59 buildings, average cost: $116,500
Number of permits per 10,000 West Plains, MO residents
Average permit cost in West Plains, MO
Unemployment in November 2020:
Here:

3.4%
Missouri:

2.7%
Historical population in West Plains, MO
Historical housing units in West Plains, MO

Population change in the 1990s: +1,299 (+13.6%).
Most common industries in West Plains, MO (%)
Both Males Females
Most common industries in 2000
  • Health care (15.5%)
  • Educational services (7.7%)
  • Accommodation & food services (6.3%)
  • Electrical equipment, appliances, components (6.2%)
  • Public administration (4.8%)
  • Finance & insurance (4.1%)
  • Wood products (3.9%)
Most common industries for males in 2000
  • Wood products (7.1%)
  • Electrical equipment, appliances, components (6.9%)
  • Construction (6.6%)
  • Accommodation & food services (5.2%)
  • Public administration (5.0%)
  • Transportation equipment (4.7%)
  • Health care (4.4%)
Most common industries for females in 2000
  • Health care (26.1%)
  • Educational services (11.0%)
  • Accommodation & food services (7.5%)
  • Finance & insurance (5.6%)
  • Electrical equipment, appliances, components (5.5%)
  • Public administration (4.6%)
  • Social assistance (3.9%)
Most common occupations in West Plains, MO (%)
Both Males Females
Most common occupations in 2000
  • Other production occupations, including supervisors (5.4%)
  • Assemblers and fabricators (4.3%)
  • Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (4.2%)
  • Retail sales workers, except cashiers (3.8%)
  • Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (3.6%)
  • Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers (3.5%)
  • Laborers and material movers, hand (3.5%)
Most common occupations for males in 2000
  • Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (7.1%)
  • Other production occupations, including supervisors (7.1%)
  • Laborers and material movers, hand (6.6%)
  • Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (6.3%)
  • Metal workers and plastic workers (4.6%)
  • Electrical equipment mechanics and other installation, maintenance, and repair workers, including supervisors (3.7%)
  • Assemblers and fabricators (3.5%)
Most common occupations for females in 2000
  • Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (5.9%)
  • Nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides (5.8%)
  • Secretaries and administrative assistants (5.1%)
  • Assemblers and fabricators (5.0%)
  • Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers (5.0%)
  • Retail sales workers, except cashiers (4.3%)
  • Health technologists and technicians (4.2%)

Average climate in West Plains, Missouri

Based on data reported by over 4,000 weather stations

West Plains, Missouri average temperatures West Plains, Missouri average precipitation West Plains, Missouri humidity West Plains, Missouri wind speed West Plains, Missouri snowfall West Plains, Missouri sunshine West Plains, Missouri clear and cloudy days

West Plains, Missouri environmental map by EPA

Map Legend

Tornado activity:

West Plains-area historical tornado activity is slightly below Missouri state average. It is 44% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 4/2/1982, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 1.2 miles away from the West Plains city center killed 2 people and injured 28 people and caused between $5,000,000 and $50,000,000 in damages.

On 5/7/1961, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 9.4 miles away from the city center injured 10 people and caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity:

West Plains-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Missouri state average. It is 493% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 5/4/1991 at 01:18:54, a magnitude 5.0 (4.4 MB, 4.6 LG, 5.0 LG, Depth: 3.1 mi, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 113.9 miles away from the city center
On 3/25/1976 at 00:41:20, a magnitude 5.0 (4.9 MB, 5.0 LG) earthquake occurred 114.7 miles away from West Plains center
On 9/3/2016 at 12:02:44, a magnitude 5.8 (5.8 MW, Depth: 3.5 mi) earthquake occurred 282.1 miles away from the city center
On 9/26/1990 at 13:18:51, a magnitude 5.0 (4.7 MB, 4.8 LG, 5.0 LG, Depth: 7.7 mi) earthquake occurred 132.2 miles away from the city center
On 11/6/2011 at 03:53:10, a magnitude 5.7 (5.7 MW, Depth: 3.2 mi) earthquake occurred 286.1 miles away from West Plains center
On 2/28/2011 at 05:00:50, a magnitude 4.7 (4.7 MW, Depth: 2.0 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 105.2 miles away from the city center
Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters:

