Carter County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 107th-largest in Missouri
The population of Carter County, Missouri is 5,269 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 107th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $45,083, the median home value is $147,600, and the median age is 39.6.
The population of Carter County has declined 14.8% since 2010 (6,292 → 5,359), a -1.14% annualized rate.
5,269
Population
-1.14%
Annual growth
10
People / sq mi
$45,083
Median Income
$147,600
Median Home Value
Carter County covers 507 sq mi of land at 10.4 people per square mile.
About Carter County, MO
Carter County is a county in Missouri with a population of 5,269. It ranks #107 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 39.6, in line with the national median. The population is 48.5% male and 51.5% female.
The median household income in Carter County is $45,083, below the US median of $74,580. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $147,600, with monthly rent averaging $661. The homeownership rate of 64.1% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Carter County reflects 13.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.2 minutes each way.
Carter County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Carter County had a population of 6,292 in 2010 and 5,359 in 2024, a -14.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,342 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -1.07%.
5,359
Population (2024)
6,292
Population (2010)
6,342
Peak (2013)
-1.07%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,292 |
| 2011 | 6,330 |
| 2012 | 6,271 |
| 2013 | 6,342 |
| 2014 | 6,286 |
| 2015 | 6,280 |
| 2016 | 6,210 |
| 2017 | 6,177 |
| 2018 | 6,068 |
| 2019 | 5,981 |
| 2020 | 5,205 |
| 2021 | 5,325 |
| 2022 | 5,267 |
| 2023 | 5,329 |
| 2024 | 5,359 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.6
Median Age
51.5%
Female
48.5%
Male
20.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.8% · Seniors (65+): 20.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $45,083$-23,837 vs state |
| Mean household income | $65,018 |
| Per-capita income | $27,115 |
| Poverty rate | 12.6%+4.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Carter County is manufacturing, accounting for 31.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.6%
Carpool
73.6%
Public transit
7.9%
Work from home
21.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$147,600$-68,000 vs state
Median home value
$661
Median rent
64.1%
Homeownership rate
2,692
Total housing units
73.0%
Occupied
27.0%
Vacant
35.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.8%
With health insurance
89.2%
With broadband internet
27.8%
Foreign-born
11.8%
Veterans (18+)
26.9%
With a disability
98.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.2%
High School+
13.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Carter County, Missouri has a population of 5,269 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 107th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 10 people per square mile.
The population of Carter County has declined 14.8% since 2010 (6,292 → 5,359), a -1.14% annualized rate.
The median household income in Carter County, Missouri is $45,083, with mean (average) household income of $65,018 and per-capita income of $27,115. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Carter County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.0%), Hispanic or Latino (3.2%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Carter County, Missouri is 39.6 years. Residents are 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
The median home value in Carter County is $147,600 and median monthly rent is $661. 64.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,692 total housing units, 27.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Carter County, Missouri is manufacturing, employing 31.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.5%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Carter 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.