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.
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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.