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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Cole County: 37.5% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 76,924 residents, Cole County is a county in Missouri. It ranks #16 among counties in Missouri by population.
Median household income is $73,273, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.9%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $214,400, with typical rent around $804.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 37.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 7.3% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Cole County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
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.