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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Carter County: 13.3% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 5,269 residents, Carter County is a county in Missouri.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $45,083, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.6%, close to the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $147,600, with typical rent around $661.
Carter County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 13.3% — below the national 35.0%. About 7.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 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.
Carter County, MO Climate
Carter County, MO has an average annual temperature of 13.6°C (56°F) and receives about 1172 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.6°C
Avg Temp
1172
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 68 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 78 mm |
| March | 8° / 47° | 120 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 108 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 117 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 86 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 103 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 97 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 96 mm |
| October | 15° / 58° | 76 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 110 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 113 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 Carter County, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Carter 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 -6°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Carter County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.