The number of natural disasters in Howell County (20) is greater than the US average (15).
Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 11
Emergencies Declared: 6

Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 12, Storms: 12, Tornadoes: 11, Winds: 4, Winter Storms: 4, Drought: 1, Heavy Rain: 1, Hurricane: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).
West Plains topographic map

Hospitals and medical centers in West Plains:

  • OZARKS MEDICAL CENTER (Voluntary non-profit - Other, 1100 KENTUCKY AVE)
  • BROOKE HAVEN HEALTHCARE (1410 NORTH KENTUCKY AVENUE)
  • NHC HEALTHCARE, WEST PLAINS (211 DAVIS DRIVE, PO BOX 497)
  • WEST VUE NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER (210 DAVIS DRIVE)
  • DIALYSIS CLINICS, INC - WEST PLAINS (205 VALLEY VIEW DR)
  • RIVERWAYS HOME CARE OF OZARKS MEDICAL CENTER (114 EAST MAIN STREET)

Airports and heliports located in West Plains:

See details about Airports and heliports located in West Plains, MO

Colleges/Universities in West Plains:

  • Missouri State University-West Plains (Full-time enrollment: 1,484; Location: 128 Garfield Avenue; Public; Website: www.wp.missouristate.edu)
  • South Central Career Center (Full-time enrollment: 106; Location: 407 W. Thornburgh; Public; Website: www.scccwp.org)

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to West Plains:

  • Three Rivers Community College (about 80 miles; Poplar Bluff, MO; Full-time enrollment: 3,360)
  • Evangel University (about 85 miles; Springfield, MO; FT enrollment: 2,036)
  • Missouri State University-Springfield (about 85 miles; Springfield, MO; FT enrollment: 16,660)
  • Missouri University of Science and Technology (about 85 miles; Rolla, MO; FT enrollment: 6,486)
  • Ozarks Technical Community College (about 85 miles; Springfield, MO; FT enrollment: 10,356)
  • Drury University (about 86 miles; Springfield, MO; FT enrollment: 3,902)
  • Arkansas State University-Main Campus (about 91 miles; Jonesboro, AR; FT enrollment: 12,323)

Public high schools in West Plains:

Private high school in West Plains:

  • FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (Students: 58, Location: 758 WORLEY DR, Grades: KG-12)

Public elementary/middle schools in West Plains:

See full list of schools located in West Plains

Library in West Plains:

  • WEST PLAINS PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $692,126; Location: 750 WEST BROADWAY; 67,973 books; 9,335 e-books; 2,269 audio materials; 2,403 video materials; 1 local licensed databases; 14 state licensed databases; 104 print serial subscriptions; 11 electronic serial subscriptions)

Points of interest:

Click to draw/clear city borders

Notable locations in West Plains: Missouri Department of Conservation Forestry Ozark Regional Field Fire Office West Plains (A), West Plains Fire and Rescue Station 1 Headquarters (B), Howell County Rural Fire District Station 1 (C), West Plains Fire and Rescue Station 2 (D), James P. Harlin Museum (E). Display/hide their locations on the map

Shopping Centers: Park-way Shopping Center (1), Southern Hills Shopping Center (2). Display/hide their locations on the map

Church in West Plains: Friendship Church (A). Display/hide its location on the map

Cemetery: Oak Lawn Cemetery (1). Display/hide its location on the map

Creeks: Burton Creek (A), South Fork Howell Creek (B), North Fork Howell Creek (C), Galloway Creek (D). Display/hide their locations on the map

Parks in West Plains include: Buck Park (1), Lincoln Park (2), Butler Park (3), American Legion Field (4), Peoples Park (5). Display/hide their locations on the map

Tourist attractions: Harlin Museum of West Plains (405 Worcester Street), Sahara Motel (3556 North US Highway 63).

