DeKalb County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 80th-largest in Missouri
The population of DeKalb County, Missouri is 11,176 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 80th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $69,093, the median home value is $167,500, and the median age is 42.3.
The population of DeKalb County has declined 23.4% since 2010 (12,899 → 9,884), a -1.88% annualized rate.
11,176
Population
-1.88%
Annual growth
27
People / sq mi
$69,093
Median Income
$167,500
Median Home Value
DeKalb County covers 421 sq mi of land at 26.5 people per square mile.
About DeKalb County, MO
Educational attainment is the headline number in DeKalb County: 14.8% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 11,176 residents, DeKalb County is a county in Missouri.
The typical household here earns about $69,093, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.8%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $167,500, with typical rent around $796.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 14.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. About 10.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
DeKalb County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of DeKalb County had a population of 12,899 in 2010 and 9,884 in 2024, a -23.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,899 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.74%.
9,884
Population (2024)
12,899
Population (2010)
12,899
Peak (2010)
-1.74%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,899 |
| 2011 | 12,817 |
| 2012 | 12,783 |
| 2013 | 12,638 |
| 2014 | 12,556 |
| 2015 | 12,559 |
| 2016 | 12,520 |
| 2017 | 12,561 |
| 2018 | 12,534 |
| 2019 | 10,802 |
| 2020 | 11,596 |
| 2021 | 11,695 |
| 2022 | 11,307 |
| 2023 | 9,899 |
| 2024 | 9,884 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.3% |
| Black or African American | 6.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.3
Median Age
42.0%
Female
58.0%
Male
18.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.4% · Seniors (65+): 18.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $69,093+$173 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,382 |
| Per-capita income | $27,229 |
| Poverty rate | 5.8%-2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 44.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in DeKalb County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.2%
Carpool
77.5%
Public transit
10.5%
Work from home
30.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$167,500$-48,100 vs state
Median home value
$796
Median rent
72.0%
Homeownership rate
4,277
Total housing units
88.3%
Occupied
11.7%
Vacant
28.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.4%
With health insurance
87.2%
With broadband internet
25.5%
Foreign-born
7.8%
Veterans (18+)
15.0%
With a disability
96.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.9%
High School+
14.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
DeKalb County, Missouri has a population of 11,176 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 80th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 27 people per square mile.
The population of DeKalb County has declined 23.4% since 2010 (12,899 → 9,884), a -1.88% annualized rate.
The median household income in DeKalb County, Missouri is $69,093, with mean (average) household income of $80,382 and per-capita income of $27,229. 5.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In DeKalb County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.3%), Black or African American (6.6%), Hispanic or Latino (2.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in DeKalb County, Missouri is 42.3 years. Residents are 42.0% female and 58.0% male.
The median home value in DeKalb County is $167,500 and median monthly rent is $796. 72.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,277 total housing units, 11.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in DeKalb County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.1%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with DeKalb 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.