Bates County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 64th-largest in Missouri
The population of Bates County, Missouri is 16,121 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 64th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $57,914, the median home value is $154,800, and the median age is 40.8.
The population of Bates County has declined 3.7% since 2010 (17,026 → 16,394), a -0.27% annualized rate.
16,121
Population
-0.27%
Annual growth
19
People / sq mi
$57,914
Median Income
$154,800
Median Home Value
Bates County covers 837 sq mi of land at 19.3 people per square mile.
About Bates County, MO
Bates County is a county in Missouri with a population of 16,121. It ranks #64 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 40.8, older than the national median. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The median household income in Bates County is $57,914, below the US median of $74,580. 13.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $154,800, with monthly rent averaging $760. The homeownership rate of 72.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Bates County reflects 15.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 33.8 minutes each way.
Bates County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bates County had a population of 17,026 in 2010 and 16,394 in 2024, a -3.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,026 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.27%.
16,394
Population (2024)
17,026
Population (2010)
17,026
Peak (2010)
-0.27%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,026 |
| 2011 | 16,965 |
| 2012 | 16,615 |
| 2013 | 16,425 |
| 2014 | 16,514 |
| 2015 | 16,361 |
| 2016 | 16,342 |
| 2017 | 16,294 |
| 2018 | 16,320 |
| 2019 | 16,213 |
| 2020 | 16,053 |
| 2021 | 16,099 |
| 2022 | 16,156 |
| 2023 | 16,226 |
| 2024 | 16,394 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.2% |
| Black or African American | 2.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.8
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
19.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.8% · Seniors (65+): 19.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,914$-11,006 vs state |
| Mean household income | $73,202 |
| Per-capita income | $28,444 |
| Poverty rate | 13.5%+5.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bates County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
79.5%
Public transit
9.9%
Work from home
33.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$154,800$-60,800 vs state
Median home value
$760
Median rent
72.3%
Homeownership rate
7,192
Total housing units
83.1%
Occupied
16.9%
Vacant
27.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.2%
With health insurance
89.3%
With broadband internet
32.1%
Foreign-born
7.8%
Veterans (18+)
18.2%
With a disability
97.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.0%
High School+
15.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bates County, Missouri has a population of 16,121 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 64th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 19 people per square mile.
The population of Bates County has declined 3.7% since 2010 (17,026 → 16,394), a -0.27% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bates County, Missouri is $57,914, with mean (average) household income of $73,202 and per-capita income of $28,444. 13.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bates County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.2%), Black or African American (2.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bates County, Missouri is 40.8 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Bates County is $154,800 and median monthly rent is $760. 72.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,192 total housing units, 16.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bates County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Bates County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
More from Missouri
Population 996,618
Population 717,021
Population 409,830
Population 301,121
Full rankings of Missouri counties
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.