Cooper County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 63rd-largest in Missouri
The population of Cooper County, Missouri is 16,835 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 63rd-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $67,548, the median home value is $197,100, and the median age is 39.9.
The population of Cooper County has declined 2.7% since 2010 (17,601 → 17,122), a -0.20% annualized rate.
16,835
Population
-0.20%
Annual growth
30
People / sq mi
$67,548
Median Income
$197,100
Median Home Value
Cooper County covers 565 sq mi of land at 29.8 people per square mile.
About Cooper County, MO
Homeownership is the standout figure in Cooper County: 78.2% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 16,835 residents, Cooper County is a county in Missouri.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $67,548 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.2%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $197,100, with typical rent around $763.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 24.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 5.9% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Cooper County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Cooper County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cooper County had a population of 17,601 in 2010 and 17,122 in 2024, a -2.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,697 in 2016. Average annual growth rate: -0.19%.
17,122
Population (2024)
17,601
Population (2010)
17,697
Peak (2016)
-0.19%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,601 |
| 2011 | 17,551 |
| 2012 | 17,538 |
| 2013 | 17,612 |
| 2014 | 17,564 |
| 2015 | 17,615 |
| 2016 | 17,697 |
| 2017 | 17,642 |
| 2018 | 17,604 |
| 2019 | 17,563 |
| 2020 | 16,647 |
| 2021 | 16,682 |
| 2022 | 16,741 |
| 2023 | 16,926 |
| 2024 | 17,122 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.6% |
| Black or African American | 5.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.9
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
19.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 19.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,548$-1,372 vs state |
| Mean household income | $79,256 |
| Per-capita income | $29,695 |
| Poverty rate | 8.2%-0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cooper County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
78.6%
Public transit
5.9%
Work from home
28.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$197,100$-18,500 vs state
Median home value
$763
Median rent
78.2%
Homeownership rate
7,276
Total housing units
84.8%
Occupied
15.2%
Vacant
21.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.3%
With health insurance
91.1%
With broadband internet
21.2%
Foreign-born
8.4%
Veterans (18+)
15.1%
With a disability
97.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.7%
High School+
24.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooper County, Missouri has a population of 16,835 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 63rd-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 30 people per square mile.
The population of Cooper County has declined 2.7% since 2010 (17,601 → 17,122), a -0.20% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cooper County, Missouri is $67,548, with mean (average) household income of $79,256 and per-capita income of $29,695. 8.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cooper County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.6%), Black or African American (5.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cooper County, Missouri is 39.9 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Cooper County is $197,100 and median monthly rent is $763. 78.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,276 total housing units, 15.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cooper County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Cooper County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
Cooper County, MO Climate
Cooper County, MO has an average annual temperature of 12.4°C (54°F) and receives about 1020 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.4°C
Avg Temp
1020
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 28° | 35 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 40 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 78 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 99 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 129 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 116 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 93 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 91 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 109 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 94 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 76 mm |
| December | 0° / 33° | 60 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 Cooper County, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Cooper County, MO are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Cooper County
Visiting or relocating to Cooper County, MO? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Cooper 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 Cooper County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Cooper 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.