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
Buchanan County is a county in Missouri with a population of 83,855. It ranks #14 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 38.9, in line with the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in Buchanan County is $59,423, below the US median of $74,580. 12.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $156,600, with monthly rent averaging $889. The homeownership rate of 64.9% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Buchanan County reflects 23.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 17.5 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.
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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.