All communities
Complete relocation guide

Moving to Murphy

South metro community · housing, schools, commute, costs and everyday life

About this CityHub guide

An unincorporated Jefferson County community offering attainable suburban housing along the southwest metro corridor.

The short version

Murphy is a residential Census-designated place in northern Jefferson County. It provides access to the Highway 30 corridor and comparatively attainable housing without an incorporated municipal government.

What stands out

Murphy sits in the northern Jefferson County portion of the metropolitan area and is defined by Census boundaries rather than city limits. Its residential areas connect to the broader Highway 30 and Fenton-area road network.\n\nA Murphy mailing address or Census label does not by itself answer questions about schools, utilities, fire protection or local services. Those details, along with topography, drainage and commute patterns, should be verified for the property.

The essentials

At a glance

Facts & local estimates
2020–2024 ACS population estimate
8,285
as of 2024-12-31Source
Median owner-occupied home value
$184,700
as of 2024-12-31Source
Median gross rent
$1,056
as of 2024-12-31Source
Mean travel time to work
25.3 minutes
as of 2024-12-31Source
Median household income
$72,233
as of 2024-12-31Source
2020 housing units
3,783
as of 2020-04-01Source
2020 population
8,425
as of 2020-04-01Source
The local picture

A feel for Murphy

These local estimates and CityHub editorial ratings are for comparison and orientation. They are not verified statistics or current prices.

Local snapshot

Best for & local character

South metroResidentialCar-oriented

Highlights

  • 8,425 residents in the 2020 Census
  • 3,783 housing units in the 2020 Census
  • South County & Jefferson/Franklin

How it scores

CityHub estimates, not official scores. Some ratings are generated from community characteristics.

Walkability37
Transit18
School context · modeled58
Nightlife & dining35
Parks & outdoors66
Arts & culture30
Quiet & peaceful68
The decision brief

Is Murphy a good fit?

What stands out

Murphy sits near the George Winter Park section of the Meramec Greenway, with a paved route connecting nearby park areas. Consider the area if that Fenton-side outdoor network matters to you; it is a nearby destination, not an amenity at every Murphy address.

Things to check
Test your commute

The published mean travel time to work is 25.3 minutes. That describes residents’ trips, not the trip from a home you are considering. Test your destination during your usual travel hours.

Source

Does this fit your actual move?

Compare Murphy against your budget, commute, and priorities—or ask about a specific address.

Build my shortlist
Homes & housing

What does housing cost here?

Published Census estimates provide broad context where a reliable community-level figure is available. Check current homes or rentals for actual prices.

Median owner-occupied home value
$184,700

A broad benchmark for homes people own here—not a live asking price.

Data: 2024-12-31View source
Median gross rent
$1,056

Useful renter context—not a substitute for current available rentals.

Data: 2024-12-31View source

Price is only part of the monthly payment

For a specific home, also account for the interest rate, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, utilities, and condition. That’s why two homes with the same price tag can still cost very different amounts every month.

Plan the daily trip

Commute & getting around

Published mean travel time to work: 25.3 minutes. This is a community estimate, not the trip from a specific home. Test your route during your regular travel hours.

Source
Schools

Which schools serve this address?

The address—not the city name—determines the schools

The community name alone does not establish a school assignment in Murphy. Confirm the district and schools for the exact property before deciding.

1

Identify the district

Start with the property’s complete street address.

2

Check the boundary tool

Use the district’s official address or attendance lookup.

3

Confirm before deciding

Ask the district to verify the current assignment and enrollment details.

Missouri DESE school directory and map

DESE says its maps are for reference; confirm official boundaries with county authorities and the district.

How people spend free time

Parks & recreation

Errands, routines & convenience

Everyday life

Direct answers for movers

Questions about moving to Murphy

What is it like to live in Murphy?+

Murphy sits in the northern Jefferson County portion of the metropolitan area and is defined by Census boundaries rather than city limits. Its residential areas connect to the broader Highway 30 and Fenton-area road network.\n\nA Murphy mailing address or Census label does not by itself answer questions about schools, utilities, fire protection or local services. Those details, along with topography, drainage and commute patterns, should be verified for the property. Murphy sits near the George Winter Park section of the Meramec Greenway, with a paved route connecting nearby park areas. Consider the area if that Fenton-side outdoor network matters to you; it is a nearby destination, not an amenity at every Murphy address.

What should I know about housing costs in Murphy?+

The published median value of owner-occupied homes (data as of 2024-12-31) is $184,700 in Murphy. That describes existing homes in a survey period, not current listings or the homes available within your budget. Compare actual properties and their condition.

Source
What should movers know about schools in Murphy?+

CityHub does not identify an assigned school for a home in Murphy. The district and attendance boundary depend on the exact address and can change. Use the official lookup as a starting point, then confirm with the district before making a housing decision.

Use the Missouri DESE school directory
What is commuting from Murphy like?+

The published mean travel time to work (data as of 2024-12-31) is 25.3 minutes for residents of Murphy. That average covers many destinations and schedules; it does not predict your own trip. Test a prospective address at your usual hour.

Source
What costs should I consider before moving to Murphy?+

The published median gross rent (data as of 2024-12-31) is $1,056/month in Murphy. This is a survey measure, not a current rental quote. Check current offers, utilities, insurance and travel costs for the exact home.

Source
What should I verify before choosing a home in Murphy?+

The published mean travel time to work is 25.3 minutes. That describes residents’ trips, not the trip from a home you are considering. Test your destination during your usual travel hours. Gravois Bluffs — nearby access is one documented local destination; check the route and current access from the home you are considering. Confirm school assignment, property condition and recurring costs for the exact address.

Source
Keep narrowing the decision

Put Murphy in context.

The community guide tells you about this place. These guides help answer whether this is the right kind of place for your move.

All “where to live” guides
Understand the geography

Map of Murphy

See where Murphy sits in the St. Louis region, then open named local places for directions and surrounding context.

Open full map

This map is for orientation. Confirm municipal, school, floodplain, and parcel boundaries with the appropriate official source.

Around town

Places to know

Parks, civic resources, recreation, and recognizable destinations that help explain everyday life in Murphy.

Parks & outdoors

2 places
Nearby greenwayNearby

Meramec Greenway — Fenton access

A paved regional trail connection along the Meramec River near Murphy.

Official details
Nearby county parkNearby

George Winter County Park

A nearby Meramec River park used for boating, picnics and outdoor recreation.

Official details

Family destinations

1 place
Nearby recreation centerNearby

RiverChase YMCA

A nearby recreation and wellness facility used by households around Murphy and Fenton.

Official details

Shopping & errands

1 place
Nearby shopping districtNearby

Gravois Bluffs

A major nearby concentration of groceries, retail, restaurants and services.

Official details

Civic & everyday

1 place
Nearby libraryNearby

Jefferson County Library — Arnold Branch

The nearest major county-library branch for many Murphy households.

Official details
Don’t choose in a vacuum

Compare nearby alternatives

Choose other communities to see their facts and editorial ratings side by side.

Build your comparison
Sources, dates & how we got here3 sources · expand

CityHub separates sourced facts from editorial guidance. Official data may describe different time periods; each fact shows its represented date when available.