Best places to raise a family in Missouri
Written by:
April 20, 2021
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Best places to raise a family in Missouri
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Missouri using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Fenton
- Population: 4,025
- Median home value: $269,000 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,218 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $96,679
- Top public schools: Rockwood Summit Senior High School (A+), Sperreng Middle School (A), Concord Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Paul School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 724 Deer Vue Ln, Fenton ($1.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $269,000 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,218 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $96,679
- Top public schools: Rockwood Summit Senior High School (A+), Sperreng Middle School (A), Concord Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Paul School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 724 Deer Vue Ln, Fenton ($1.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
#24. Manchester
- Population: 18,110
- Median home value: $229,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,061 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $77,983
- Top public schools: Parkway West High School (A+), Parkway West Middle School (A+), Henry Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Al Manara Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 519 Connie Ln Unit Tbb, Manchester ($835,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $229,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,061 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $77,983
- Top public schools: Parkway West High School (A+), Parkway West Middle School (A+), Henry Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Al Manara Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 519 Connie Ln Unit Tbb, Manchester ($835,000, 4 bedrooms)
#23. Parkville
- Population: 6,724
- Median home value: $411,600 (83% own)
- Median rent: $714 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $136,389
- Top public schools: Park Hill South High School (A), Plaza Middle School (A), Lakeview Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 10430 NW River View Pt, Parkville ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $411,600 (83% own)
- Median rent: $714 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $136,389
- Top public schools: Park Hill South High School (A), Plaza Middle School (A), Lakeview Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 10430 NW River View Pt, Parkville ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#22. Ellisville
- Population: 9,661
- Median home value: $250,700 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,130 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $79,563
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Woerther Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. John Lutheran School (unavailable), St. Clare of Assisi School (unavailable), The Learning Experience - Ellisville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 268 Lemar Park Ct, Ellisville ($670,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $250,700 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,130 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $79,563
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Woerther Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. John Lutheran School (unavailable), St. Clare of Assisi School (unavailable), The Learning Experience - Ellisville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 268 Lemar Park Ct, Ellisville ($670,000, 5 bedrooms)
#21. Crestwood
- Population: 11,865
- Median home value: $208,600 (87% own)
- Median rent: $952 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $84,714
- Top public schools: Crestwood Elementary School (A), Sperreng Middle School (A), Sappington Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Cross Academy - Our Lady of Providence (unavailable), Our Lady of Providence School (unavailable), Queen of the Holy Rosary Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9137 Cordoba Ln, Saint Louis ($449,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $208,600 (87% own)
- Median rent: $952 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $84,714
- Top public schools: Crestwood Elementary School (A), Sperreng Middle School (A), Sappington Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Cross Academy - Our Lady of Providence (unavailable), Our Lady of Providence School (unavailable), Queen of the Holy Rosary Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9137 Cordoba Ln, Saint Louis ($449,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#20. Dardenne Prairie
- Population: 13,293
- Median home value: $301,500 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,174 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $132,192
- Top public schools: Francis Howell Middle School (A), Twin Chimneys Elementary School (A), John Weldon Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Immaculate Conception of Dardenne Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1 Turnberry Inverness, Dardenne Prairie ($689,823, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $301,500 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,174 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $132,192
- Top public schools: Francis Howell Middle School (A), Twin Chimneys Elementary School (A), John Weldon Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Immaculate Conception of Dardenne Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1 Turnberry Inverness, Dardenne Prairie ($689,823, 4 bedrooms)
#19. Rock Hill
- Population: 4,634
- Median home value: $192,700 (87% own)
- Median rent: $983 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $83,398
- Top public schools: Brentwood High School (A), Webster Groves High School (A), Steger Sixth Center (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Rock Hill (Webster Groves) (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1154 Wagner Pl, Rock Hill ($574,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $192,700 (87% own)
- Median rent: $983 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $83,398
- Top public schools: Brentwood High School (A), Webster Groves High School (A), Steger Sixth Center (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Rock Hill (Webster Groves) (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1154 Wagner Pl, Rock Hill ($574,900, 4 bedrooms)
#18. Town and Country
- Population: 11,077
- Median home value: $734,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,195 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $192,983
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Visitation Academy (A+), Principia School (A), Westminster Christian Academy (A)
- Pictured: 13714 Belcrest Ct, Town and Country ($2.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $734,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,195 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $192,983
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Visitation Academy (A+), Principia School (A), Westminster Christian Academy (A)
- Pictured: 13714 Belcrest Ct, Town and Country ($2.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#17. Creve Coeur
