Poplar Bluff, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Poplar Bluff, Missouri is 16,243 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 53rd-largest city in Missouri. The median household income is $42,035, the median home value is $109,700, and the median age is 36.7.
The population has declined 5.0% since 2010 (17,027 → 16,177).
16,243
Population
1203
People / sq mi
$42,035
Median Income
$109,700
Median Home Value
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Poplar Bluff covers 13.5 sq mi of land at 1203 people per square mile.
About Poplar Bluff, MO
Housing cost is the defining feature of Poplar Bluff: the median home is valued at $109,700. Poplar Bluff is a city in Missouri with a population of 16,243.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $42,035, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 18.4%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $109,700, with typical rent around $760.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 16.0%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 3.5% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Poplar Bluff city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Poplar Bluff city had a population of 17,027 in 2010 and 16,177 in 2024, a -5.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,123 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.36%.
16,177
Population (2024)
17,027
Population (2010)
17,123
Peak (2013)
-0.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,027 |
| 2011 | 17,112 |
| 2012 | 17,118 |
| 2013 | 17,123 |
| 2014 | 17,086 |
| 2015 | 17,079 |
| 2016 | 17,106 |
| 2017 | 17,020 |
| 2018 | 16,987 |
| 2019 | 16,937 |
| 2020 | 16,283 |
| 2021 | 16,320 |
| 2022 | 16,303 |
| 2023 | 16,203 |
| 2024 | 16,177 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 78.7% |
| Black or African American | 8.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$42,035
Median Household Income
$22,985
Per Capita Income
18.4%
Poverty Rate
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$109,700
Median Home Value
$760
Median Rent
51.4%
Owner-Occupied
Education
83.4%
High School+
16.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.7%
Drive Alone
79.1%
Public Transit
3.5%
Work From Home
16.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
27.7%
Foreign Born
96.5%
Non-English at Home
9.7%
Veterans
24.3%
With Disability
84.8%
Health Insurance
84.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 24.6% |
| Manufacturing | 15.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 13.7% |
| Construction | 6.4% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 5.7% |
| Retail Trade | 5.1% |
| Information | 4.6% |
| Public Administration | 3.1% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.3% |
Largest cities in Missouri
Largest counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Poplar Bluff, Missouri has a population of 16,243 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 53rd-largest city in Missouri.
The median household income in Poplar Bluff, Missouri is $42,035, with 18.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Poplar Bluff, Missouri is $109,700, with median monthly rent at $760 and a homeownership rate of 51.4%.
The median age in Poplar Bluff, Missouri is 36.7 years. The population is 46.9% male and 53.1% female.
The population has declined 5.0% since 2010 (17,027 → 16,177).
Where to stay in Poplar Bluff
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.