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

Total population
77,032
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$74,876/yr
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
33,533
0.4% year-over-year change

Cole County population

How many people live in Cole County

Cole County is home to 77,032 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Cole County locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
77,032
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
38,761
Female
49.7%
38,271
Value Percent YoY change
Male 38,761 50.3% -0.3%
Female 38,271 49.7% 0.6%
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 Cole County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 12.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.4% of the population, while another 24.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
12.9%
25 to 44
26.4%
45 to 64
24.7%
Over 65
18%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,869 18% -1.1%
15 to 24 9,960 12.9% 3.3%
25 to 44 20,311 26.4% -1.2%
45 to 64 19,002 24.7% -1.0%
Over 65 13,890 18% 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 Cole County, 96.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.3% of locals are Caucasian, 9.8% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 74,430 96.6% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,547 2% 9.6%
Non-citizens 1,055 1.4% -11.6%
Racial breakdown
White
80.3%
Black or African American
9.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.6%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 61,853 80.3%
Black or African American 7,563 9.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 248 0.3%
Asian 1,130 1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0%
Two or more races 5,098 6.6%
Other 1,132 1.5%

Households in Cole County

A peek inside Cole County households

Cole County has 31,086 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.8% are families, while the remaining 39.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
31,086
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
12,179
Family households
18,907
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,179 39.2% 2.2%
Family households 18,907 60.8% 0.4%
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 Cole County

The housing landscape of Cole County

Cole County's housing consists of 33,533 units, with 69.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.1% 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 2.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
33,533
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 23,283 69.4%
1 unit, attached 1,025 3.1%
2 units 1,837 5.5%
3 or 4 units 3,064 9.1%
5 to 9 units 1,161 3.5%
10 to 19 units 1,174 3.5%
20 to 49 units 493 1.5%
50 or more units 723 2.2%
Mobile home 762 2.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 11 0%
Homes built since 2020
359
50.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cole County

In Cole County, the median construction year is 1982. About 9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,018 9% -2.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 911 2.7% -5.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,668 8% -1.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,498 10.4% -3.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,699 17% 1.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,119 15.3% 0.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,008 14.9% 0.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,765 14.2% 3.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,488 7.4% 2.4%
Built in 2020 or later 359 1.1% 50.8%
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.

Cole County occupancy rates

Out of the 31,086 occupied housing units in Cole County, 67.9% are owner-occupied, while 32.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
31,086
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
9,988
Owner occupied
21,098
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 9,988 32.1% -0.5%
Owner occupied 21,098 67.9% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
7.3%
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.

Cole County housing costs

Housing costs in Cole County come to a median of $900 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $834.

Median housing costs per month
$900/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 Cole County
$834/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 Cole County

Cole County education at a glance

About 35.4% of the population in Cole County went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.9% earned an associate degree and 23.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 952 1.6% -4.9%
High school diploma 21,265 35.4% -0.5%
College diploma 11,601 19.3% -3.7%
Associate degree 4,762 7.9% 6.0%
Bachelor's degree 13,854 23.1% 2.6%
Graduate degree 7,587 12.6% 2.4%
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 Cole County

How much people earn in Cole County

The average annual household income in Cole County was $95,025 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $74,876, reflecting a +2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cole County
$95,025/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cole County
$74,876/year
2.2% year-over-year change

Cole County income by age

In Cole County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,635. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,397 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $60,925, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $59,763 in earnings. Overall, 90.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $60,925 -8.0%
25 - 44 $82,635 2.0%
45 - 64 $84,397 3.9%
Over 65 $59,763 4.5%
Above poverty level
65,475
Below poverty level
6,552
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 65,475 90.9% 0.9%
Below poverty level 6,552 9.1% -2.3%

Employment in Cole County

Workforce and job types in Cole County

The job market in Cole County is powered by 38,011 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.4% run their own businesses, 56.2% are employed by private companies, and 27.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
38,011
1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
30,454
Blue collar
7,557
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 30,454 80.1% 0.6%
Blue collar 7,557 19.9% 5.9%
Employer type
Self employees
7.4%
Private companies
56.2%
Governmental workers
27.6%
Not for profit companies
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,825 7.4% -0.8%
Private companies 21,344 56.2% -0.5%
Governmental workers 10,497 27.6% 8.5%
Not for profit companies 3,345 8.8% -2.2%
Unemployment rate
2.9%
-0.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cole County stands at 2.9%, 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 Cole County

How people get around in Cole County

Commuting methods vary: 86.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 32,894 86.7% -1.1%
Taxicab 118 0.3% -21.9%
Bus or trolleybus 168 0.4% 16.7%
Ferryboat 5 0% 0.0%
Motorcycle 48 0.1% 60.0%
Bicycle 40 0.1% 33.3%
Walk 499 1.3% 0.6%
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 Cole County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
65023 1,566 743 $72,663 $88,763
65032 1,491 625 $63,125 $92,556
65040 1,468 436 $89,167 $104,997
65053 1,813 604 $120,870 $169,703
65074 2,936 1,241 $74,464 $81,615
65076 515 238 $64,333 $89,448
65101 28,793 10,888 $74,807 $91,767
65109 41,145 17,306 $74,694 $95,927

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FAQs about Cole County demographics 

What is the total population of Cole County?

Cole County has a total population of 77,032 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cole County?

The gender ratio in Cole County is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (38,761 residents)
  • 49.7% females (38,271 residents)

What is the median age in Cole County?

The median age in Cole County is 39.9.

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

The age distribution in Cole County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (13,869 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.9% (9,960 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.4% (20,311 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.7% (19,002 residents)
  • Over 65: 18% (13,890 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cole County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cole County is as follows:
  • White: 80.3% (61,853 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.8% (7,563 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (248 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (1,130 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.6% (5,098 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (1,132 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.6% of the population in Cole County.

How many housing units are there in Cole County?

There are 33,533 housing units in Cole County, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cole County has a total of 31,086 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cole County?

Cole County has a median household income of $74,876, representing a +2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.1% in Cole County, with a workforce of 38,011 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.1% (30,454 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.9% (7,557 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.4% (2,825 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.2% (21,344 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 27.6% (10,497 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.8% (3,345 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