- Population: 18,538
- Median home value: $402,300 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,244 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $96,319
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+), Parkway West High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Saint Louis Priory School (A+), Whitfield School (A+), Chaminade College Preparatory School (A+)
- Pictured: 31 Auburndale Dr, Creve Coeur ($2.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $402,300 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,244 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $96,319
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+), Parkway West High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Saint Louis Priory School (A+), Whitfield School (A+), Chaminade College Preparatory School (A+)
- Pictured: 31 Auburndale Dr, Creve Coeur ($2.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#16. Clarkson Valley
- Population: 2,614
- Median home value: $642,700 (100% own)
- Median rent: No data available (0% rent)
- Median household income: $175,125
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Crestview Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 2325 Sterling Pointe Dr, Chesterfield ($900,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $642,700 (100% own)
- Median rent: No data available (0% rent)
- Median household income: $175,125
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Crestview Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 2325 Sterling Pointe Dr, Chesterfield ($900,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#15. Brentwood
- Population: 8,005
- Median home value: $228,800 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,239 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $81,069
- Top public schools: Mark Twain Elementary School (A), Brentwood High School (A), Webster Groves High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Mary Magdalen School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2437 Annalee Tbb, Brentwood ($799,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $228,800 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,239 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $81,069
- Top public schools: Mark Twain Elementary School (A), Brentwood High School (A), Webster Groves High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Mary Magdalen School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2437 Annalee Tbb, Brentwood ($799,900, 5 bedrooms)
#14. Webster Groves
- Population: 22,951
- Median home value: $296,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,349 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $102,759
- Top public schools: Mark Twain Elementary School (A), Brentwood High School (A), Crestwood Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Nerinx Hall High School (A+), The College School (A), Mary Queen of Peace School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 619 Sherwood Dr, Saint Louis ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $296,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,349 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $102,759
- Top public schools: Mark Twain Elementary School (A), Brentwood High School (A), Crestwood Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Nerinx Hall High School (A+), The College School (A), Mary Queen of Peace School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 619 Sherwood Dr, Saint Louis ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#13. Des Peres
- Population: 8,619
- Median home value: $449,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,870 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $150,800
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Parkway West High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Paul's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11915 Kendon Dr, Saint Louis ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $449,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,870 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $150,800
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Parkway West High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Paul's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11915 Kendon Dr, Saint Louis ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#12. Kirkwood
- Population: 27,708
- Median home value: $315,000 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,074 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $90,730
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+), North Kirkwood Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. John Vianney High School (A), Christ Community Lutheran School - Woodbine Campus (unavailable), St. Peter Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 408 Miriam Ave, Saint Louis ($1.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $315,000 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,074 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $90,730
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+), North Kirkwood Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. John Vianney High School (A), Christ Community Lutheran School - Woodbine Campus (unavailable), St. Peter Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 408 Miriam Ave, Saint Louis ($1.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
#11. Richmond Heights
- Population: 8,500
- Median home value: $253,700 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,035 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $82,261
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Clayton High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Immacolata Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19 Lake Forest Dr, Richmond Heights ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $253,700 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,035 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $82,261
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Clayton High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Immacolata Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19 Lake Forest Dr, Richmond Heights ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#10. Oakland
- Population: 1,713
- Median home value: $318,500 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,176 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $107,500
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+), North Glendale Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Ursuline Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 928 Scott Ave Unit Tbb, Saint Louis ($650,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $318,500 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,176 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $107,500
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+), North Glendale Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Ursuline Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 928 Scott Ave Unit Tbb, Saint Louis ($650,000, 4 bedrooms)
#9. Ladue
- Population: 8,601
- Median home value: $831,800 (99% own)
- Median rent: $1,490 (1% rent)
- Median household income: $214,875
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Clayton High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: John Burroughs School (A+), MICDS - Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School (A+), Community School (A+)
