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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Ray County: 15.0% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Ray County is a county in Missouri with a population of 23,149. It ranks #49 among counties in Missouri by population.
Median household income is $72,152, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $187,400, with typical rent around $808.
College attainment is 15.0%, below the national 35.0%. A solid 10.3% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 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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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.