Ray County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 49th-largest in Missouri
The population of Ray County, Missouri is 23,149 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 49th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $72,152, the median home value is $187,400, and the median age is 42.2.
The population of Ray County has declined 1.4% since 2010 (23,517 → 23,199), a -0.10% annualized rate.
23,149
Population
-0.10%
Annual growth
41
People / sq mi
$72,152
Median Income
$187,400
Median Home Value
Ray County covers 569 sq mi of land at 40.7 people per square mile.
About Ray County, MO
Ray County is a county in Missouri with a population of 23,149. It ranks #49 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 42.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The median household income in Ray County is $72,152, near the US median of $74,580. 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $187,400, with monthly rent averaging $808. The homeownership rate of 77.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Ray County reflects 15.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 32.0 minutes each way.
Ray County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ray County had a population of 23,517 in 2010 and 23,199 in 2024, a -1.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 23,517 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.10%.
23,199
Population (2024)
23,517
Population (2010)
23,517
Peak (2010)
-0.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 23,517 |
| 2011 | 23,345 |
| 2012 | 23,081 |
| 2013 | 23,065 |
| 2014 | 22,939 |
| 2015 | 22,799 |
| 2016 | 22,740 |
| 2017 | 22,895 |
| 2018 | 22,924 |
| 2019 | 23,024 |
| 2020 | 23,135 |
| 2021 | 23,095 |
| 2022 | 23,119 |
| 2023 | 23,178 |
| 2024 | 23,199 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.2% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.2
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
18.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 18.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,152+$3,232 vs state |
| Mean household income | $92,398 |
| Per-capita income | $38,179 |
| Poverty rate | 8.6%+0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ray County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
1.2%
Carpool
79.0%
Public transit
10.3%
Work from home
32.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$187,400$-28,200 vs state
Median home value
$808
Median rent
77.5%
Homeownership rate
9,901
Total housing units
91.4%
Occupied
8.6%
Vacant
22.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.3%
With health insurance
93.3%
With broadband internet
23.7%
Foreign-born
8.8%
Veterans (18+)
14.5%
With a disability
97.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.2%
High School+
15.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ray County, Missouri has a population of 23,149 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 49th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 41 people per square mile.
The population of Ray County has declined 1.4% since 2010 (23,517 → 23,199), a -0.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ray County, Missouri is $72,152, with mean (average) household income of $92,398 and per-capita income of $38,179. 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ray County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%), Black or African American (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ray County, Missouri is 42.2 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Ray County is $187,400 and median monthly rent is $808. 77.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,901 total housing units, 8.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ray County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Ray 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.