Lawrence County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 30th-largest in Missouri
The population of Lawrence County, Missouri is 38,392 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 30th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $55,849, the median home value is $159,800, and the median age is 39.0.
The population of Lawrence County has grown 1.5% since 2010 (38,590 → 39,151), a +0.10% annualized rate.
38,392
Population
+0.10%
Annual growth
63
People / sq mi
$55,849
Median Income
$159,800
Median Home Value
Lawrence County covers 612 sq mi of land at 62.8 people per square mile.
About Lawrence County, MO
Lawrence County is a county in Missouri with a population of 38,392. It ranks #30 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 39.0, in line with the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Lawrence County is $55,849, below the US median of $74,580. 12.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $159,800, with monthly rent averaging $785. The homeownership rate of 72.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lawrence County reflects 16.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.7 minutes each way.
Lawrence County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lawrence County had a population of 38,590 in 2010 and 39,151 in 2024, a 1.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 39,151 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.10%.
39,151
Population (2024)
38,590
Population (2010)
39,151
Peak (2024)
0.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 38,590 |
| 2011 | 38,502 |
| 2012 | 38,384 |
| 2013 | 38,109 |
| 2014 | 37,917 |
| 2015 | 37,999 |
| 2016 | 38,201 |
| 2017 | 38,271 |
| 2018 | 38,271 |
| 2019 | 38,288 |
| 2020 | 37,998 |
| 2021 | 38,263 |
| 2022 | 38,672 |
| 2023 | 38,879 |
| 2024 | 39,151 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.0
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
18.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.9% · Seniors (65+): 18.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $55,849$-13,071 vs state |
| Mean household income | $71,034 |
| Per-capita income | $27,516 |
| Poverty rate | 12.0%+3.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lawrence County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.2%
Carpool
74.5%
Public transit
10.9%
Work from home
24.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$159,800$-55,800 vs state
Median home value
$785
Median rent
72.8%
Homeownership rate
16,280
Total housing units
90.3%
Occupied
9.7%
Vacant
27.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
84.7%
With health insurance
91.9%
With broadband internet
30.5%
Foreign-born
8.3%
Veterans (18+)
15.6%
With a disability
91.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.5%
High School+
16.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lawrence County, Missouri has a population of 38,392 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 30th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 63 people per square mile.
The population of Lawrence County has grown 1.5% since 2010 (38,590 → 39,151), a +0.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lawrence County, Missouri is $55,849, with mean (average) household income of $71,034 and per-capita income of $27,516. 12.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lawrence County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.7%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lawrence County, Missouri is 39.0 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Lawrence County is $159,800 and median monthly rent is $785. 72.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 16,280 total housing units, 9.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lawrence County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Lawrence 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.