Barton County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 78th-largest in Missouri
The population of Barton County, Missouri is 11,685 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 78th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $49,503, the median home value is $136,000, and the median age is 40.6.
The population of Barton County has declined 5.4% since 2010 (12,384 → 11,717), a -0.39% annualized rate.
11,685
Population
-0.39%
Annual growth
20
People / sq mi
$49,503
Median Income
$136,000
Median Home Value
Barton County covers 592 sq mi of land at 19.7 people per square mile.
About Barton County, MO
Barton County is a county in Missouri with a population of 11,685. It ranks #78 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 40.6, older than the national median. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The median household income in Barton County is $49,503, below the US median of $74,580. 16.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $136,000, with monthly rent averaging $777. The homeownership rate of 69.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Barton County reflects 18.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.5 minutes each way.
Barton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Barton County had a population of 12,384 in 2010 and 11,717 in 2024, a -5.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,384 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.39%.
11,717
Population (2024)
12,384
Population (2010)
12,384
Peak (2010)
-0.39%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,384 |
| 2011 | 12,346 |
| 2012 | 12,299 |
| 2013 | 12,183 |
| 2014 | 11,990 |
| 2015 | 11,834 |
| 2016 | 11,834 |
| 2017 | 11,798 |
| 2018 | 11,756 |
| 2019 | 11,681 |
| 2020 | 11,623 |
| 2021 | 11,670 |
| 2022 | 11,695 |
| 2023 | 11,743 |
| 2024 | 11,717 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.6
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
20.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.9% · Seniors (65+): 20.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,503$-19,417 vs state |
| Mean household income | $65,483 |
| Per-capita income | $25,518 |
| Poverty rate | 16.8%+8.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Barton County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
83.2%
Public transit
9.4%
Work from home
24.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$136,000$-79,600 vs state
Median home value
$777
Median rent
69.6%
Homeownership rate
5,295
Total housing units
83.6%
Occupied
16.4%
Vacant
30.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.1%
With health insurance
90.4%
With broadband internet
37.4%
Foreign-born
6.2%
Veterans (18+)
21.7%
With a disability
96.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.1%
High School+
18.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Barton County, Missouri has a population of 11,685 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 78th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 20 people per square mile.
The population of Barton County has declined 5.4% since 2010 (12,384 → 11,717), a -0.39% annualized rate.
The median household income in Barton County, Missouri is $49,503, with mean (average) household income of $65,483 and per-capita income of $25,518. 16.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Barton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.1%), Hispanic or Latino (4.2%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Barton County, Missouri is 40.6 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Barton County is $136,000 and median monthly rent is $777. 69.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,295 total housing units, 16.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Barton County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Barton County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
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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.