Cole County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 16th-largest in Missouri
The population of Cole County, Missouri is 76,924 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 16th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $73,273, the median home value is $214,400, and the median age is 39.7.
The population of Cole County has grown 1.9% since 2010 (76,145 → 77,625), a +0.14% annualized rate.
76,924
Population
+0.14%
Annual growth
196
People / sq mi
$73,273
Median Income
$214,400
Median Home Value
Cole County covers 392 sq mi of land at 196.5 people per square mile.
About Cole County, MO
Cole County is a county in Missouri with a population of 76,924. It ranks #16 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 39.7, in line with the national median. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The median household income in Cole County is $73,273, near the US median of $74,580. 7.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $214,400, with monthly rent averaging $804. The homeownership rate of 67.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Cole County reflects 37.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.4 minutes each way.
Cole County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cole County had a population of 76,145 in 2010 and 77,625 in 2024, a 1.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 77,625 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.14%.
77,625
Population (2024)
76,145
Population (2010)
77,625
Peak (2024)
0.14%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 76,145 |
| 2011 | 76,490 |
| 2012 | 76,480 |
| 2013 | 76,732 |
| 2014 | 76,656 |
| 2015 | 76,838 |
| 2016 | 76,748 |
| 2017 | 76,702 |
| 2018 | 76,734 |
| 2019 | 76,774 |
| 2020 | 76,624 |
| 2021 | 76,616 |
| 2022 | 76,977 |
| 2023 | 77,318 |
| 2024 | 77,625 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 81.0% |
| Black or African American | 11.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.7
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
17.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.2% · Seniors (65+): 17.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $73,273+$4,353 vs state |
| Mean household income | $91,246 |
| Per-capita income | $37,325 |
| Poverty rate | 7.9%-0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cole County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
80.8%
Public transit
7.3%
Work from home
18.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$214,400$-1,200 vs state
Median home value
$804
Median rent
67.4%
Homeownership rate
33,385
Total housing units
92.1%
Occupied
7.9%
Vacant
32.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.3%
With health insurance
95.3%
With broadband internet
23.1%
Foreign-born
8.1%
Veterans (18+)
12.8%
With a disability
95.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.6%
High School+
37.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cole County, Missouri has a population of 76,924 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 16th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 196 people per square mile.
The population of Cole County has grown 1.9% since 2010 (76,145 → 77,625), a +0.14% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cole County, Missouri is $73,273, with mean (average) household income of $91,246 and per-capita income of $37,325. 7.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cole County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (81.0%), Black or African American (11.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cole County, Missouri is 39.7 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Cole County is $214,400 and median monthly rent is $804. 67.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 33,385 total housing units, 7.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cole County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Cole 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.