Last Updated on: 29th December 2023, 08:50 pm
Festus is a Jefferson County city located in east Missouri, just miles from the Missouri-Illinois state line. Festus, MO, is known for being home to The Bottle Rockets, a popular alt-country band. You may also recall the mentioning of Festus in the notable 1970s country song “(We’re Not) The Jet Set,” sung by George Strait and Tammy Wynette; the line reads, “There’s no Riviera In Festus, Missouri.”
W. J. Adams established the city in 1878, initially called Festus “Tanglefoot.” Its name was changed to Limitville for a period but then was incorporated as Festus in 1888; there’s speculation around why the name Festus was chosen—some believe it was after a St. Louis banker, Festus J. Wade, and others believe a local preacher chose Festus from the Book of Acts.
Festus, Missouri, is a great place to live for many reasons; this small town boasts a tight-knit community, friendly local businesses, and proximity to larger cities (like St. Louis.) If you’re considering moving to Festus, keep reading!
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Where Is Festus Missouri?
Festus, MO, is located in Jefferson County, south of St. Louis, near the Missouri-Illinoius state line. It’s 34.1 miles from Festus, MO, to St. Louis, MO.
Oats Transit provides public bus transportation to Jefferson County cities, including Festus.
If you’d like to go from anywhere in Festus to Crystal City, Herculaneum, or Pevely to Quad City Senior Center, you can catch a ride with Oats Transit on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Oats Transit handles local medical transportation Monday through Friday, and you can get all your shopping done on the second Thursday of each month. If you need a ride to medical appointments in St. Louis, schedule them for the third Tuesday of each month.
The bus fare is $2 or $4 for a deviated fixed route. To schedule a ride, call 636-933-9380 or 888-793-9333 Monday through Friday between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. You can access more scheduling information online.
Festus MO Population & Demographics
The population of Festus, Missouri, is 12,706 and has seen a 3.9% increase since 2010. The demographics of Festus, MO, are interesting; the racial and ethnic makeup is not diverse, but the age demographics are.
- Festus racial and ethnic makeup: 90.3% White (88.1% non-Hispanic or Latino), 6.1% two or more races, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native.
- Festus age demographics: 60% are between 18 and 60 years old, 24% are under 18, and 15% are 65 or older. The median age in Festus is 36.5 years old.
50% of people living in Festus, Missouri, are married, and 50% are single. Of the 4,958 households, only 57% are owner-occupied and 43% are renter-occupied. The median household income here is $62,850, which is slightly below the US average of $69,021. The average income per capita is only $29,387, and 12.1% of residents are living in poverty.
Additional Festus demographics:
- Educational attainment: 88% have high school diplomas or higher, and 22.5% have bachelor’s degrees or higher
- Veteran population: 9.1%
- Foreign-born population: 0.6%
- Mean commute time: 26 minutes
Festus has a notable veteran population and a very low foreign-born population.
Is Festus MO Safe?
Festus, MO, is a very safe place to live! The crime rate here is below the state and national averages.
According to the FBI, here are the crime rate statistics for Festus, MO:
- Festus, MO crime rate per 100k people: 2,052
- Missouri crime rate per 100k people: 3,074
- US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346
Festus’s crime rate is 33.2% lower than the state and 12.5% lower than the country.
- Festus, MO violent crime rate per 100k people: 405
- Missouri violent crime rate per 100k people: 543
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
Festus has a violent crime rate that’s 25.4% lower than the state and 4.4% higher than the country.
- Festus property crime rate per 100k people: 1,647
- Missouri property crime rate per 100k people: 2,531
- US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
Festus’s property crime rate is 34.9% lower than the state and 15.9% lower than the country.
Festus has a lower crime rate than its state and country—no wonder young families and retirees love it here so much. If something does happen, you can rely on the Festus Police Department to handle the call!
Cost of Living in Festus
Festus, Missouri, is more affordable than the average US state! Festus, MO, has a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 90, which is 10% below the US average. The Fetus, MO, real estate market is significantly cheaper than the US average and boasts a cost of housing index of 69. You can expect utilities to be 4% below the US average and groceries about the same.
