Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

Vandalia, MO Population, Income & Demographics 2026

Showing latest census year. Full demographic history available with a paid plan. View plans →

Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

15,053

Median Agei

39.6

Race & Ethnicityi

White

87.6%13,181

Two or More

4.4%662

Black

3.2%485

Asian

2.3%341

Hispanic/Latino

2.1%316

Other

0.5%68

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

4.2%436

High School Diploma

27.9%2,885

Some College (<1 yr)

10%1,032

Some College (1+ yr)

13.3%1,377

Associate's Degree

11.3%1,173

Bachelor's Degree

19%1,969

Master's Degree

9.4%971

Professional Degree

0.6%58

Doctorate

0.2%22

HS or Higher

96%

BA or Higher

29.2%

Graduate+

10.2%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$98,500

Median Renti

$778

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

66.5%1,393

Renter-Occupied

33.5%701

Total Units

2,481

Homeownership

66.5%

Vacancy Rate

15.6%

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$45,469

Mean Household Incomei

$62,194

Per Capita Incomei

$26,150

Poverty Ratei

18.5%

Unemploymenti

Labor Forcei

2,273

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

7.9%165

$10K–$15K

9.3%195

$15K–$20K

3.7%77

$20K–$25K

3.5%73

$25K–$30K

6.4%135

$30K–$35K

7.4%154

$35K–$40K

6.9%144

$40K–$45K

4.4%92

$45K–$50K

3.2%68

$50K–$60K

8.8%185

$60K–$75K

12.4%260

$75K–$100K

11.1%233

$100K–$125K

5.2%108

$125K–$150K

3.3%70

$150K–$200K

4.7%98

$200K+

1.8%37

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

Residentsi

Avg. Tenant Renti

$385/mo

Avg. Waitlisti

12 months

Programs in this community

Housing Choice Vouchers14 homes79% occupied$385/mo rent

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Project Based Section 89 homes

Privately owned apartments with rent subsidies tied to the building

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $45,469/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $14K/yr

82%

Very low income$14K–$23K/yr

18%

Who Receives This Housing

73% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

27% of subsidized households are minority

24% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

36% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Ancestry & Heritage

Self-reported ancestry groups. Residents may report multiple ancestries, so totals may exceed 100%.

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

243(4.9% of civilian adults)