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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Lawrence County: 16.6% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Lawrence County is a county in Missouri with a population of 38,392. It ranks #30 among counties in Missouri by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $55,849, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.0% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Median home value is $159,800, with typical rent around $785.
College attainment is 16.6%, below the national 35.0%. About 10.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 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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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.