Missouri’s Population in 2024 – Key Stats and Insights

The landlocked state of Missouri, located in the Midwest region of the United States, is home to a population of 6,215,140 in 2024 according to the World Population Review.

While population growth has slowed significantly, with a current growth rate of just 0.28% (ranking 41st nationally), the state has gradually edged past the 6.1 million mark.

Missouri shares its borders with eight states: Iowa to the north, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee to the east, Arkansas to the south, and Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska to the west.

Population Density in Missouri

New US Census estimates found that Missouri’s population grew 41,267 between April 1, 2020 and July 1, 2023 (a 0.67% increase). That growth was not evenly distributed throughout the state, with some counties growing by as much as 9% and others shrinking by 10% in that timeframe: pic.twitter.com/xSr0MLt9kX

— Missouri Mapper (@Missouri_Mapper) March 14, 2024

Missouri has a moderate population density compared to other U.S. states. With a total land area of 69,704 square miles, the state has an average of 87.1 people per square mile, ranking it 28th in population density nationwide. Despite being the 18th most populous state and 21st largest by land area, Missouri’s population is relatively dispersed.

The state’s largest cities include Kansas City (475,378), St. Louis (315,685), Springfield (166,810), and Columbia (119,108), with Jefferson City serving as the capital.

While urban areas like St. Louis and Kansas City can reach population densities exceeding 5,000 people per square mile, most of Missouri’s counties have densities ranging between 1 and 100 people per square mile.

Notably, Missouri has a higher proportion of rural residents than many states, with about one-third of its population living in rural areas.

Age Structure

The median age in Missouri is 38.8, according to the 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates. Of the state’s total population, 18.42% are under 15 years old, while those aged 15 to 29 account for 19.98%.

The largest share of the population, 44.34%, falls within the 30 to 64 age group, highlighting a strong working-age demographic.

Additionally, 15.21% are between 65 and 84 years, and 2.05% are 85 years or older, reflecting Missouri’s significant older adult population.

Age-Dependency Ratios

Missouri’s population pyramid reveals a balanced dependency structure with a youth dependency ratio of 28.7, indicating a moderate number of children (0-14) relative to the working-age population. Meanwhile, the old-age dependency ratio of 26.8 reflects a growing elderly population, which places increasing pressure on the working-age group.

The total dependency ratio of 55.5 suggests that for every 100 working-age individuals (15-64), there are approximately 55 dependents (children and elderly combined), which is relatively balanced but signals challenges in maintaining economic productivity and support systems.

The potential support ratio of 3.7 means there are roughly 3.7 working-age individuals for every elderly person, highlighting the strain on social services and healthcare as Missouri’s population continues to age. This ratio underscores the need for policies aimed at supporting the aging population while maintaining workforce growth.

Population by Race

Neilsberg notes that Missouri’s population is predominantly White, comprising 79.36% of the total residents, followed by Black or African American individuals, who account for 11.27%. Smaller racial groups, such as Asian residents (2.06%) and those identifying as Two or more races (5.38%), contribute to the state’s diversity.

The American Indian and Alaska Native population and the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander groups represent very small portions, at 0.29% and 0.14%, respectively. While Missouri remains less racially diverse than the national average, the growing multiracial population suggests gradual changes in demographic composition.

Missouri Counties 2024

WPR notes that Missouri has 115 counties, with St. Louis County being the most populous at 996,945 residents in 2019, despite a slight 0.19% decline since 2010. Other major counties include Jackson County (700,307), St. Charles County (399,182), and St. Louis City (302,838), with St. Charles County showing the fastest growth at 10.33%.

The smallest county is Worth County with just 2,040 residents, a decline of -5.20%. Six other counties, including Mercer and Knox, have populations under 5,000, all experiencing declines, with Holt County having the steepest drop at -10.40%.

The fastest-growing county is Platte County, with a growth rate of 14.81%. Other rapidly growing counties include Clay County (10.63%), St. Charles County (10.33%), and Boone County (10.30%). Conversely, Pemiscot County experienced the largest decline, losing 10.94% of its population.

Income Levels

Missouri’s average household income of $89,952 is 15% lower than the national average. Similarly, the median household income stands at $65,920, falling 12% below the U.S. as it is noted by Income By Zip Code—median, reflecting a generally lower income level compared to the national standard.

Richest Zip Codes in Missouri

The wealthiest zip code in Missouri is 63073, with an impressive mean income of $351,942 and a median income of $250,001. St. Louis area zip codes dominate the top rankings, highlighting significant income disparities across the state.

Missouri Salary Data

The average salary for full-time workers in Missouri is $69,415, while the median salary is $52,017. The gap between the average and median reflects the influence of higher earners raising the average, while the median gives a better picture of the typical worker’s earnings.

Missouri Individual Incomes

For single-person households, the median income in Missouri is $34,151. The per capita income is slightly higher at $36,754, but remains lower compared to many other states, largely due to Missouri’s overall lower income levels.

Missouri Family Income Data

The average family income in Missouri is $109,112, while the median family income stands at $84,745. This data highlights the combined earning power of multiple earners within family households, providing a higher overall income compared to individual or single-person statistics.

