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
Get Poplar Bluff's next ACS population data
Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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).
Poplar Bluff city, MO Climate
Poplar Bluff city, MO has an average annual temperature of 14.1°C (57°F) and receives about 1190 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.1°C
Avg Temp
1190
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 79 mm |
| February | 3° / 38° | 88 mm |
| March | 9° / 47° | 129 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 113 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 122 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 88 mm |
| July | 26° / 80° | 92 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 88 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 93 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 75 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 113 mm |
| December | 3° / 38° | 110 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Poplar Bluff city, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Poplar Bluff city, MO are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Poplar Bluff
Visiting or relocating to Poplar Bluff, MO? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Poplar Bluff
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Poplar Bluff?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Poplar Bluff, MO by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Missouri
Population 508,233
Population 293,109
Population 169,432
Population 127,200
Population 121,944
Full rankings of Missouri cities by population
Statewide data for Missouri
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Missouri
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.