← Back to US Cities

Wildwood

Missouri · St. Louis Metro
Strong Dance4-SeasonBudget Cost
79
/ 100 match score

Wildwood is a rural-feeling city with large lots, excellent schools, and very low crime. Rockwood School District is one of the best in Missouri. More space for the dollar than Chesterfield.

Match Score Breakdown
Cost of Living
20/20
Family Safety
20/20
State Tax Burden
6/10
Healthcare Quality
13/20
Dance Training
9/12
Musical Theater
6/8
Career / Remote
5/10
Financial Snapshot at $360K Income
State income tax
5.0%
$17,820/yr
Est. after-tax income
$249,355
incl. FICA + federal
Annual living costs
$75,000
$60,000–$90,000 range
Annual surplus
+$174,355
King: 3.3×
Rent: 3BR family home
$1,800–$2,700/mo
Median SFH purchase price
$400,000
Dance Training
Fox Theatre and St. Louis Ballet accessible 35-40 min east. The Wildwood community has local studio options and the Rockwood school district has excellent performing arts programs.
Healthcare
Mercy Hospital Wildwood is local but smaller. Mercy Hospital Chesterfield 15 min east. Barnes-Jewish accessible from St. Louis.
Career & Remote Work
MO income tax 4.95%. Ideal for remote workers who want space and safety without paying west coast prices. St. Louis corporate corridor accessible on I-40.
Musical Theater
Strong
Rockwood R-VI School District has excellent performing arts programs — one of the best in the St. Louis metro. Muny Kids youth conservatory (35 min east) accessible. COCA youth programs accessible. Multiple private MT studios in the Wildwood-Chesterfield area. Active Missouri competition circuit. Strong school programs and a culture of investment in fine arts make Wildwood a solid choice for a serious MT student.
Safety
Violent crime rate:60 per 100KVery Safe

US national average: ~370/100K. Lower suburbs are typically 50–80% safer than city-wide averages shown.

Pros
  • +Exceptional safety — very low crime
  • +Budget tier for the St. Louis metro
  • +Rockwood School District (top-ranked)
  • +Fox Theatre Broadway access
  • +Large lots and outdoor feel
Cons
  • −MO income tax 4.95%
  • −Commute to St. Louis is long
  • −Limited local employment
  • −Midwest winters
  • −Car-dependent entirely
Quick Stats
School rating
9/10
Healthcare rating
7/10
Tech job market
fair
Remote friendly
Yes

Financial estimates assume $360K gross income: FICA 7.65% + rough federal bracket + state rate shown. Does not include city income taxes, municipal taxes, or deductions. Actual tax liability varies. Consult a CPA.