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
Cooper County is a county in Missouri with a population of 16,835. It ranks #63 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 39.9, in line with the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Cooper County is $67,548, below the US median of $74,580. 8.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $197,100, with monthly rent averaging $763. The homeownership rate of 78.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Cooper County reflects 24.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.2 minutes each way.
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.
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.