McDonald County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 46th-largest in Missouri
The population of McDonald County, Missouri is 23,492 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 46th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $48,145, the median home value is $134,100, and the median age is 38.1.
The population of McDonald County has grown 4.3% since 2010 (23,071 → 24,054), a +0.30% annualized rate.
23,492
Population
+0.30%
Annual growth
44
People / sq mi
$48,145
Median Income
$134,100
Median Home Value
McDonald County covers 539 sq mi of land at 43.5 people per square mile.
About McDonald County, MO
McDonald County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 52.7% of the population. With 23,492 residents, McDonald County is a county in Missouri. It ranks #46 among counties in Missouri by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $48,145, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 14.4%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $134,100, with typical rent around $764.
McDonald County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 13.4% — below the national 35.0%. About 8.4% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in McDonald County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
McDonald County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of McDonald County had a population of 23,071 in 2010 and 24,054 in 2024, a 4.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,117 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.30%.
24,054
Population (2024)
23,071
Population (2010)
24,117
Peak (2023)
0.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 23,071 |
| 2011 | 22,897 |
| 2012 | 22,976 |
| 2013 | 22,651 |
| 2014 | 22,851 |
| 2015 | 22,721 |
| 2016 | 22,773 |
| 2017 | 22,796 |
| 2018 | 23,031 |
| 2019 | 22,912 |
| 2020 | 23,278 |
| 2021 | 23,432 |
| 2022 | 23,623 |
| 2023 | 24,117 |
| 2024 | 24,054 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.1
Median Age
48.7%
Female
51.3%
Male
15.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.1% · Seniors (65+): 15.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $48,145$-20,775 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,339 |
| Per-capita income | $24,491 |
| Poverty rate | 14.4%+6.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in McDonald County is manufacturing, accounting for 24.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
76.5%
Public transit
8.4%
Work from home
26.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$134,100$-81,500 vs state
Median home value
$764
Median rent
67.8%
Homeownership rate
9,807
Total housing units
86.8%
Occupied
13.2%
Vacant
32.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
79.6%
With health insurance
87.5%
With broadband internet
52.7%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
14.5%
With a disability
85.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.3%
High School+
13.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
McDonald County, Missouri has a population of 23,492 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 46th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 44 people per square mile.
The population of McDonald County has grown 4.3% since 2010 (23,071 → 24,054), a +0.30% annualized rate.
The median household income in McDonald County, Missouri is $48,145, with mean (average) household income of $66,339 and per-capita income of $24,491. 14.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In McDonald County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (72.0%), Hispanic or Latino (5.0%), Black or African American (1.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in McDonald County, Missouri is 38.1 years. Residents are 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
The median home value in McDonald County is $134,100 and median monthly rent is $764. 67.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,807 total housing units, 13.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in McDonald County, Missouri is manufacturing, employing 24.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with McDonald 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.