$185,198Average Value$111Average Price per Sq Ft30Homes For Sale
A small city with a steady population in Northeast Missouri
Legend has it that Kirksville came to be thanks to a turkey dinner and whiskey. Jesse Kirk, the city’s first postmaster, made the offering to surveyors in exchange for naming the city after him in the mid-1800s. Now the county seat of Adair County, Kirksville is home to more than 17,000 residents, a number that has stayed relatively steady since 1980. “People will either move here for work or to retire,” says Elizabeth Gregory, Realtor with Exp Realty, who has lived in the Kirksville area since 1996. “It’s got that small-town feel, but there’s a lot to do and a lot of job opportunities.” Some of the biggest employers include the city’s three colleges, the Kraft-Heinz plant and Northeast Regional Medical Center. Local downtown businesses and community events also add to the city’s small-town feel.
Kirksville is home to over 17,000 residents and was established in 1857.
The Adair County Courthouse is the beautiful centerpiece of downtown Kirksville.
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Home prices below the national median
The median home price in Kirksville is $160,000, about 61% below the national median. “The majority of homes are going to be bungalows near downtown and ranch styles in other neighborhoods,” says Gregory. “We’re also getting newer developments with custom houses. You buy a lot then hire a builder to build your home.” Gregory adds that there’s a lot of land in the countryside and many of her clients purchase that land to build a home with lots of acreage. Those seeking a luxurious lifestyle will find the city’s rural outskirts also have 7,000 to 10,000-square-foot estates ranging from $1.5 million to $1.9 million. Tornado season runs from April to June in Missouri and the surrounding region. Kirksville experiences all four seasons with mild summers and winter temperatures below freezing.
Vinyl sided cottages are a common style of home in downtown Kirksville.
Million dollar Greek inspired homes sit on several acres along the outskirts of Kirksville.
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Holiday celebrations throughout the year
Kirksville has several events throughout the year. The Red, White and Blue Festival is a three-day spectacle celebrating Independence Day. The Red Barn Arts and Crafts Festival celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. And the Hometown Holiday event kicks off every Thanksgiving weekend with a parade, followed by ice skating downtown, living window displays and a tree lighting complete with carols from local choirs.
Local shops downtown and big box retailers on Baltimore Street
Downtown Kirksville has a grid-pattern layout, with the Adair County Courthouse standing in the middle and surrounding streets lined with local businesses. “There’s a good mix of retail shops, art galleries, restaurants and a few professional offices,” says Gregory. “Some restaurants like DuKum and Pagliai’s Pizza have been around for decades.” The city’s commercial retail scene is located on the north side along Baltimore Street with several big box retailers and chain restaurants.
The DuKum Inn has served Kirksville residents and visitors since 1938.
Experience the aroma of freshly made pizzas at Pagliai's Pizza in downtown Kirksville.
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From small neighborhood parks to the vast Thousand Hills State Park
About a dozen parks and other recreational spaces are operated by Kirksville Parks & Recreation. They include everyday neighborhood parks with playgrounds and athletic facilities, a 20-mile trail system and an aquatic center with indoor and outdoor swimming. Thousand Hills State Park is about 6 miles out of town. “Most people from Northeast Missouri come to Thousand Hills State Park,” says Gregory. “It’s the biggest draw as far as the outdoors.” The state park is more than 3,200 acres of woods and trails surrounded by Forest Lake.
The Aquatic Center at Rotary Park is the go to spot for summer fun in Kirksville.
The 573 acre Forest Lake is surrounded by the Thousand Hills State Park in Kirksville.
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Public schools, faith-based private schools and three colleges
The Kirksville R-III School District earns a B-plus grade from Niche. All schools are platted right next to each other on the east side of the city. Public kindergarten through eighth-grade students go to the same schools. High schoolers have the option of attending Kirksville High School or Kirksville Area Technical Center.
The city has three faith-based private schools: Mary Immaculate Catholic School, Faith Lutheran School and Northeast Christian High School.
Post-secondary school options include Moberly Area Community College, A.T. Still University, specializing in residential healthcare degrees, and Truman State University. Niche ranks TSU as the second-best college for academics in Missouri, where students can study from 139 undergraduate and 14 graduate programs. The Truman Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division II sports.
The Kirksville School District serves over 2,500 students with an overall grade of B+.
Truman State University offers residents of Kirksville 55 undergrad programs to choose from.
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Highways to Des Moines and Kansas City
U.S. 63 runs 28 miles north to Iowa and 13 miles south to La Plata, where travelers can hop on an Amtrak train. It’s about a 135-mile drive north to Des Moines and 160 miles southwest to Kansas City. Those two cities have the closest international airports. However, Kirksville Regional Airport offers flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport daily via Contour Airlines.
Five-year plan to reduce crime
Property and violent crime rates are higher in Kirksville than in both the United States and Missouri. In 2023, the Kirksville Police Department implemented a 5-year plan to reduce crime. The initiative includes recruiting more officers, more community involvement and cracking down on drunk drivers. The police department also helps neighborhoods set up neighborhood watch programs.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
Photography Contributed By
Ethan Babor
Video By
Colleen Carey
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Kirksville, MO sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Kirksville, MO over the last 12 months is $149,950, up 83% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This furnished mid-term rental is a fantastic investment property with proven income. Currently rented month-to-month for $2,200, it offers a steady cash flow. The bungalow features inviting interiors and is fully remodeled with new kitchen and quartz countertops in 2022. The hardwood floors are stunning! Don't miss this opportunity with its established rental history and furnished setup, this
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!! SPRING into ACTION and BUILD IT ON BALTIMORE! 4.3 ACRE M/L Building Tract Now Available! Zoned CP-3 allowing for MANY options, this OPPORTUNITY is Waiting For You! F
Investors and Developers take notice!! This is the 25 acre m/l piece that will connect with the land of the new Hannibal Regional medical complex coming to Kirksville. Adjacent to the walking trail connecting the Kingsridge and Kellwood subdivisions.
