Carter County, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,297
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,000/yr
10.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,676
-0.6% year-over-year change

Carter County population

How many people live in Carter County

Carter County is home to 5,297 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.8% of Carter County locals are male, and 52.2% are female.

Total population
5,297
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.8%
2,532
Female
52.2%
2,765
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,532 47.8% -0.9%
Female 2,765 52.2% 1.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Carter County is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 20% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.7% of the population, while another 24.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
20%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
21.7%
45 to 64
24.9%
Over 65
20.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,058 20% 1.2%
15 to 24 677 12.8% 3.2%
25 to 44 1,149 21.7% -3.1%
45 to 64 1,321 24.9% 0.0%
Over 65 1,092 20.6% 2.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Carter County, 97.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,160 97.4% 1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 70 1.3% -50.7%
Non-citizens 67 1.3% 55.8%
Racial breakdown
White
92.6%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.9%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 4,905 92.6%
Black or African American 22 0.4%
Asian 2 0%
Two or more races 364 6.9%
Other 4 0.1%

Households in Carter County

A peek inside Carter County households

Carter County has 2,038 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 60.6% are families, while the remaining 39.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,038
3.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
804
Family households
1,234
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 804 39.4% 9.7%
Family households 1,234 60.6% 0.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Carter County

The housing landscape of Carter County

Carter County's housing consists of 2,676 units, with 69.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 20.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,676
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,862 69.6%
1 unit, attached 9 0.3%
2 units 151 5.6%
3 or 4 units 69 2.6%
5 to 9 units 23 0.9%
10 to 19 units 3 0.1%
20 to 49 units 8 0.3%
Mobile home 551 20.6%
Homes built since 2020
3
-25.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carter County

In Carter County, the median construction year is 1983. About 5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 135 5% -0.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 63 2.4% 90.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 124 4.6% 27.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 274 10.2% -17.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 642 24% 9.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 384 14.4% -4.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 355 13.3% -12.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 459 17.2% -15.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 237 8.9% 57.0%
Built in 2020 or later 3 0.1% -25.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Carter County occupancy rates

Out of the 2,038 occupied housing units in Carter County, 60.7% are owner-occupied, while 39.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 23.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,038
3.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
801
Owner occupied
1,237
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 801 39.3% 13.5%
Owner occupied 1,237 60.7% -1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
23.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Carter County housing costs

Housing costs in Carter County come to a median of $640 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $656.

Median housing costs per month
$640/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Carter County
$656/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Carter County

Carter County education at a glance

About 58.7% of the population in Carter County went to high school, while 17.9% pursued college studies. Another 11.4% earned an associate degree and 6.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 98 2.4% 1.0%
High school diploma 2,354 58.7% -0.2%
College diploma 717 17.9% 6.2%
Associate degree 457 11.4% 24.9%
Bachelor's degree 267 6.7% -1.5%
Graduate degree 118 2.9% -47.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Carter County

How much people earn in Carter County

The average annual household income in Carter County was $63,722 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,000, reflecting a +10.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carter County
$63,722/year
-2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carter County
$50,000/year
10.9% year-over-year change

Carter County income by age

In Carter County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $55,368. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $51,332 overall. Overall, 79.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $55,368 0.4%
45 - 64 $51,332 4.9%
Over 65 $43,387 7.7%
Above poverty level
4,112
Below poverty level
1,079
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,112 79.2% -0.5%
Below poverty level 1,079 20.8% 10.4%

Employment in Carter County

Workforce and job types in Carter County

The job market in Carter County is powered by 2,253 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 58.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 41.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.4% run their own businesses, 60.7% are employed by private companies, and 18.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,253
5.4% year-over-year change
White collar
1,325
Blue collar
928
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,325 58.8% -0.2%
Blue collar 928 41.2% 14.7%
Employer type
Self employees
17.4%
Private companies
60.7%
Governmental workers
18.9%
Not for profit companies
3.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 392 17.4% 18.1%
Private companies 1,367 60.7% -2.1%
Governmental workers 425 18.9% 31.2%
Not for profit companies 69 3.1% -17.9%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
40.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carter County stands at 3.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Carter County

How people get around in Carter County

In Carter County, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,856 83.2% -0.5%
Walk 95 4.3% 69.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Carter County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
63937 2,643 1,041 $61,614 $79,755
63941 221 70 $29,352 $40,957
63943 823 366 $40,152 $48,745
63965 2,607 925 $37,697 $48,049

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FAQs about Carter County demographics 

What is the total population of Carter County?

Carter County has a total population of 5,297 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carter County?

The gender ratio in Carter County is as follows:
  • 47.8% males (2,532 residents)
  • 52.2% females (2,765 residents)

What is the median age in Carter County?

The median age in Carter County is 38.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carter County?

The age distribution in Carter County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20% (1,058 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (677 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.7% (1,149 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.9% (1,321 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.6% (1,092 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carter County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carter County is as follows:
  • White: 92.6% (4,905 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (22 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (2 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.9% (364 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (4 residents)

What percentage of the population in Carter County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.4% of the population in Carter County.

How many housing units are there in Carter County?

There are 2,676 housing units in Carter County, reflecting a -0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Carter County and what is the average household size?

Carter County has a total of 2,038 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carter County?

Carter County has a median household income of $50,000, representing a +10.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Carter County?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Carter County, with a workforce of 2,253 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 58.8% (1,325 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 41.2% (928 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.4% (392 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.7% (1,367 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.9% (425 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.1% (69 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025