Hotels: Best Western Grand Villa (220 Jan Howard Expressway), Figuro's Ramada Inn (1301 Preacher Roe Boulevard), Ameri Hospitality LLC (2105 Porter Wgnr Boulevard).

Court: West Plains City - Municipal Court (302 Jackie Garrett Drive).

Birthplace of: Dick Van Dyke, Porter Wagoner - Country Music Artist, Sled Allen - Professional baseball player and sports/music promoter.

Howell County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Moderate Potential

Drinking water stations with addresses in West Plains and their reported violations in the past:

LIGHTNING BOWL (Population served: 100, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
  • Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) - In AUG-01-2013, Contaminant: E. COLI. Follow-up actions: St Public Notif requested (AUG-23-2013), St Violation/Reminder Notice (AUG-23-2013), St Public Notif received (OCT-10-2013)
  • 7 routine major monitoring violations
TWIN BRIDGES CANOE AND CAMPGROUND (Population served: 38, Groundwater):
Past health violations:
  • MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In JUN-2007, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Public Notif requested (JUN-26-2007), St Violation/Reminder Notice (JUN-26-2007), St Compliance achieved (JAN-22-2014)
Past monitoring violations:
  • Monitoring, Repeat Major (TCR) - In SEP-2008, Contaminant: Coliform (TCR). Follow-up actions: St Public Notif requested (OCT-31-2008), St Violation/Reminder Notice (OCT-31-2008), St Public Notif received (NOV-24-2008), St Compliance achieved (JAN-22-2014)
  • 4 routine major monitoring violations
  • One minor monitoring violation
Average household size:
This city:

2.3 people
Missouri:

2.5 people

Percentage of family households:
This city:

60.2%
Whole state:

65.3%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners:
This city:

7.0%
Whole state:

6.7%


Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households)
  • Lesbian couples: 0.2% of all households
  • Gay men: 0.2% of all households

People in group quarters in West Plains in 2010:

  • 304 people in nursing facilities/skilled-nursing facilities
  • 71 people in group homes intended for adults
  • 59 people in college/university student housing
  • 46 people in local jails and other municipal confinement facilities
  • 9 people in emergency and transitional shelters (with sleeping facilities) for people experiencing homelessness

People in group quarters in West Plains in 2000:

  • 282 people in nursing homes
  • 89 people in homes for the physically handicapped
  • 61 people in other noninstitutional group quarters
  • 44 people in college dormitories (includes college quarters off campus)
  • 34 people in local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups)
  • 26 people in other types of correctional institutions

Banks with branches in West Plains (2011 data):

