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 defined demographically by education — 15.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 16,121 residents, Bates County is a county in Missouri.
The typical household here earns about $57,914, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 13.5% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $154,800, with typical rent around $760.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 15.3%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.9%, and the average commute runs about 34 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.
Bates County, MO Climate
Bates County, MO has an average annual temperature of 12.9°C (55°F) and receives about 1044 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.9°C
Avg Temp
1044
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 29° | 37 mm |
| February | 2° / 35° | 40 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 81 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 98 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 124 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 137 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 89 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 99 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 120 mm |
| October | 14° / 58° | 99 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 73 mm |
| December | 1° / 34° | 47 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 Bates County, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Bates County, MO are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Bates County
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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.