Homes for sale in Festus, MO, are quite affordable; the median Festus home price of $265,000, which is well below the US median home price of $412,000. The average price per square foot here is only $159 and has seen a 1.2% decrease since 2022. There are many Festus, MO homes for sale, but we suggest keeping a close eye on the market—the more desirable Festus becomes, the more expensive the real estate will get!
Festus has an affordable rental market. The average rent in Fetus is $852 per month for an 875-square-foot rental. The average US rent is $1,702 per month for an 897-square-foot rental.
Typical Festus* living expenses:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $22.50
- Gallon of milk: $3.43
- Dozen eggs: $3.23
- Pound of local cheese: $6.26
- Pound of apples: $2.39
- Pound of oranges: $2.07
- Average Festus utilities per month: $288 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo.
*The above figures are for St. Louis, which has a COLI that’s 3% lower than Festus’s—the prices may differ when living in Festus.
According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), a family of four can live comfortably in Jefferson County with a household income of $80,061. The EPI also suggests you budget $10,628 for housing each year and $9,324 for food.
Festus Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Festus
Here are the best neighborhoods in Festus, MO!
Tanglewood Estates
Tanglewood Estates is a family-friendly Festus neighborhood with affordable homes. It’s located within miles of the notable Pasta House, B&B 8 Cinema, and Andrew J Habsieger Memorial Park. There is currently one home for sale within Tanglewood, and it’s listed for $250,000—right around the city’s median sale price.
Savanna Place
Savanna Place is in northern Festus right off of Interstate 55; Ludwig Nature Area and Billy Porter Park are only a few miles drive, and interstate access is less than a half mile away. Savanna Place has a handful of great attributes, but its location is the main draw. People enjoy its proximity to nearby parks, and having the interstate so close is nothing short of convenient!
While some homes in Savanna Place are established, there is currently new-construction happening in this subdivision. You have your pick of brand-new and more established structures. You can expect prices anywhere from $250,000 to $350,000.
Tanglewood Acres
Tanglewood Acres is near Tanglewood Estates but is much closer to amenities like Flipside (a local gymnastics gym) and the Festus movie theater. Tanglewood Acres is very similar to its neighborhood estates, except there are more new-construction homes here. You can get a brand-new new construction home at Tanglewood Acres for under $300,000—talk about a steal!
Festus MO Weather & Climate
Festus has a Koppen classification of seasonal humid subtropical climate—meaning you can expect hot and humid summers followed by cool and mild winters. Festus only sees an average of 10 inches per year, and temperatures rarely dip below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The summers can be a bit more intense. During the warm season, the average high is 89 degrees, with July being the warmest month of the year. Summers in Festus can be very humid and rainy. The rainiest month of the year is May, which sees an annual average of 4.9 inches. Throughout the year, Festus sees an average annual rainfall of 42.6 inches.
The best time to visit Festus is from late May to early July and from late July to late September. May, June, and July provide you with warm temps, so you can enjoy the various parks, hiking trails, and waterways in and near Festus. July, August, and September also boast great weather for outdoor activities, but the humidity will be down, there will be less rain, and the temperature may be more enjoyable.
The weather in Festus, MO, is enjoyable most of the year, minus a few extra hot and extra cold days!
Things to Do in Festus MO
There is great shopping in Festus, MO (Twin City Mall and Schnucks), alongside countless activities to check out. Here are the best things to do in Festus.
B&B Festus 8 Cinema
B&B Festus 8 Cinema is the only Festus, MO movie theater; this is a great activity to do with older children or a handsome date.
1522 Parkway W, Festus, MO 63028, (636) 933-0064
West City Park
West City Park is one of the best parks in Festus, MO! Here, you can access soccer fields, disc golf courses, baseball fields, a memorial garden, and miles of paved walking trails.
2221 Sunshine Dr., Old State Hwy A, Festus, MO 63028, (636) 937-4694
Boxed In Escape Rooms
Boxed In Escape Rooms is a notable tourist attraction in Festus! Boxed In gives you and your partners 60 minutes to solve the puzzle and escape the room. This is one of the best things to do in Festus, MO!