  • West Plains Bank and Trust Company: West Plains Bank And Trust Company, Drive-In Branch, Porter Wagoner Branch, Bradford Branch. Info updated 2006/11/03: Bank assets: $301.0 mil, Deposits: $242.0 mil, local headquarters, positive income, Agricultural Specialization, 5 total offices, Holding Company: West Plains Bancshares, Inc.
  • Wood & Huston Bank: 1310 Preacher Roe Branch at 1310 Preacher Roe, branch established on 1995/07/17; 1319 N Porter Wagoner Blvd Branch at 1319 North Porter Wagoner Boulevard, branch established on 1979/08/01. Info updated 2006/11/03: Bank assets: $487.4 mil, Deposits: $429.0 mil, headquarters in Marshall, MO, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 10 total offices, Holding Company: Wood & Huston Bancorporation, Inc.
  • Landmark Bank, National Association: Porter Wagoner Branch at 1599 Porter Wagoner Blvd, branch established on 2008/01/01; West Plains Branch at 1802 East State Route K, branch established on 1999/03/11. Info updated 2011/09/28: Bank assets: $1,675.9 mil, Deposits: $1,490.4 mil, headquarters in Columbia, MO, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 38 total offices, Holding Company: Landrum Company
  • Community First Banking Company: at 1330 Southern Hills Center, branch established on 1997/11/13; West Plains Branch at 1220 Porter Wagoner, branch established on 1999/05/26. Info updated 2010/01/14: Bank assets: $132.3 mil, Deposits: $116.1 mil, local headquarters, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 3 total offices, Holding Company: Community Bancshares Of West Plains, Inc
  • Bank of America, National Association: West Plains Northway Branch at 1311 Porter Wagoner Boulevard, branch established on 1975/08/11. Info updated 2009/11/18: Bank assets: $1,451,969.3 mil, Deposits: $1,077,176.8 mil, headquarters in Charlotte, NC, positive income, 5782 total offices, Holding Company: Bank Of America Corporation
  • West Plains Savings and Loan Association: West Plains Savings And Loan Associa at 417 West Broadway Street, branch established on 1919/01/01. Info updated 2011/07/21: Bank assets: $88.8 mil, Deposits: $71.9 mil, local headquarters, positive income, Mortgage Lending Specialization, 1 total offices
  • Great Southern Bank: 1210 Parkway Shopping Center Branch at 1210 Parkway Shopping Center, branch established on 1923/01/01. Info updated 2012/02/03: Bank assets: $3,788.7 mil, Deposits: $2,986.3 mil, headquarters in Reeds Spring, MO, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 109 total offices, Holding Company: Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.
  • Bank of Thayer: Howell County Bank Branch at 960 Preacher Roe Boulevard, branch established on 1997/06/30. Info updated 2006/11/03: Bank assets: $77.1 mil, Deposits: $66.5 mil, headquarters in Thayer, MO, positive income, 4 total offices, Holding Company: Ozarks Legacy Community Financial, Inc.

For population 15 years and over in West Plains:

Marital status in West Plains, MO
  • Never married: 31.4%
  • Now married: 43.9%
  • Separated: 2.7%
  • Widowed: 9.4%
  • Divorced: 12.6%

For population 25 years and over in West Plains:

  • High school or higher: 86.3%
  • Bachelor's degree or higher: 22.0%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 10.5%
  • Unemployed: 7.4%
  • Mean travel time to work (commute): 14.6 minutes
Educational Attainment in 2021
School Enrollment by Level of School in 2021
Education Gini index (Inequality in education)
Here:

11.3
Missouri average:

10.8

Travel time (in minutes) to work in 2021
Means of transportation to work in 2021 - West Plains
Presidential Elections Results

Graphs represent county-level data. Detailed 2008 Election Results

Religion statistics for West Plains, MO (based on Howell County data)

Religions Adherents in 2010
Religions Adherents - Change between 2000 and 2010
ReligionAdherentsCongregations
Evangelical Protestant13,50774
Mainline Protestant1,3548
Catholic1,1804
Other8076
Black Protestant1861
None23,366-
Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics:

Number of grocery stores: 10
This county:

2.59 / 10,000 pop.
State:

1.88 / 10,000 pop.
Number of supercenters and club stores: 1
Howell County:

0.26 / 10,000 pop.
Missouri:

0.18 / 10,000 pop.
Number of convenience stores (no gas): 2
Here:

0.52 / 10,000 pop.
State:

0.60 / 10,000 pop.
Number of convenience stores (with gas): 31
Here:

8.03 / 10,000 pop.
State:

4.34 / 10,000 pop.
Number of full-service restaurants: 26
Howell County:

6.74 / 10,000 pop.
State:

7.37 / 10,000 pop.
Adult diabetes rate:
Howell County:

9.9%
Missouri:

8.8%
Adult obesity rate:
Howell County:

29.6%
Missouri:

29.6%
Low-income preschool obesity rate:
Howell County:

14.4%
Missouri:

13.5%

Health and Nutrition:

Healthy diet rate:
Here:

54.3%
Missouri:

50.9%

Average overall health of teeth and gums:
Here:

52.5%
Missouri:

48.6%

Average BMI:
This city:

29.0
State:

28.7

People feeling badly about themselves:
West Plains:

