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
The poverty rate is what most separates Barton County from the typical county: 16.8% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Barton County is a county in Missouri with a population of 11,685.
The typical household earns $49,503, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 16.8%, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $136,000, with typical rent around $777.
18.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.4%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Barton County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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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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.