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.
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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.