18.6%
State:

20.6%

People not drinking alcohol at all:
West Plains:

13.3%
State:

10.1%

Average hours sleeping at night:
West Plains:

6.9
Missouri:

6.8

Overweight people:
West Plains:

36.4%
Missouri:

34.3%

General health condition:
West Plains:

59.3%
State:

57.5%

Average condition of hearing:
This city:

77.8%
Missouri:

79.3%

More about Health and Nutrition of West Plains, MO Residents
Local government employment and payroll (March 2019)
Function Full-time employees Monthly full-time payroll Average yearly full-time wage Part-time employees Monthly part-time payroll
Police Protection - Officers 26$82,101$37,8931$266
Solid Waste Management 24$60,220$30,1101$195
Streets and Highways 22$59,896$32,6711$930
Parks and Recreation 19$55,997$35,36720$10,345
Financial Administration 15$55,052$44,0420$0
Firefighters 14$41,048$35,1844$1,197
Electric Power 13$47,262$43,6260$0
Water Supply 11$29,981$32,7070$0
Other and Unallocable 9$50,069$66,7590$0
Sewerage 9$30,170$40,2270$0
Local Libraries 7$17,052$29,2325$7,101
Police - Other 5$11,105$26,6521$990
Other Government Administration 3$17,256$69,0245$500
Transit 3$7,055$28,2201$490
Judicial and Legal 3$6,196$24,7842$1,585
Airports 2$9,061$54,3660$0
Health 1$2,507$30,0840$0
Totals for Government 186$582,027$37,55041$23,599

West Plains government finances - Expenditure in 2018 (per resident):

  • Construction - Regular Highways: $1,302,000 ($106.98)
    Air Transportation: $40,000 ($3.29)
    Parks and Recreation: $26,000 ($2.14)
    Central Staff Services: $16,000 ($1.31)
  • Current Operations - Electric Utilities: $13,719,000 ($1127.28)
    Sewerage: $13,719,000 ($1127.28)
    Financial Administration: $3,308,000 ($271.82)
    Solid Waste Management: $2,333,000 ($191.70)
    Parks and Recreation: $1,568,000 ($128.84)
    Regular Highways: $1,053,000 ($86.52)
    Water Utilities: $969,000 ($79.62)
    Local Fire Protection: $925,000 ($76.01)
    Libraries: $605,000 ($49.71)
    General - Other: $553,000 ($45.44)
    Central Staff Services: $420,000 ($34.51)
    Air Transportation: $250,000 ($20.54)
    Judicial and Legal Services: $214,000 ($17.58)
    Police Protection: $207,000 ($17.01)
    Transit Utilities: $178,000 ($14.63)
    Protective Inspection and Regulation - Other: $138,000 ($11.34)
    General Public Buildings: $126,000 ($10.35)
  • General - Interest on Debt: $108,000 ($8.87)
  • Other Capital Outlay - Police Protection: $391,000 ($32.13)
    Local Fire Protection: $147,000 ($12.08)
    Parks and Recreation: $29,000 ($2.38)
    Central Staff Services: $20,000 ($1.64)
    Regular Highways: $17,000 ($1.40)
    Solid Waste Management: $3,000 ($0.25)
  • Total Salaries and Wages: $6,870,000 ($564.50)
  • Water Utilities - Interest on Debt: $128,000 ($10.52)

West Plains government finances - Revenue in 2018 (per resident):

