Ozark County, Missouri Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Ozark County is located in Missouri with a total population of 8,773. It is the 91st most populous county out of 115 in Missouri.

Age Demographics

The median age in Ozark County is 51.9 years. This is 33% 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 Ozark County is $42,329. This is 39% lower than the state median of $68,920. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 46% lower. The poverty rate stands at 21.7%. This is 72% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 5.7%. This is 39% higher than the state rate of 4.1%. The median home value is $156,400. Housing costs are 27% lower than the state median of $215,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 80.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% higher than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Ozark County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.9%. The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 11.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.9%) is well below the state average of 5.1%.

Education

12.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 61% 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 83.3%.