Cooper County, Missouri Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Cooper County is located in Missouri with a total population of 16,835. It is the 63rd most populous county out of 115 in Missouri.

Age Demographics

The median age in Cooper County is 39.9 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Cooper County is $67,548. This is 2% lower than the state median of $68,920. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 14% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.8%. This is 14% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. The unemployment rate is 4.5%. This is 10% higher than the state rate of 4.1%. The median home value is $197,100. Housing costs are 9% lower than the state median of $215,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Cooper County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 78.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 15% higher than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Cooper County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 88.1% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 5.5%. The Black or African American population (5.5%) is well below the state average of 11.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 5.1%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.1%.

Education

24.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 25% 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 90.7%.