Employment

Missouri’s civilian labor force grew steadily from 3.12 million in May to 3.15 million by October 2024, reflecting positive labor market engagement. Employment followed a similar trend, rising from 3.01 million in May to 3.03 million in October as noted by BLS.

However, the unemployment rate fluctuated slightly, increasing from 3.5% in May to 3.9% by August, before improving slightly to 3.8% in October. The unemployment figures peaked at 122,300 in August but dropped to 120,000 by October, indicating modest improvements in job availability toward the end of the period.

Educational Attainment in Missouri (Ages 25 and Older)

Statistical Atlas notes that only 35.2% of Missouri residents aged 25 and older hold a post-secondary degree, which is 8.6% below the national average of 38.5%, indicating fewer residents with advanced education credentials.

A larger proportion of Missourians, 53.6%, have achieved a high school diploma, 10.6% higher than the U.S. average of 48.5%. This suggests strong attainment at the high school level.

Missouri fares better than the national average in reducing those without a high school diploma. Only 11.2% lack this credential, compared to 13.0% nationally, marking a 14.2% improvement.

Immigrants in Missouri

Missouri has a small yet growing immigrant population, representing 4% of the state’s total population in 2018. Additionally, 4% of native-born residents have at least one immigrant parent.

The majority of immigrants come from Mexico, followed by China, India, Vietnam, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflecting a mix of neighboring and distant origins according to the American Immigration Council.

Immigration and Naturalization

Nearly half (49%) of Missouri’s immigrants have naturalized, highlighting their integration into U.S. society. Furthermore, 84% report speaking English proficiently, indicating high language assimilation. An additional 40,787 immigrants were eligible for naturalization, reflecting further potential for growth in citizen participation.

Education Levels of Missouri Immigrants

Missouri’s immigrant population is more likely to hold college degrees or higher at 44%, compared to only 29% of native residents. However, a significant portion, 17%, has less than a high school diploma, signaling gaps in educational access among certain immigrant groups.

Undocumented Population in Missouri

Approximately 60,000 undocumented immigrants reside in Missouri, making up 1% of the total population. Notably, 2% of children in Missouri live with at least one undocumented family member. This data highlights the family-oriented nature of the undocumented population and their integration into Missouri communities.

DACA Recipients in Missouri

Missouri is home to over 3,000 active DACA recipients, with an additional 2,000 residents eligible pending educational requirements. While DACA participation has been strong, it underscores the importance of addressing barriers such as education to support young undocumented immigrants.

Immigrants in Missouri’s Workforce

Immigrants play a vital role in Missouri’s workforce, particularly in manufacturing (31,399 workers) and healthcare (24,605 workers). They also contribute significantly to service industries, demonstrating their importance to sectors that drive the state’s economy.

Immigrant Share in Key Industries

Immigrants make up a notable share of workers in manufacturing (8%) and professional services (7%), two critical sectors for Missouri’s economy. This highlights their significant contributions across a range of industries that sustain economic growth.

Occupations with Highest Immigrant Participation

Missouri’s immigrant workforce is concentrated in production (21,862 workers), management, and food services, showcasing their importance in skilled and essential roles. Their participation in healthcare and education also highlights the diversity of their contributions across critical fields.

Key Health Indicators in Missouri

Missouri’s fertility rate stands at 57.7 births per 1,000 women aged 15-44, with a teen birth rate of 16.9, indicating moderate birth trends. However, the infant mortality rate of 6.77 is slightly above the national average, signaling challenges in maternal and child healthcare according to the CDC.

Life expectancy in Missouri is 74.6 years, lower than the national average, highlighting disparities in overall health outcomes. Leading health concerns include heart disease, a high drug overdose death rate of 36.9 per 100,000, and elevated firearm-related fatalities at 24.2 per 100,000, reflecting public health priorities in Missouri.

Missouri Birth Data

In 2022, 39.1% of births in Missouri were to unmarried mothers, a figure higher than the national average, indicating family structure trends. The Cesarean delivery rate was 30.4%, consistent with national rates.

However, the preterm birth rate of 11.31% and the low birthweight rate of 9.12% suggest ongoing issues in prenatal and maternal healthcare. Addressing these indicators will be critical for improving infant health outcomes and reducing complications at birth.

Methodology

1. Data was sourced from authoritative databases like the U.S. Census Bureau, CDC, and American Immigration Council.
2. The analysis included key demographic, economic, and health statistics relevant to Missouri in 2024.
3. Tables were constructed for clarity, showcasing data such as population, income, and dependency ratios.
4. Comparisons were made to national averages to highlight Missouri’s relative position.
5. Growth trends, income disparities, and immigrant contributions were analyzed for accuracy and relevance.
6. Health indicators were evaluated to identify public health priorities and concerns.

References:

• • Missouri Population Statistics – World Population Review
  • Missouri Counties Population – World Population Review – Counties
  • Missouri Age Structure – Neilsberg
  • Missouri Population by Race – Neilsberg
  • Missouri Income Levels and Zip Codes – Income by Zip Code
  • Missouri Labor Market Data – Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
  • Missouri Immigration Insights – American Immigration Council
  • Missouri Health Statistics – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)