Poplar Bluff city, Missouri Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Poplar Bluff city, Missouri has a total population of 16,243, the 53rd largest city in Missouri, with a median household income of $42,035, which is 39% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 23.5%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 39% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Poplar Bluff city Quick Facts
How Poplar Bluff city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 39 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Poplar Bluff city Rankings in Missouri
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Cities Similar to Poplar Bluff city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lebanon city | 15,157 | $42,157 | $152,200 | 17.9% | 20.5% |
| Sikeston city | 16,231 | $53,203 | $158,100 | 24.8% | 16.6% |
| Kirksville city | 17,493 | $48,063 | $145,300 | 37.9% | 27.2% |
| Carthage city | 15,513 | $50,849 | $133,500 | 23.0% | 33.0% |
| Hannibal city | 16,825 | $54,071 | $126,300 | 22.3% | 17.3% |
Population Overview
Poplar Bluff city is a small city located in Missouri. The total population is 16,243. It ranks as the 53rd most populous out of 1,062 cities and towns in Missouri.
Age Demographics
The median age in Poplar Bluff city is 36.7 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 38.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Poplar Bluff city is $42,035. 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 23.5%. This is 86% 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 6.3%. This is 54% higher than the state rate of 4.1%. The median home value is $109,700. Housing costs are 49% lower than the state median of $215,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Poplar Bluff city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 51.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 24% lower than the state average of 67.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Poplar Bluff city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 77.6% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 8.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.4%) is well below the state average of 5.1%.
Education
16.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 50% 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 83.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Poplar Bluff city, Missouri is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Missouri state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,062 Census-designated places in Missouri. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Poplar Bluff city, Missouri?
Poplar Bluff city, Missouri has a population of 16,243 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Poplar Bluff city, MO?
The median household income in Poplar Bluff city is $42,035, which is 46% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Poplar Bluff city, MO?
The poverty rate in Poplar Bluff city is 23.5%. This means approximately 3,674 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Poplar Bluff city, Missouri?
Poplar Bluff city's population is 77.6% White, 8.9% Black, 2.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Poplar Bluff city, MO?
The median home value in Poplar Bluff city is $109,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is Poplar Bluff city, Missouri?
16.0% of adults (25+) in Poplar Bluff city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.