Hickory County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 94th-largest in Missouri
The population of Hickory County, Missouri is 8,501 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 94th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $35,084, the median home value is $123,200, and the median age is 55.2.
The population of Hickory County has declined 9.1% since 2010 (9,646 → 8,766), a -0.68% annualized rate.
8,501
Population
-0.68%
Annual growth
21
People / sq mi
$35,084
Median Income
$123,200
Median Home Value
Hickory County covers 399 sq mi of land at 21.3 people per square mile.
About Hickory County, MO
Age is the most distinctive thing about Hickory County: a median age of 55.2, older than the national median. Hickory County is a county in Missouri with a population of 8,501.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $35,084, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.4%, close to the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $123,200, with typical rent around $699.
Hickory County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 12.0% — below the national 35.0%. Just 5.8% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Hickory County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Hickory County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hickory County had a population of 9,646 in 2010 and 8,766 in 2024, a -9.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,646 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.61%.
8,766
Population (2024)
9,646
Population (2010)
9,646
Peak (2010)
-0.61%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,646 |
| 2011 | 9,614 |
| 2012 | 9,444 |
| 2013 | 9,349 |
| 2014 | 9,292 |
| 2015 | 9,269 |
| 2016 | 9,367 |
| 2017 | 9,396 |
| 2018 | 9,416 |
| 2019 | 9,496 |
| 2020 | 8,298 |
| 2021 | 8,572 |
| 2022 | 8,576 |
| 2023 | 8,715 |
| 2024 | 8,766 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
55.2
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
32.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.1% · Seniors (65+): 32.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $35,084$-33,836 vs state |
| Mean household income | $47,120 |
| Per-capita income | $21,208 |
| Poverty rate | 12.4%+4.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 34.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hickory County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
74.2%
Public transit
5.8%
Work from home
28.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$123,200$-92,400 vs state
Median home value
$699
Median rent
84.8%
Homeownership rate
5,502
Total housing units
62.8%
Occupied
37.2%
Vacant
15.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.7%
With health insurance
80.2%
With broadband internet
30.9%
Foreign-born
12.0%
Veterans (18+)
25.3%
With a disability
98.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.0%
High School+
12.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hickory County, Missouri has a population of 8,501 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 94th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 21 people per square mile.
The population of Hickory County has declined 9.1% since 2010 (9,646 → 8,766), a -0.68% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hickory County, Missouri is $35,084, with mean (average) household income of $47,120 and per-capita income of $21,208. 12.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hickory County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.0%), Hispanic or Latino (3.2%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hickory County, Missouri is 55.2 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Hickory County is $123,200 and median monthly rent is $699. 84.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,502 total housing units, 37.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hickory County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.8%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Hickory 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.