City profile
West Plains, MO
Howell County · Population 12,441
West Plains is a town in Howell County, MO with about 12,441 residents and a typical home value near $170,000. It is 85 miles from Springfield, MO, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
35°F
Summer avg
78°F
Sunny days / yr
210
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$169,900
Typical monthly housing
$1,060
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
77
Taxes
- Property tax
- 0.97%
- State income tax (top)
- 4.7%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Partly exempt
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 8.39%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low · county score 78/100
Top hazards: Ice storm, Earthquake, Heat wave
Nearest major airport
158 mi to Frederick W. Smith International Airport (MEM)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 16% Democratic / 83% Republican
Community
Population
12,441
Black population
1.0%
County
Howell County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸Home prices are still rising in 2026 — good for long-term value, less room to negotiate
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: tornadoes
Highlights
- About 12,441 residents
- Typical home value about $170,000
- 85 miles from Springfield, MO
Trade-offs
- Smaller community with fewer local amenities
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.