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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

What sets Laclede County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 3.9% versus 14.0% nationally. Laclede County is a county in Missouri with a population of 36,245. It ranks #33 among counties in Missouri by population.

Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $50,825, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 11.7%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $158,000, with typical rent around $796.

Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 15.7%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 3.9% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 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
Laclede County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

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.