Chariton County, Missouri Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Chariton County is located in Missouri with a total population of 7,406. It is the 100th most populous county out of 115 in Missouri.

Age Demographics

The median age in Chariton County is 45.2 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 38.9 years. 11.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Chariton County is $63,307. This is 8% lower than the state median of $68,920. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 19% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.9%. This is 6% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. The unemployment rate is 3.2%. This is 23% lower than the state rate of 4.1%. The median home value is $118,900. Housing costs are 45% lower than the state median of $215,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.9x, Chariton County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 80.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 19% higher than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Chariton County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.1% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 2.6%. The Black or African American population (2.6%) is well below the state average of 11.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 5.1%.

Education

19.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 39% 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 91.3%.