  • Charges - Solid Waste Management: $2,923,000 ($240.18)
    Sewerage: $1,716,000 ($141.00)
    Parks and Recreation: $890,000 ($73.13)
    Air Transportation: $215,000 ($17.67)
    Miscellaneous Commercial Activities: $23,000 ($1.89)
  • Miscellaneous - Interest Earnings: $662,000 ($54.40)
    Rents: $247,000 ($20.30)
    Fines and Forfeits: $138,000 ($11.34)
    Donations From Private Sources: $47,000 ($3.86)
  • Revenue - Electric Utilities: $15,878,000 ($1304.68)
    Water Utilities: $2,181,000 ($179.21)
    Transit Utilities: $32,000 ($2.63)
  • State Intergovernmental - Other: $869,000 ($71.41)
    Highways: $325,000 ($26.71)
    Transit Utilities: $118,000 ($9.70)
  • Tax - General Sales and Gross Receipts: $6,450,000 ($529.99)
    Public Utilities Sales: $2,636,000 ($216.60)
    Property: $843,000 ($69.27)
    Other Selective Sales: $255,000 ($20.95)
    Occupation and Business License - Other: $174,000 ($14.30)
    Motor Vehicle License: $163,000 ($13.39)
    Public Utility License: $44,000 ($3.62)
    Alcoholic Beverage License: $19,000 ($1.56)

West Plains government finances - Debt in 2018 (per resident):

  • Long Term Debt - Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $6,357,000 ($522.35)
    Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $5,402,000 ($443.88)
    Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $955,000 ($78.47)

West Plains government finances - Cash and Securities in 2018 (per resident):

  • Other Funds - Cash and Securities: $1,142,000 ($93.84)
  • Sinking Funds - Cash and Securities: $701,000 ($57.60)
Businesses in West Plains, MO
NameCountNameCount
AT&T1Maurices1
Best Western1McDonald's2
Burger King1Nike3
Chevrolet1Pizza Hut1
Curves1Quiznos1
Dairy Queen1RadioShack1
Domino's Pizza1Ruby Tuesday1
Fashion Bug1Ryan's Grill1
FedEx3SONIC Drive-In1
Ford1Sears1
GameStop1Subway2
H&R Block1Super 81
Hardee's1Taco Bell1
Holiday Inn1Toyota1
JCPenney1U-Haul4
KFC1U.S. Cellular1
La-Z-Boy2UPS3
Lane Furniture1Vans1
Little Caesars Pizza1Walgreens1
MasterBrand Cabinets1Walmart1

Strongest AM radio stations in West Plains:

  • KWPM (1450 AM; 1 kW; WEST PLAINS, MO; Owner: MISSOURI OZARKS RADIO NETWORK,INC.)
  • WCRV (640 AM; 50 kW; COLLIERVILLE, TN; Owner: BOTT BROADCASTING COMPANY/TENNESSEE)
  • KGHT (880 AM; 50 kW; SHERIDAN, AR; Owner: METROPOLITAN RADIO GROUP, INC.)
  • KUKU (1330 AM; 1 kW; WILLOW SPRINGS, MO; Owner: MISSOURI OZARKS RADIO NETWORK,INC.)
  • WDIA (1070 AM; 50 kW; MEMPHIS, TN; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)
  • WGSF (1030 AM; 50 kW; MEMPHIS, TN; Owner: FLINN BROADCASTING CORPORATION)
  • KAAY (1090 AM; 50 kW; LITTLE ROCK, AR; Owner: CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY)
  • KXEN (1010 AM; 50 kW; FESTUS-ST. LOUIS, MO; Owner: BDJ RADIO ENTERPRISES, LLC)
  • KALM (1290 AM; 1 kW; THAYER, MO; Owner: OZARK RADIO NETWORK, INC.)
  • KMOX (1120 AM; 50 kW; ST. LOUIS, MO; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)
  • KWTO (560 AM; 5 kW; SPRINGFIELD, MO; Owner: KWTO, INC.)
  • WMQM (1600 AM; 50 kW; LAKELAND, TN; Owner: WMQM, INC.)
  • KBMV (1310 AM; 1 kW; BIRCH TREE, MO; Owner: EAGLE BLUFF ENTERPRISES)

Strongest FM radio stations in West Plains:

