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.

West Plains, 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

12,441

Median Agei

36.3

Race & Ethnicityi

White

94.1%11,704

Two or More

3.9%491

Black

1%120

Asian

0.5%68

Hispanic/Latino

0.2%30

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.2%26

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0%2

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

6.2%514

High School Diploma

33.2%2,731

Some College (<1 yr)

6.9%572

Some College (1+ yr)

10.4%853

Associate's Degree

12.4%1,017

Bachelor's Degree

9.5%783

Master's Degree

3.6%300

Professional Degree

1.6%135

Doctorate

2.3%189

HS or Higher

86.2%

BA or Higher

17.1%

Graduate+

7.6%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$169,900

Median Renti

$810

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

52.1%2,634

Renter-Occupied

47.9%2,417

Total Units

5,726

Homeownership

52.1%

Vacancy Rate

11.8%

Home Values

Under $50K

8.2%216

$50K–$100K

16.6%438

$100K–$150K

16.7%439

$150K–$200K

18.6%490

$200K–$300K

26%684

$300K–$500K

10.5%277

$500K–$1M

3.4%90

Rent Distribution

Under $500

422

$500–$750

689

$750–$1,000

692

$1,000–$1,250

396

$1,250–$1,500

137

$1,500–$2,000

$2,000+

Year Built

2020 or later

1.1%64

2010–2019

8.1%462

2000–2009

11%631

1990–1999

11.4%654

1980–1989

10.9%625

1970–1979

23.4%1,338

1960–1969

7.7%441

1950–1959

11.1%638

1940–1949

5.7%327

1939 or earlier

9.5%546

Heating Fuel

Electricity

57.1%2,884

Utility Gas

34.4%1,738

Bottled/LP Gas

7.1%357

Wood

1.1%58

No Fuel

0.3%14

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$44,002

Mean Household Incomei

$57,298

Per Capita Incomei

$24,722

Poverty Ratei

27%

Unemploymenti

4.2%

Labor Forcei

5,664

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

5.6%285

$10K–$15K

10.9%551

$15K–$20K

6.2%313

$20K–$25K

7.6%386

$25K–$30K

4.5%229

$30K–$35K

7%356

$35K–$40K

4.3%218

$40K–$45K

4.5%229

$45K–$50K

4%203

$50K–$60K

6%305

$60K–$75K

11.8%594

$75K–$100K

13.5%683

$100K–$125K

6.3%317

$125K–$150K

2.2%113

$150K–$200K

3.2%164

$200K+

2.1%105

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

523

Residentsi

784

Avg. Tenant Renti

$361/mo

Avg. Waitlisti

8 months

Programs in this community

Public Housing268 homes97% occupied$351/mo rent

Government-owned housing managed by local housing authorities

Housing Choice Vouchers224 homes77% occupied$383/mo rent

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

Project Based Section 832 homes95% occupied$293/mo rent

Privately owned apartments with rent subsidies tied to the building

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $44,002/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $13K/yr

67.6%

Very low income$13K–$22K/yr

27.7%

Low income$22K–$35K/yr

3.7%

Moderate / aboveOver $35K/yr

Who Receives This Housing

73.4% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

5.2% of subsidized households are minority

34.3% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

46.1% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Ancestry & Heritage

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

Foreign-Born Populationi

Foreign-Borni

400.3%

By Region

Top Countries

United Kingdom

Germany

Philippines

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

730(7.8% of civilian adults)

Health Insurancei

84.4%Insured

15.6%Uninsured