- Pictured: 20 Upper Warson Rd, Saint Louis ($9.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $831,800 (99% own)
- Median rent: $1,490 (1% rent)
- Median household income: $214,875
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Clayton High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: John Burroughs School (A+), MICDS - Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School (A+), Community School (A+)
- Pictured: 20 Upper Warson Rd, Saint Louis ($9.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
#8. Frontenac
- Population: 3,513
- Median home value: $694,300 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,707 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $217,768
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School (A+)
- Pictured: 16 Outer Ladue Dr, Saint Louis ($2.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $694,300 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,707 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $217,768
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School (A+)
- Pictured: 16 Outer Ladue Dr, Saint Louis ($2.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
#7. Glendale
- Population: 5,891
- Median home value: $414,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,407 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $140,184
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+), North Glendale Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 50 Berry Road Park, Saint Louis ($725,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $414,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,407 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $140,184
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+), North Glendale Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 50 Berry Road Park, Saint Louis ($725,000, 5 bedrooms)
#6. Chesterfield
- Population: 47,605
- Median home value: $379,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,200 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $113,315
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Parkway West High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Barat Academy (A), Missouri Torah Institute (A), Incarnate Word Parish School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1 Pacland Estates Dr, Chesterfield ($2.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $379,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,200 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $113,315
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Parkway West High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Barat Academy (A), Missouri Torah Institute (A), Incarnate Word Parish School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1 Pacland Estates Dr, Chesterfield ($2.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#5. Wildwood
- Population: 35,459
- Median home value: $378,000 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,210 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $135,202
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Woerther Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Alban Roe School (unavailable), Elegant Child Early Learning Center (unavailable), Living Water Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 394 Larimore Valley Dr, Wildwood ($2.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $378,000 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,210 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $135,202
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Woerther Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Alban Roe School (unavailable), Elegant Child Early Learning Center (unavailable), Living Water Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 394 Larimore Valley Dr, Wildwood ($2.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
#4. Clayton
- Population: 16,588
- Median home value: $633,400 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,249 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $107,596
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Clayton High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Central Christian School (A+), The Wilson School (A+), The St. Michael School of Clayton (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7616 Maryland Ave, Clayton ($2.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $633,400 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,249 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $107,596
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Clayton High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Central Christian School (A+), The Wilson School (A+), The St. Michael School of Clayton (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7616 Maryland Ave, Clayton ($2.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
#3. Ballwin
- Population: 30,252
- Median home value: $261,900 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,138 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $98,750
- Top public schools: Parkway West High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Parkway West Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holy Infant Elementary School (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Ballwin (unavailable), Primrose School of Ballwin (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1311 Dietrich Oaks Dr, Ballwin ($699,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $261,900 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,138 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $98,750
- Top public schools: Parkway West High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Parkway West Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holy Infant Elementary School (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Ballwin (unavailable), Primrose School of Ballwin (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1311 Dietrich Oaks Dr, Ballwin ($699,000, 4 bedrooms)
#2. Warson Woods
- Population: 2,046
- Median home value: $444,100 (98% own)
- Median rent: $1,450 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $150,417
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Rohan Woods School (A+)
- Pictured: 545 Gascony Way, Warson Woods ($549,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $444,100 (98% own)
- Median rent: $1,450 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $150,417
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Rohan Woods School (A+)
- Pictured: 545 Gascony Way, Warson Woods ($549,900, 5 bedrooms)
#1. Olivette
- Population: 7,849
- Median home value: $338,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,133 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $86,250
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+), Old Bonhomme Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Immanuel Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2 Pricemont Dr, Saint Louis ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $338,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,133 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $86,250
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+), Old Bonhomme Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Immanuel Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2 Pricemont Dr, Saint Louis ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
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