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Population Review

Laclede County, Missouri Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 33rd-largest in Missouri

The population of Laclede County, Missouri is 36,245 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 33rd-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $50,825, the median home value is $158,000, and the median age is 39.6.

The population of Laclede County has grown 2.9% since 2010 (35,697 → 36,738), a +0.21% annualized rate.

Laclede County within Missouri · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

36,245

Population

+0.21%

Annual growth

47

People / sq mi

$50,825

Median Income

$158,000

Median Home Value

Laclede County covers 765 sq mi of land at 47.4 people per square mile.

About Laclede County, MO

Laclede County is a county in Missouri with a population of 36,245. It ranks #33 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 39.6, in line with the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.

The median household income in Laclede County is $50,825, below the US median of $74,580. 11.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $158,000, with monthly rent averaging $796. The homeownership rate of 70.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Laclede County reflects 15.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.8 minutes each way.

Laclede County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Laclede County had a population of 35,697 in 2010 and 36,738 in 2024, a 2.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 36,738 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.21%.

2024 · 37K20102024

36,738

Population (2024)

35,697

Population (2010)

36,738

Peak (2024)

0.21%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201035,697
201135,668
201235,490
201335,672
201435,558
201535,506
201635,486
201735,467
201835,684
201935,869
202036,046
202136,163
202236,330
202336,674
202436,738

Race & Ethnicity

White91.5%
Black or African American0.7%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)2.1%
Two or More Races0.1%

Age & Sex

39.6

Median Age

49.9%

Female

50.1%

Male

17.9%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.6%
5–9
6.7%
10–14
6.7%
15–19
7.0%
20–24
5.1%
25–34
11.6%
35–44
12.3%
45–54
12.0%
55–59
7.5%
60–64
6.6%
65–74
10.6%
75–84
5.4%
85+
1.9%

Children (under 15): 20.0% · Seniors (65+): 17.9%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$50,825$-18,095 vs state
Mean household income$68,851
Per-capita income$28,202
Poverty rate11.7%+3.3% vs state
Unemployment rate3.3%
Employment-to-population56.7%

Top Industries by Employment

Manufacturing
28.6%
Professional & business services
19.8%
Education & health care
7.5%
Retail trade
5.2%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.2%
Finance & real estate
5.1%
Construction
4.8%
Public administration
4.3%

The largest employment sector in Laclede County is manufacturing, accounting for 28.6% of workers.

How residents commute

0.2%

Drive alone

1.7%

Carpool

78.9%

Public transit

3.9%

Work from home

20.8 min

Avg commute

Housing

$158,000$-57,600 vs state

Median home value

$796

Median rent

70.1%

Homeownership rate

15,951

Total housing units

90.6%

Occupied

9.4%

Vacant

29.9%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

88.8%

With health insurance

91.3%

With broadband internet

31.2%

Foreign-born

8.9%

Veterans (18+)

18.5%

With a disability

97.1%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

85.8%

High School+

15.7%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Missouri

Other counties in Missouri

Part of Missouri

Metro areas in Missouri

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Laclede County, Missouri has a population of 36,245 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 33rd-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 47 people per square mile.

The population of Laclede County has grown 2.9% since 2010 (35,697 → 36,738), a +0.21% annualized rate.

The median household income in Laclede County, Missouri is $50,825, with mean (average) household income of $68,851 and per-capita income of $28,202. 11.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Laclede County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Laclede County, Missouri is 39.6 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.

The median home value in Laclede County is $158,000 and median monthly rent is $796. 70.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,951 total housing units, 9.4% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Laclede County, Missouri is manufacturing, employing 28.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.

Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Laclede County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.