West Plains, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of West Plains, Missouri is 12,341 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 75th-largest city in Missouri. The median household income is $39,897, the median home value is $158,700, and the median age is 34.2.
The population has grown 5.3% since 2010 (12,061 → 12,704).
12,341
Population
927
People / sq mi
$39,897
Median Income
$158,700
Median Home Value
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West Plains covers 13.3 sq mi of land at 927 people per square mile.
About West Plains, MO
Among US cities, West Plains stands out first on household income: a median of $39,897, below the US median of $78,538. West Plains is a city in Missouri with a population of 12,341.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $39,897, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 22.2%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $158,700, with typical rent around $762.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.7%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 3.6% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
West Plains city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of West Plains city had a population of 12,061 in 2010 and 12,704 in 2024, a 5.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,704 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.37%.
12,704
Population (2024)
12,061
Population (2010)
12,704
Peak (2024)
0.37%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,061 |
| 2011 | 12,163 |
| 2012 | 12,237 |
| 2013 | 12,169 |
| 2014 | 12,216 |
| 2015 | 12,208 |
| 2016 | 12,233 |
| 2017 | 12,240 |
| 2018 | 12,265 |
| 2019 | 12,304 |
| 2020 | 12,198 |
| 2021 | 12,277 |
| 2022 | 12,529 |
| 2023 | 12,591 |
| 2024 | 12,704 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$39,897
Median Household Income
$23,486
Per Capita Income
22.2%
Poverty Rate
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$158,700
Median Home Value
$762
Median Rent
48.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
85.3%
High School+
17.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
84.0%
Public Transit
3.6%
Work From Home
17.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
34.1%
Foreign Born
97.1%
Non-English at Home
8.1%
Veterans
20.4%
With Disability
81.8%
Health Insurance
91.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 35.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.3% |
| Manufacturing | 7.8% |
| Retail Trade | 7.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.1% |
| Public Administration | 3.6% |
| Construction | 3.4% |
| Information | 3.3% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.5% |
Largest cities in Missouri
Largest counties in Missouri
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Metro areas in Missouri
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
West Plains, Missouri has a population of 12,341 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 75th-largest city in Missouri.
The median household income in West Plains, Missouri is $39,897, with 22.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in West Plains, Missouri is $158,700, with median monthly rent at $762 and a homeownership rate of 48.2%.
The median age in West Plains, Missouri is 34.2 years. The population is 46.5% male and 53.5% female.
The population has grown 5.3% since 2010 (12,061 → 12,704).
Where to stay in West Plains
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.