102 E Main St, Festus, MO 63028, (314) 467-8142
Additional Attractions in Festus
The city of Festus, MO, has so many attractions and things to explore; you’ll be busy for a while! The Festus parks are maintained by the Festus Parks and Recreation Department, which is also responsible for the many events and community gatherings—-the annual Winter Fest and Lenhard Family Light Show are just a couple of notable ones. If you’d be interested in attending community events after moving to Festus, keep an eye on the city’s special events calendar!
Restaurants in Festus MO
While Festus, Missouri isn’t known for offering a specific food, you can expect delicious eateries on almost every corner. If you’re looking for places to eat in Festus, MO, read our refined list below!
The Pasta House Co.
The Pasta House is one of the most popular restaurants in Festus, MO. It’s famous for its delicious pasta dishes and quick service. You can enjoy your fettuccine alfredo inside or grab your spaghetti and meatballs through the drive-thru—whatever is easiest for you!
1606 Galemore St, Festus, MO 63028, (636) 725-0300
Taytro’s
Taytro’s is one of the most unique Festus, MO restaurants. Here, you can indulge in delicious cajun-style dishes while enjoying live music and refreshing cocktails.
331 N Creek Dr, Festus, MO 63028, (636) 931-1880
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is a popular American chain with a well-reviewed location in Festus. They offer a wide range of steak, chicken, and seafood dishes. If you’re looking for one of the great Festus, Missouri restaurants, here you go!
1351 Shapiro Dr, Festus, MO 63028, (636) 330-0512
Jobs in Festus MO
Although the city of Festus, MO, is small, its economy employs over 5,900 people, and its unemployment rate is 1.6% below the US average. Festus has seen a 0.7% job market increase since 2022 and is projected to see a 27.7% job growth by 2033.
According to Festus’s economic website, the leading industries are educational services, & health care & social assistance, manufacturing, retail trade, and professional, scientific, & management, and administrative & waste management services. Six hundred forty-seven people living in Festus are government workers, 312 are self-employed, and 4,124 are private wage or salary workers. Mercy Hospital, Festus R-VI, and Good Earth Tools INC. are the main employers in Festus.
There are countless Festus jobs hiring right now; of the 345 Indeed jobs in Festus, MO, we’re certain you’ll find one that works for you!
Before moving to Festus, take a look at what people living here are earning and if your projected pay will still support your lifestyle. The average hourly rate in Festus, MO, is $18.03, and the average salary is $57,000. The trend in wages is down 3.3%, but the city’s cost of living is also 10% more affordable than the average US city.
If you’re looking for jobs in Festus, MO, you should consider city of Festus jobs; the city has 110 full-time employees and is interested in expanding its talented team!
Festus Schools
Festus is part of the Festus R-VI School District. The Festus School District has four schools and 3,230 students. Notable schools in the district are Festus High School, Festus Middle School, and Festus Elementary School. The city also has a preschool that works directly with the school district—Tiny Tigers Learning Academy. There is a long waitlist, but if you plan ahead, your child will have a top-notch place to spend their first few school years.
Festus School District has a high school graduation rate of 95.0%, and 100% of the teachers are certified. There are five full-time counselors, and 95% of teachers working in the Festus School District have three or more years of experience!
Although Festus is only home to Jefferson College, a local community college, the city is near all of St. Louis’s educational resources. Columbia College-St Louis and Saint Louis University are less than 40 miles from Festus, Missouri.
The Festus Library is yet another great resource the city of Festus offers. Here, you have access to thousands of books, free internet, and state-of-the-art technology like new computers. You can get closer to fellow bookworms by joining the local book club or signing your children up for social activities like group storytime sessions!
Festus Statistics & Information
- County: Jefferson County
- Festus, MO area: 5.91 square miles
- Festus, MO zip code: 63028, 63048
- Festus, MO area code: 636
- Festus, MO elevation: 512 feet
- Festus, MO time zone: Central Standard Time (GMT-6)
- Closest airport to Festus: St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is 45.3 miles from Festus
Festus Missouri Map
Explore more of this wonderful city with this map of Festus, Missouri.
We’re sure you can see that living in Festus, MO, is great; although small, this city packs a very charming punch! You are near the notable St. Louis and have access to a great public school system. The neighborhoods are safe, and the parks are well-maintained. If moving to Festus is in your future, you’ll need reliable movers in Festus to help get you there! Call Federal Companies today at 800-747-4100 to get started on your free moving estimate.
