Berkeley, MO
Population 8,149 · Missouri
About Berkeley, MO
Berkeley is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 8,149 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,654 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Berkeley features a median home value of $80,000, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Berkeley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,075, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,462 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (1,530 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (1,514 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Berkeley shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 34.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Berkeley have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.1% of Berkeley 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 1.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 5.4% Asian residents, with 6.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Berkeley, MO
Compared to national averages, Berkeley has a median household income of $40,654 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $80,000, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,075 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Berkeley's income is 33% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 47% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Berkeley, MO?
Berkeley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $80,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,075/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,654) that falls below the national average. However, Berkeley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Berkeley has a population of 8,149 with a median age of 28.4 years. Compare Berkeley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Berkeley
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brentwood | 8,151 | $86,641 | $276,100 | Compare |
| Maplewood | 8,154 | $65,510 | $231,500 | Compare |
| Carl Junction | 8,257 | $77,855 | $206,400 | Compare |
| Parkville | 8,022 | $170,794 | $557,100 | Compare |
| Nevada | 7,998 | $45,799 | $100,600 | Compare |
| Dexter | 7,906 | $47,647 | $132,700 | Compare |
| Oak Grove | 8,477 | $73,237 | $190,800 | Compare |
| Perryville | 8,530 | $53,958 | $184,700 | 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 Berkeley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Berkeley
What is the population of Berkeley, MO?
The population of Berkeley, MO is 8,149 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 Berkeley?
The median household income in Berkeley, MO is $40,654 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Berkeley?
The median home value in Berkeley, MO is $80,000, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Berkeley?
The median monthly rent in Berkeley, MO is $1,075, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Berkeley?
The unemployment rate in Berkeley, MO is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Berkeley, MO a good place to live?
Berkeley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,149 and a median age of 28.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Berkeley, MO?
15.1% of residents in Berkeley 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 Berkeley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Berkeley, MO: median home value is $80,000 (67% below national), median rent is $1,075/month, and median household income is $40,654. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Berkeley?
The poverty rate in Berkeley, MO is 34.1%, 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 Berkeley, MO?
Berkeley's population is 1.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 5.4% Asian, and 84.6% two or more races. 6.9% of residents are foreign-born.