Thayer, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,333
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$37,417/yr
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,077
4.5% year-over-year change

Thayer population

How many people live in Thayer

Thayer is home to 2,333 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Thayer locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
2,333
2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
1,138
Female
51.2%
1,195
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,138 48.8% 9.9%
Female 1,195 51.2% -4.6%
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 Thayer is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.2% are children under 15, then 12.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.7% of the population, while another 21.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.2%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 44
22.7%
45 to 64
21.6%
Over 65
19.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 541 23.2% 24.1%
15 to 24 295 12.6% 1.0%
25 to 44 529 22.7% -1.7%
45 to 64 503 21.6% 0.4%
Over 65 465 19.9% -10.8%
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 Thayer, 99.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,321 99.5% 2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7 0.3% 40.0%
Non-citizens 5 0.2% -44.4%
Racial breakdown
White
93.9%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
5.8%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 2,190 93.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 2 0.1%
Two or more races 136 5.8%
Other 5 0.2%

Households in Thayer

A peek inside Thayer households

Thayer has 915 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.8% are families, while the remaining 38.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
915
5.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
350
Family households
565
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 350 38.2% 11.5%
Family households 565 61.8% 2.0%
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 Thayer

The housing landscape of Thayer

Thayer's housing consists of 1,077 units, with 79% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 7.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,077
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 851 79%
2 units 49 4.6%
3 or 4 units 19 1.8%
5 to 9 units 24 2.2%
20 to 49 units 12 1.1%
Mobile home 82 7.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 40 3.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Thayer

In Thayer, the median construction year is 1971. About 12.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 137 12.7% -8.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 111 10.3% 24.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 137 12.7% 10.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 140 13% 26.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 202 18.8% -11.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 63 5.8% -22.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 139 12.9% 9.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 110 10.2% 23.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 38 3.5% 15.2%
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.

Thayer occupancy rates

Out of the 915 occupied housing units in Thayer, 68.1% are owner-occupied, while 31.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
915
5.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
292
Owner occupied
623
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 292 31.9% 23.2%
Owner occupied 623 68.1% -1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
15.0%
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.

Thayer housing costs

Housing costs in Thayer come to a median of $611 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $627.

Median housing costs per month
$611/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 Thayer
$627/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 Thayer

Thayer education at a glance

About 53.2% of the population in Thayer went to high school, while 18.1% pursued college studies. Another 5.6% earned an associate degree and 7.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 57 3.5% 9.6%
High school diploma 859 53.2% -4.9%
College diploma 292 18.1% 2.8%
Associate degree 91 5.6% -4.2%
Bachelor's degree 123 7.6% -14.6%
Graduate degree 191 11.8% -12.4%
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 Thayer

How much people earn in Thayer

The average annual household income in Thayer was $46,591 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $37,417, reflecting a +2.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Thayer
$46,591/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Thayer
$37,417/year
2.6% year-over-year change

Thayer income by age

In Thayer, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $36,542. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $28,500 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $65,263, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,000 in earnings. Overall, 65.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $65,263 N/A
25 - 44 $36,542 3.1%
45 - 64 $28,500 -1.6%
Over 65 $40,000 -7.2%
Above poverty level
1,443
Below poverty level
754
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,443 65.7% 2.3%
Below poverty level 754 34.3% -6.9%

Average renter income in Thayer

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Thayer, their median household income was $24,384 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,384
Rent-to-income ratio
30.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Thayer

Workforce and job types in Thayer

The job market in Thayer is powered by 730 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.6% run their own businesses, 52.6% are employed by private companies, and 20.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
730
-0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
521
Blue collar
209
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 521 71.4% -11.7%
Blue collar 209 28.6% 45.1%
Employer type
Self employees
12.6%
Private companies
52.6%
Governmental workers
20.3%
Not for profit companies
14.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 92 12.6% 58.6%
Private companies 384 52.6% -4.0%
Governmental workers 148 20.3% -6.3%
Not for profit companies 106 14.5% -10.2%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
68.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Thayer stands at 4.8%, 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 Thayer

How people get around in Thayer

Commuting methods vary: 92.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% 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 677 92.7% -3.1%
Bus or trolleybus 12 1.6% 9.1%
Walk 5 0.7% 66.7%
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 Thayer by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
65791 4,425 1,567 $42,470 $59,644

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FAQs about Thayer demographics 

What is the total population of Thayer?

Thayer has a total population of 2,333 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 +2.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Thayer?

The gender ratio in Thayer is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (1,138 residents)
  • 51.2% females (1,195 residents)

What is the median age in Thayer?

The median age in Thayer is 40.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Thayer?

The age distribution in Thayer is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.2% (541 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.6% (295 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.7% (529 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.6% (503 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.9% (465 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Thayer?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Thayer is as follows:
  • White: 93.9% (2,190 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (2 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.8% (136 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (5 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.5% of the population in Thayer.

How many housing units are there in Thayer?

There are 1,077 housing units in Thayer, reflecting a +4.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Thayer has a total of 915 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Thayer?

Thayer has a median household income of $37,417, representing a +2.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Thayer?

The employment rate is 95.2% in Thayer, with a workforce of 730 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.4% (521 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.6% (209 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.6% (92 residents)
  • Private companies: 52.6% (384 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.3% (148 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.5% (106 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