Ava, MO
Population 2,978 · Missouri
About Ava, MO
Ava is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 2,978 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,722 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ava features a median home value of $134,800, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ava one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $674, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,206 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (612 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (504 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ava shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ava have an average one-way commute time of 16.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.3% of Ava residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ava, MO
Compared to national averages, Ava has a median household income of $44,722 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $134,800, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $674 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Ava's income is 27% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 11% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Ava, MO?
Ava offers affordable housing with a median home value of $134,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $674/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,722) that falls below the national average. However, Ava’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ava has a population of 2,978 with a median age of 36.5 years. Compare Ava with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Ava
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clever | 2,977 | $77,403 | $179,400 | Compare |
| Villa Ridge | 2,994 | $67,129 | $153,100 | Compare |
| East Prairie | 2,930 | $31,159 | $58,000 | Compare |
| Windsor | 3,038 | $42,004 | $96,400 | Compare |
| Buckner | 2,917 | $84,572 | $177,100 | Compare |
| Chaffee | 3,039 | $41,024 | $120,900 | Compare |
| Portageville | 2,869 | $36,924 | $150,000 | Compare |
| Piedmont | 2,857 | $37,868 | $102,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ava With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ava
What is the population of Ava, MO?
The population of Ava, MO is 2,978 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Ava?
The median household income in Ava, MO is $44,722 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ava?
The median home value in Ava, MO is $134,800, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ava?
The median monthly rent in Ava, MO is $674, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ava?
The unemployment rate in Ava, MO is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ava, MO a good place to live?
Ava offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,978 and a median age of 36.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ava, MO?
15.3% of residents in Ava aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ava?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ava, MO: median home value is $134,800 (45% below national), median rent is $674/month, and median household income is $44,722. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ava?
The poverty rate in Ava, MO is 17.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Ava, MO?
Ava's population is 0.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.