Chariton County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 100th-largest in Missouri
The population of Chariton County, Missouri is 7,406 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 100th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $63,307, the median home value is $118,900, and the median age is 45.2.
The population of Chariton County has declined 5.6% since 2010 (7,836 → 7,397), a -0.41% annualized rate.
7,406
Population
-0.41%
Annual growth
10
People / sq mi
$63,307
Median Income
$118,900
Median Home Value
Chariton County covers 751 sq mi of land at 9.9 people per square mile.
About Chariton County, MO
Homeownership is the standout figure in Chariton County: 80.9% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 7,406 residents, Chariton County is a county in Missouri.
Median household income is $63,307, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.7%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $118,900, with typical rent around $540.
19.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.5%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Chariton County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Chariton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Chariton County had a population of 7,836 in 2010 and 7,397 in 2024, a -5.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 7,836 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.41%.
7,397
Population (2024)
7,836
Population (2010)
7,836
Peak (2010)
-0.41%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7,836 |
| 2011 | 7,744 |
| 2012 | 7,680 |
| 2013 | 7,640 |
| 2014 | 7,676 |
| 2015 | 7,582 |
| 2016 | 7,512 |
| 2017 | 7,462 |
| 2018 | 7,449 |
| 2019 | 7,463 |
| 2020 | 7,390 |
| 2021 | 7,367 |
| 2022 | 7,395 |
| 2023 | 7,403 |
| 2024 | 7,397 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.4% |
| Black or African American | 2.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.2
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
24.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.4% · Seniors (65+): 24.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,307$-5,613 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,981 |
| Per-capita income | $29,562 |
| Poverty rate | 6.7%-1.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Chariton County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.9%
Drive alone
2.7%
Carpool
79.8%
Public transit
8.5%
Work from home
24.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$118,900$-96,700 vs state
Median home value
$540
Median rent
80.9%
Homeownership rate
3,797
Total housing units
69.9%
Occupied
30.1%
Vacant
19.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.6%
With health insurance
89.2%
With broadband internet
15.0%
Foreign-born
9.3%
Veterans (18+)
16.0%
With a disability
97.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.3%
High School+
19.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Chariton County, Missouri has a population of 7,406 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 100th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 10 people per square mile.
The population of Chariton County has declined 5.6% since 2010 (7,836 → 7,397), a -0.41% annualized rate.
The median household income in Chariton County, Missouri is $63,307, with mean (average) household income of $76,981 and per-capita income of $29,562. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Chariton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.4%), Black or African American (2.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Chariton County, Missouri is 45.2 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Chariton County is $118,900 and median monthly rent is $540. 80.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,797 total housing units, 30.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Chariton County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Chariton County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
Chariton County, MO Climate
Chariton County, MO has an average annual temperature of 11.8°C (53°F) and receives about 993 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
993
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 26° | 38 mm |
| February | 0° / 31° | 35 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 71 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 94 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 123 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 111 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 99 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 95 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 113 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 90 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 72 mm |
| December | -1° / 31° | 52 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 Chariton County, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Chariton County, MO are typically September, June 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 Chariton County
Visiting or relocating to Chariton County, MO? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Chariton County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Chariton County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Chariton County, MO by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Missouri
Population 996,618
Population 717,021
Population 409,830
Population 301,121
Full rankings of Missouri counties
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.