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.
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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.