Phelps County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 23rd-largest in Missouri
The population of Phelps County, Missouri is 44,948 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 23rd-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $55,427, the median home value is $194,900, and the median age is 36.2.
The population of Phelps County has grown 0.8% since 2010 (45,298 → 45,672), a +0.06% annualized rate.
44,948
Population
+0.06%
Annual growth
67
People / sq mi
$55,427
Median Income
$194,900
Median Home Value
Phelps County covers 672 sq mi of land at 66.9 people per square mile.
About Phelps County, MO
Homeownership is the standout figure in Phelps County: 61.9% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 44,948 residents, Phelps County is a county in Missouri. It ranks #23 among counties in Missouri by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $55,427, below the US median of $78,538. About 7.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $194,900, with typical rent around $801.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 31.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 7.0% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Phelps County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Phelps County had a population of 45,298 in 2010 and 45,672 in 2024, a 0.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 45,672 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.06%.
45,672
Population (2024)
45,298
Population (2010)
45,672
Peak (2024)
0.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 45,298 |
| 2011 | 45,260 |
| 2012 | 45,248 |
| 2013 | 45,030 |
| 2014 | 44,957 |
| 2015 | 44,801 |
| 2016 | 44,772 |
| 2017 | 44,606 |
| 2018 | 44,549 |
| 2019 | 44,593 |
| 2020 | 44,568 |
| 2021 | 44,912 |
| 2022 | 45,301 |
| 2023 | 45,517 |
| 2024 | 45,672 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.1% |
| Black or African American | 2.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.2
Median Age
47.9%
Female
52.1%
Male
16.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.2% · Seniors (65+): 16.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $55,427$-13,493 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,483 |
| Per-capita income | $29,191 |
| Poverty rate | 7.9%-0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Phelps County is professional & business services, accounting for 31.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
3.8%
Carpool
73.6%
Public transit
7.0%
Work from home
20.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$194,900$-20,700 vs state
Median home value
$801
Median rent
61.9%
Homeownership rate
20,246
Total housing units
87.1%
Occupied
12.9%
Vacant
38.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.2%
With health insurance
94.4%
With broadband internet
29.9%
Foreign-born
9.2%
Veterans (18+)
16.2%
With a disability
94.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.6%
High School+
31.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Phelps County, Missouri has a population of 44,948 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 23rd-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 67 people per square mile.
The population of Phelps County has grown 0.8% since 2010 (45,298 → 45,672), a +0.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Phelps County, Missouri is $55,427, with mean (average) household income of $72,483 and per-capita income of $29,191. 7.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Phelps County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.1%), Black or African American (2.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Phelps County, Missouri is 36.2 years. Residents are 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
The median home value in Phelps County is $194,900 and median monthly rent is $801. 61.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 20,246 total housing units, 12.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Phelps County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 31.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Phelps County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
Phelps County, MO Climate
Phelps County, MO has an average annual temperature of 12.9°C (55°F) and receives about 1086 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.9°C
Avg Temp
1086
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 31° | 51 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 56 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 95 mm |
| April | 13° / 56° | 102 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 120 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 104 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 98 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 94 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 97 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 90 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 99 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 80 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Phelps County, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Phelps County, MO are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Phelps County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.