Washington County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 47th-largest in Missouri
The population of Washington County, Missouri is 23,483 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 47th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $51,886, the median home value is $118,400, and the median age is 40.2.
The population of Washington County has declined 6.4% since 2010 (25,198 → 23,583), a -0.47% annualized rate.
23,483
Population
-0.47%
Annual growth
31
People / sq mi
$51,886
Median Income
$118,400
Median Home Value
Washington County covers 760 sq mi of land at 30.9 people per square mile.
About Washington County, MO
Educational attainment is the headline number in Washington County: 12.4% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Washington County is a county in Missouri with a population of 23,483. It ranks #47 among counties in Missouri by population.
The typical household earns $51,886, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 15.2%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $118,400, with typical rent around $680.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 12.4%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 3.0%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 36 minutes each way.
Washington County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Washington County had a population of 25,198 in 2010 and 23,583 in 2024, a -6.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 25,198 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.46%.
23,583
Population (2024)
25,198
Population (2010)
25,198
Peak (2010)
-0.46%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 25,198 |
| 2011 | 25,106 |
| 2012 | 25,088 |
| 2013 | 25,145 |
| 2014 | 25,078 |
| 2015 | 24,795 |
| 2016 | 24,847 |
| 2017 | 25,000 |
| 2018 | 24,900 |
| 2019 | 24,743 |
| 2020 | 23,432 |
| 2021 | 23,403 |
| 2022 | 23,389 |
| 2023 | 23,542 |
| 2024 | 23,583 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.2
Median Age
48.2%
Female
51.8%
Male
17.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 17.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,886$-17,034 vs state |
| Mean household income | $75,326 |
| Per-capita income | $28,855 |
| Poverty rate | 15.2%+6.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Washington County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.8%
Carpool
83.3%
Public transit
3.0%
Work from home
35.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$118,400$-97,200 vs state
Median home value
$680
Median rent
76.3%
Homeownership rate
10,736
Total housing units
82.6%
Occupied
17.4%
Vacant
23.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.6%
With health insurance
88.1%
With broadband internet
16.1%
Foreign-born
8.5%
Veterans (18+)
23.7%
With a disability
98.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.2%
High School+
12.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Washington County, Missouri has a population of 23,483 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 47th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 31 people per square mile.
The population of Washington County has declined 6.4% since 2010 (25,198 → 23,583), a -0.47% annualized rate.
The median household income in Washington County, Missouri is $51,886, with mean (average) household income of $75,326 and per-capita income of $28,855. 15.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Washington County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.3%), Black or African American (1.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Washington County, Missouri is 40.2 years. Residents are 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
The median home value in Washington County is $118,400 and median monthly rent is $680. 76.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,736 total housing units, 17.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Washington County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Washington County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
Washington County, MO Climate
Washington County, MO has an average annual temperature of 12.6°C (55°F) and receives about 1051 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.6°C
Avg Temp
1051
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 54 mm |
| February | 2° / 35° | 57 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 98 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 101 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 114 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 92 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 92 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 93 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 90 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 78 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 99 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 83 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 Washington County, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Washington County, MO are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Washington County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.