Vernon County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 56th-largest in Missouri
The population of Vernon County, Missouri is 19,713 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 56th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $54,519, the median home value is $136,700, and the median age is 41.7.
The population of Vernon County has declined 6.5% since 2010 (21,160 → 19,787), a -0.48% annualized rate.
19,713
Population
-0.48%
Annual growth
24
People / sq mi
$54,519
Median Income
$136,700
Median Home Value
Vernon County covers 826 sq mi of land at 23.9 people per square mile.
About Vernon County, MO
Remote work is unusually prominent in Vernon County: 11.6% of workers primarily work from home, above the 14.0% national rate. Vernon County is a county in Missouri with a population of 19,713.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $54,519, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $136,700, with typical rent around $722.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 18.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. A solid 11.6% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Vernon County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Vernon County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Vernon County had a population of 21,160 in 2010 and 19,787 in 2024, a -6.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,160 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.47%.
19,787
Population (2024)
21,160
Population (2010)
21,160
Peak (2010)
-0.47%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,160 |
| 2011 | 21,090 |
| 2012 | 20,937 |
| 2013 | 20,988 |
| 2014 | 20,996 |
| 2015 | 20,775 |
| 2016 | 20,689 |
| 2017 | 20,527 |
| 2018 | 20,544 |
| 2019 | 20,654 |
| 2020 | 19,675 |
| 2021 | 19,598 |
| 2022 | 19,608 |
| 2023 | 19,768 |
| 2024 | 19,787 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.7
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
20.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.4% · Seniors (65+): 20.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $54,519$-14,401 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,354 |
| Per-capita income | $26,360 |
| Poverty rate | 9.5%+1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Vernon County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.7%
Carpool
73.4%
Public transit
11.6%
Work from home
20.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$136,700$-78,900 vs state
Median home value
$722
Median rent
72.6%
Homeownership rate
8,949
Total housing units
87.3%
Occupied
12.7%
Vacant
27.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
84.4%
With health insurance
90.1%
With broadband internet
36.9%
Foreign-born
5.5%
Veterans (18+)
18.7%
With a disability
93.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.2%
High School+
18.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Vernon County, Missouri has a population of 19,713 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 56th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 24 people per square mile.
The population of Vernon County has declined 6.5% since 2010 (21,160 → 19,787), a -0.48% annualized rate.
The median household income in Vernon County, Missouri is $54,519, with mean (average) household income of $66,354 and per-capita income of $26,360. 9.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Vernon County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Vernon County, Missouri is 41.7 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Vernon County is $136,700 and median monthly rent is $722. 72.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,949 total housing units, 12.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Vernon County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Vernon County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
Vernon County, MO Climate
Vernon County, MO has an average annual temperature of 13.4°C (56°F) and receives about 1103 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.4°C
Avg Temp
1103
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 40 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 47 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 89 mm |
| April | 14° / 56° | 104 mm |
| May | 19° / 65° | 128 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 138 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 92 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 98 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 123 mm |
| October | 15° / 58° | 104 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 84 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 56 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 Vernon County, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Vernon County, MO are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Vernon County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.