Bates County, Missouri Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Bates County is located in Missouri with a total population of 16,121. It is the 64th most populous county out of 115 in Missouri.

Age Demographics

The median age in Bates County is 40.8 years. This is 5% higher than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Bates County is $57,914. This is 16% lower than the state median of $68,920. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 26% lower. The poverty rate stands at 18.7%. This is 48% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. The unemployment rate is 6.1%. This is 49% higher than the state rate of 4.1%. The median home value is $154,800. Housing costs are 28% lower than the state median of $215,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Bates County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 72.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% higher than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Bates County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 92.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.4%. The Black or African American population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 11.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.4%) is well below the state average of 5.1%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.1%.

Education

15.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 52% lower than the state rate of 31.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.0%.