Buchanan County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 14th-largest in Missouri
The population of Buchanan County, Missouri is 83,855 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 14th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $59,423, the median home value is $156,600, and the median age is 38.9.
The population of Buchanan County has declined 6.2% since 2010 (89,071 → 83,574), a -0.45% annualized rate.
83,855
Population
-0.45%
Annual growth
205
People / sq mi
$59,423
Median Income
$156,600
Median Home Value
Buchanan County covers 408 sq mi of land at 205.4 people per square mile.
About Buchanan County, MO
Homeownership is the standout figure in Buchanan County: 64.9% of homes are owner-occupied, close to the national rate. With 83,855 residents, Buchanan County is a county in Missouri. It ranks #14 among counties in Missouri by population.
The typical household here earns about $59,423, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.0% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $156,600, with typical rent around $889.
Roughly 23.3% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 6.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Buchanan County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Buchanan County had a population of 89,071 in 2010 and 83,574 in 2024, a -6.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 89,962 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.45%.
83,574
Population (2024)
89,071
Population (2010)
89,962
Peak (2012)
-0.45%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 89,071 |
| 2011 | 89,748 |
| 2012 | 89,962 |
| 2013 | 89,871 |
| 2014 | 89,649 |
| 2015 | 89,137 |
| 2016 | 89,072 |
| 2017 | 88,658 |
| 2018 | 88,047 |
| 2019 | 87,212 |
| 2020 | 84,472 |
| 2021 | 83,636 |
| 2022 | 82,956 |
| 2023 | 83,201 |
| 2024 | 83,574 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.3% |
| Black or African American | 5.7% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.5% |
Age & Sex
38.9
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
17.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 17.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,423$-9,497 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,717 |
| Per-capita income | $32,930 |
| Poverty rate | 12.0%+3.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Buchanan County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
80.2%
Public transit
6.9%
Work from home
17.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$156,600$-59,000 vs state
Median home value
$889
Median rent
64.9%
Homeownership rate
38,415
Total housing units
86.9%
Occupied
13.1%
Vacant
35.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.9%
With health insurance
93.0%
With broadband internet
23.0%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
17.6%
With a disability
93.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.8%
High School+
23.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Buchanan County, Missouri has a population of 83,855 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 14th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 205 people per square mile.
The population of Buchanan County has declined 6.2% since 2010 (89,071 → 83,574), a -0.45% annualized rate.
The median household income in Buchanan County, Missouri is $59,423, with mean (average) household income of $80,717 and per-capita income of $32,930. 12.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Buchanan County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.3%), Black or African American (5.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Buchanan County, Missouri is 38.9 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Buchanan County is $156,600 and median monthly rent is $889. 64.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 38,415 total housing units, 13.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Buchanan County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Buchanan County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
Buchanan County, MO Climate
Buchanan County, MO has an average annual temperature of 11.8°C (53°F) and receives about 935 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.8°C
Avg Temp
935
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 26° | 26 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 27 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 62 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 82 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 124 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 118 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 104 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 102 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 121 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 80 mm |
| November | 5° / 42° | 52 mm |
| December | -1° / 31° | 37 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 Buchanan County, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Buchanan County, MO are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Buchanan County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.