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Population Review

Carthage, Missouri Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Carthage, Missouri is 15,513 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 58th-largest city in Missouri. The median household income is $50,849, the median home value is $133,500, and the median age is 31.0.

The population has grown 9.0% since 2010 (14,408 → 15,703).

15,513

Population

1282

People / sq mi

$50,849

Median Income

$133,500

Median Home Value

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Carthage covers 12.1 sq mi of land at 1282 people per square mile.

About Carthage, MO

The poverty rate is what most separates Carthage from the typical city: 27.8% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Carthage is a city in Missouri with a population of 15,513.

The typical household earns $50,849, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 27.8%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $133,500, with typical rent around $897.

College attainment is 23.0%, below the national 35.0%. Just 8.1% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.

The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Carthage: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.

Carthage city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Carthage city had a population of 14,408 in 2010 and 15,703 in 2024, a 9.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,703 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.63%.

2024 · 16K20102024
Carthage city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

15,703

Population (2024)

14,408

Population (2010)

15,703

Peak (2024)

0.63%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201014,408
201114,490
201214,528
201314,622
201414,648
201514,660
201614,663
201714,721
201814,764
201914,746
202015,586
202115,562
202215,480
202315,571
202415,703

Race & Ethnicity

White76.9%
Black or African American1.4%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)3.7%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$50,849

Median Household Income

$21,524

Per Capita Income

27.8%

Poverty Rate

1.2%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$133,500

Median Home Value

$897

Median Rent

51.7%

Owner-Occupied

Education

75.4%

High School+

23.0%

Bachelor's+

Commute

0.0%

Drive Alone

74.1%

Public Transit

8.1%

Work From Home

15.7 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

24.0%

Foreign Born

71.6%

Non-English at Home

5.8%

Veterans

13.5%

With Disability

80.9%

Health Insurance

93.2%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management24.2%
Manufacturing21.8%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate11.3%
Education, Health Care & Social Services7.7%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services5.6%
Retail Trade5.5%
Construction5.1%
Information2.9%
Public Administration0.8%
Transportation & Warehousing0.7%
Agriculture & Mining0.5%

Largest cities in Missouri

Largest counties in Missouri

Part of Missouri

Metro areas in Missouri

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Carthage, Missouri has a population of 15,513 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 58th-largest city in Missouri.

The median household income in Carthage, Missouri is $50,849, with 27.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Carthage, Missouri is $133,500, with median monthly rent at $897 and a homeownership rate of 51.7%.

The median age in Carthage, Missouri is 31.0 years. The population is 46.3% male and 53.7% female.

The population has grown 9.0% since 2010 (14,408 → 15,703).

Where to stay in Carthage

Visiting or relocating to Carthage, MO? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.