Phelps County, Missouri Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Phelps County is located in Missouri with a total population of 44,948. It is the 23rd most populous county out of 115 in Missouri.

Age Demographics

The median age in Phelps County is 36.2 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Phelps County is $55,427. This is 20% lower than the state median of $68,920. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 29% lower. The poverty rate stands at 17.2%. This is 36% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. The unemployment rate is 4.4%. This is 6% higher than the state rate of 4.1%. The median home value is $194,900. Housing costs are 10% lower than the state median of $215,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 61.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% lower than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Phelps County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.7% of all residents. Asian residents account for 3.4%. The Black or African American population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 11.0%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (3.4% vs 2.1%).

Education

31.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 1% 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 91.6%. Notably, 15.1% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.