City Report · MO

Kirkwood

Pop. 29,363·16th most expensive in Missouri·Rental market data updated monthly for Kirkwood, MO
Median rent (all units)
$1,705/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.5%
Month-over-Month
-3.1%
vs US Median
-$260
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Kirkwood · $1,705
More affordable than 61% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
66/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 8% below what Kirkwood's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,705/mo
Expected by trend
$1,850/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Kirkwood's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,140
1 BR
$1,180
2 BR
$1,460
3 BR
$1,890
4 BR+
$2,170
Research median
$1,460/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$20,460/yr
At $1,705/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 2.5% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.5% YoY, -3.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Kirkwood, MO is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 67.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
29,363
Median income
$121,270
Median age
41.8
Renters
22.8%
Age distribution
27.2%
13.5%
27%
20.7%
Under 1827.2%
18–3413.5%
35–5427%
55–6411.6%
65+20.7%
Gender
48.1%
51.9%
Male48.1%
Female51.9%
Race & ethnicity
81.7%
White81.7%
Black4.5%
Hispanic2.7%
Asian2%
Other9.1%
Education (25+)
19.6%
67.9%
No HS diploma2.1%
HS diploma10.4%
Some college19.6%
Bachelor's+67.9%
Housing tenure
77.2%
22.8%
Owner77.2%
Renter22.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2022 vs 2026

How Kirkwood, MO has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,334 → $1,705
up 27.8%
Income
$98,637 → $121,270
up 22.9%
Population
29,233 → 29,363
up 0.4%
Renter share
24.9% → 22.8%
-2.1 pts
Bachelor's+
64.9% → 67.9%
+3.0 pts

Since 2022, the typical rent in Kirkwood, MO has increased from $1,334 to $1,705, a 27.8% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Kirkwood, MO now reports about $121,270, up from $98,637 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Renters now make up 22.8% of households, compared with 24.9% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 67.9% of adults here, versus 64.9% in 2021. For context, the 2022 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Kirkwood, MO reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Kirkwood rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Kirkwood on your salary?

At $1,705/mo, how Kirkwood rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Kirkwood rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Kirkwood. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Kirkwood

About renting in Kirkwood, MO

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Kirkwood is $1,705/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,140/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,460/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,180/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,890/mo.

At 17% of local median household income ($121,270/yr), Kirkwood ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Kirkwood an affordable city for renters?

Kirkwood is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,705/mo, rent takes approximately 17% of the local median household income ($121,270/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Kirkwood falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Kirkwood?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $68,000/year (~$33/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,705/mo in Kirkwood. The local median household income is $121,270/yr, meaning the typical Kirkwood household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Kirkwood?

Rent in Kirkwood has decreased 2.5% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Kirkwood rent compare to other cities in Missouri?

Kirkwood is one of the pricier cities in Missouri for rent, ranking #16 out of 74 tracked cities at $1,705/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Kirkwood?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Kirkwood ($1,705/mo): Sappington ($1,428/mo), Valley Park ($1,468/mo), Creve Coeur ($1,478/mo).

What percentage of Kirkwood residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 22.8% of Kirkwood households are renters, while 77.2% are owner-occupied. Kirkwood leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Kirkwood rent compare to the national average?

Kirkwood's median rent of $1,705/mo is $260 (13%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Missouri, it ranks #16 out of 74 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
17%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,705/mo, rent takes ~17% of Kirkwood's median household income ($121,270/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Kirkwood 17%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–4.7%
Run the Kirkwood affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Kirkwood, MO

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