  • K269EH (101.7 FM; WEST PLAINS, MO; Owner: SOUTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY)
  • KSMW (90.9 FM; WEST PLAINS, MO; Owner: BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR SW MO STATE UNIVERSITY)
  • KKDY (102.5 FM; WEST PLAINS, MO; Owner: CENTRAL OZARK RADIO NETWORK, INC.)
  • K224CF (92.7 FM; WEST PLAINS, MO; Owner: CHRISTIAN BROADCASTING OF MTN. HOME, INC.)
  • KHOM (100.9 FM; SALEM, AR; Owner: MOUNTAIN LAKES BROADCASTING CORP.)
  • KSPQ (93.9 FM; WEST PLAINS, MO; Owner: MISSOURI OZARKS RADIO NETWORK,INC.)
  • KUPH (96.9 FM; MOUNTAIN VIEW, MO; Owner: CENTRAL OZARK RADIO NETWORK, INC.)
  • KSAR (92.3 FM; THAYER, MO; Owner: BRAGG BROADCASTING CORPORATION)
  • KUNQ (99.3 FM; HOUSTON, MO; Owner: METROPOLITAN RADIO GROUP, INC.)
  • KAMS (95.1 FM; MAMMOTH SPRING, AR; Owner: OZARK RADIO NETWORK, INC.)
  • KOMT (107.5 FM; MOUNTAIN HOME, AR; Owner: MAC PARTNERS)
  • KUKU-FM (100.3 FM; WILLOW SPRINGS, MO; Owner: MISSOURI OZARKS RADIO NETWORK,INC.)
  • KBMV-FM (107.1 FM; BIRCH TREE, MO; Owner: MOUNTAIN LAKES BROADCASTING CORPORATION)
  • KMAC (99.7 FM; GAINESVILLE, MO; Owner: PEARSON B/CASTING OF G/VILLE, INC)
Fatal accident count
See more detailed statistics of West Plains fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents for 1975 - 2021 here
  • National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics
  • 66Number of bridges
  • 367ft / 112mTotal length
  • $3,427,000Total costs
  • 249,329Total average daily traffic
  • 39,227Total average daily truck traffic
New bridges in West Plains, MO - historical statistics
  • New bridges - historical statistics
  • 91920-1929
  • 51930-1939
  • 11940-1949
  • 101950-1959
  • 51960-1969
  • 101970-1979
  • 51980-1989
  • 131990-1999
  • 52000-2009
  • 32010-2019
See full National Bridge Inventory statistics for West Plains, MO
FCC Registered Cell Phone Towers: 3 (See the full list of FCC Registered Cell Phone Towers in West Plains)
FCC Registered Antenna Towers: 362 (See the full list of FCC Registered Antenna Towers)
FCC Registered Commercial Land Mobile Towers: 4 (See the full list of FCC Registered Commercial Land Mobile Towers in West Plains, MO)
FCC Registered Private Land Mobile Towers: 3 (See the full list of FCC Registered Private Land Mobile Towers)
FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers: 27 (See the full list of FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers)
FCC Registered Microwave Towers: 25 (See the full list of FCC Registered Microwave Towers in this town)
FCC Registered Paging Towers: 2 (See the full list of FCC Registered Paging Towers)
FCC Registered Maritime Coast & Aviation Ground Towers: 1 (See the full list of FCC Registered Maritime Coast & Aviation Ground Towers)
FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses: 116 (See the full list of FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses in West Plains)

FAA Registered Aircraft Manufacturers and Dealers: 5 (See the full list of FAA Registered Manufacturers and Dealers in West Plains)
FAA Registered Aircraft: 36 (See the full list of FAA Registered Aircraft)

2002 - 2018 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) incidents

    Fire incident distribution by year According to the data from the years 2002 - 2018 the average number of fire incidents per year is 194. The highest number of fire incidents - 233 took place in 2012, and the least - 145 in 2018. The data has a declining trend.
    Fire incident types in West Plains, MO When looking into fire subcategories, the most reports belonged to: Outside Fires (41.7%), and Structure Fires (37.6%).

