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
Hickory County is a county in Missouri with a population of 8,501. It ranks #94 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 55.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The median household income in Hickory County is $35,084, below the US median of $74,580. 12.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $123,200, with monthly rent averaging $699. The homeownership rate of 84.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hickory County reflects 12.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.5 minutes each way.
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.
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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.