INVESTORS take notice! 132' x 270' vacant lot just down the street from TSU campus. Located on a high traffic street with plenty of opportunities. Call Zach Springer, Broker/Owner at 660-341-2405 or visit c21kirksville.com.
Beautifully renovated 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath log home on 3.5 acres bordering Thousand Hills State Park. This stunning property features exceptional craftsmanship, spacious living areas, a large walk-out basement, and expansive decks overlooking peaceful wooded views. With modern updates throughout and plenty of room to relax or entertain, it's the perfect private retreat. Located in the Kirksville
Beautifully renovated 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath log home on 3.5 acres bordering Thousand Hills State Park. This stunning property features exceptional craftsmanship, spacious living areas, a large walk-out basement, and expansive decks overlooking peaceful wooded views. With modern updates throughout and plenty of room to relax or entertain, it’s the perfect private retreat. Located in the Kirksville
"Coming Soon" this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch home, nestled in a private, secluded location just south of Kirksville, directly across from the new conservation fishing lake on South First Street. This well-cared-for property is move-in ready, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy a spacious living area, a kitchen with ample counter space, and three generously sized bedrooms filled
Discover luxury living in this stunning home located on a secluded cul-de-sac in Lakeside Estates. Set on 3.5 acres M/L with breathtaking lake views, this property features 5 spacious bedrooms and 3 full baths, including a luxurious primary suite with a beautifully appointed ensuite and large walk-in closets. Recent updates include all-new interior paint, heating and air conditioning, a lovely
Three lots with a two-bedroom, one-bath home are being sold as is. They are ready for your future project and conveniently located on the east side of town. Call Mike Hatfield, Century 21 Lifetime Realty, at 660-341-7445 for more information.
3-bedroom, 1-bath home offering convenient one-level living. Features include a one-car garage and a fully fenced backyard--perfect for pets, play and outdoor entertaining. Call Zach Springer at 660.341.2405 to schedule a showing or visit c21kirksville.com
Endless potential in this versatile tract. Opportunity for a piece of dirt that lays this good is rare. Property features 78 acres m/l with 50 acres m/l currently in productive tillable prairie ground on a corn/soybean rotation. Location of this piece puts it in some of the most premier whitetail deer hunting North Missouri has to offer. Ag crop with timbered draws running into it, and a south
At no fault of the seller, this home is back on the market! Discover this delightful 4-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home that combines modern updates with classic charm. The updated kitchen features contemporary design, perfect for any cooking enthusiast. Enjoy the warmth of original hardwood floors throughout the main living areas. A spacious private dining room is ideal for hosting family dinners and
Property Id: 532663This charming two bedroom house sits in an ideal location near Downtown Kirksville and is an easy walk to Truman State University with quick access to A T Still University. The home features a spacious layout with comfortable living areas, generous natural light, and a warm inviting feel throughout.Enjoy a large back porch that is perfect for morning coffee,
Property Id: 1988656Now available, Clean 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom mobile home located at 1003 W. Hildreth Lot#11 in Kirksville, MO. Has essential appliances, including a range oven and refrigerator and 2 window air units. Washer Dryer hookups in unit. New carpeting in bedrooms and hallway. New laminate in kitchen. Laminate in livingroom. Tenant pays all utilities. Deposit required.
Property Id: 1106647Welcome to your cozy 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment located at 112 West McPherson St in Kirksville, MO. This charming unit features hardwood floors, a refrigerator, oven, and forced air heating. Enjoy the convenience of off-street parking in Downtown Kirksville. All utilities are the responsibility of the tenant. Only cats are allowed, smoking outside only. Don't miss
Property Id: 2341938Welcome to your new home at 1501 S Jamison St, B2, in the heart of Kirksville, MO! This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment is perfect for families or professionals seeking a blend of comfort and convenience. Enjoy modern amenities including a well-equipped kitchen featuring a refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and range oven, along with the practicality of
Quiet area with public safety nearby. Very serene, and can work from home. The options are endless! Spacious bedrooms, in-unit laundry, and street parking. Work in-town?.. Student?.. Welcome!* Close to Truman State University, and A.T. Still University. Near Churches, Kirksville Library, Aquatic Center, grocery markets, supermarkets, restaurants, there's a cinema theatre, and more!
ATTENTION ALL TSU/TSU students!! This spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bath apartment is available May of 2026! Washer and dryer included, lawn care and snow removal included, off-street parking and a front porch! No dogs, smoking or loud parties. Please schedule a showing today! **Available May 2026**
Take a look at this 2462 sq. ft. home containing old world charm with original hardwood floors, trim and molding. The interior includes hardwood floors throughout, a dedicated office space, and a basement for additional storage or recreational use. A new furnace/AC has been recently installed along with a new roof. Plus, there is an attached 2 car carport in the rear of the home. The finished
This 3 bedroom 2 bath duplex apartment is located in a quiet neighborhood with a cul de sac. Room to spread out with two living spaces! It is all-electric with central heat and air. Washer and dryer included. Dishwasher, range, and fridge included. 1 car garage and off-street parking. Absolutely no smoking
Enjoy this all electric 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house with central heat & air and a 2 car detached garage and large yard. Lawn care included. Available February 2026
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