    • Fire incident types reported to NFIRS in West Plains, MO
    • 1,37541.7%Outside Fires
    • 1,24037.6%Structure Fires
    • 44013.4%Mobile Property/Vehicle Fires
    • 2397.3%Other
See full National Fire Incident Reporting System statistics for West Plains, MO

Fire-safe hotels and motels in West Plains, Missouri:

  • Super 8 Motel West Plains, 1210 Porter Wagoner Blvd, West Plains, Missouri 65775 , Phone: (417) 256-8088, Fax: (417) 256-2369
  • Regency Inn & Suites, 1301 Preacher Roe Blvd, West Plains, Missouri 65775 , Phone: (417) 256-8191, Fax: (417) 256-8069
  • Pinebrook Lodge, 791 State Rt T, West Plains, Missouri 65775 , Phone: (417) 257-7769
  • Holiday Inn Express, 1605 Imperial Rd, West Plains, Missouri 65775 , Phone: (417) 257-3000
  • Ridge Crest Hotel, 2105 Porter Wagoner Blvd, West Plains, Missouri 65775 , Phone: (417) 256-3757, Fax: (877) 258-9281
  • West Plains Motel, 505 Porter Wagoner Blvd, West plains, Missouri 65775 , Phone: (417) 256-4105, Fax: (417) 257-3055
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 1301 Preacher Roe Blvd, West Plains, Missouri 65775 , Phone: (417) 257-3000
  • Hampton Inn West Plains, 1064 London Ln, West Plains, Missouri 65775 , Phone: (417) 255-0442, Fax: (417) 255-0611
  • 2 other hotels and motels
All 10 fire-safe hotels and motels in West Plains, Missouri
Most common first names in West Plains, MO among deceased individuals
NameCountLived (average)
James21073.7 years
John18676.2 years
William15177.9 years
Mary13179.6 years
Charles10975.5 years
Robert10672.2 years
George7277.0 years
Ruth5879.5 years
Thomas5773.9 years
Roy5374.7 years
Most common last names in West Plains, MO among deceased individuals
Last nameCountLived (average)
Collins13669.6 years
Smith9377.7 years
Johnson9377.2 years
Thompson5475.6 years
Williams4777.7 years
Martin4674.1 years
Brown4078.3 years
Hall3971.2 years
Harris3774.7 years
Moore3776.9 years
Houses and condos Apartments
Most commonly used house heating fuel in houses and condos in West Plains, MO
  • 40.8%Utility gas
  • 37.3%Electricity
  • 16.3%Bottled, tank, or LP gas
  • 4.9%Wood
  • 0.4%Other fuel
  • 0.4%No fuel used
Most commonly used house heating fuel in apartments in West Plains, MO
  • 62.0%Electricity
  • 29.0%Utility gas
  • 7.7%Bottled, tank, or LP gas
  • 0.7%Wood
  • 0.6%No fuel used


West Plains compared to Missouri state average:

  • Median household income below state average.
  • Median house value below state average.
  • Unemployed percentage below state average.
  • Black race population percentage significantly below state average.
  • Hispanic race population percentage significantly below state average.
  • Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.
  • Length of stay since moving in significantly above state average.

West Plains on our top lists:

  • #21 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the largest percentage of people in homes for the physically handicapped (population 1,000+)"
  • #56 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the most full-time park and recreation workers per 1000 residents (population 5,000+)"
  • #75 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in occupations: production occupations (population 5,000+)"
  • #79 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the most residents born in Other South Central Asia (population 500+)"
  • #91 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the most full-time local library workers per 1000 residents (population 5,000+)"
There are 35 pilots and 39 other airmen in this city.
Cost of Living Calculator
Top Patent Applicants
Top Patent Applicants
  • Daniel Lee Elliott (6)
  • Mike Gum (3)
  • Gary Henry Foster (2)
  • Austin Ostermeier (2)
  • Rodney Glendall Foster (2)
  • Gary Randall Foster (2)
  • Phillip G. Holloway (1)
  • David Crites (1)

Total of 15 patent applications in 2008-2024.