Bolivar, MO
Population 10,996 · Missouri
About Bolivar, MO
Bolivar is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 10,996 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,603 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.4 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 Bolivar features a median home value of $188,700, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bolivar in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $833, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,743 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (2,294 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (1,925 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bolivar shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 21.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bolivar have an average one-way commute time of 23 minutes.
Education & Demographics
25.5% of Bolivar residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bolivar, MO
Compared to national averages, Bolivar has a median household income of $44,603 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $188,700, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $833 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Bolivar's income is 27% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 25% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Bolivar, MO?
Bolivar offers affordable housing with a median home value of $188,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $833/month, and short commute times averaging just 23 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,603) that falls below the national average. However, Bolivar’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bolivar has a population of 10,996 with a median age of 33.4 years. Compare Bolivar with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Bolivar
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kearney | 10,696 | $102,523 | $275,200 | Compare |
| Bridgeton | 11,372 | $73,320 | $234,100 | Compare |
| Bellefontaine Neighbors | 10,562 | $48,354 | $92,500 | Compare |
| Maryville | 10,556 | $48,099 | $178,900 | Compare |
| Smithville | 10,552 | $99,925 | $272,500 | Compare |
| Mexico | 11,487 | $48,873 | $117,600 | Compare |
| Excelsior Springs | 10,502 | $74,056 | $174,000 | Compare |
| Town and Country | 11,605 | $237,083 | $895,000 | 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 Bolivar With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bolivar
What is the population of Bolivar, MO?
The population of Bolivar, MO is 10,996 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Bolivar?
The median household income in Bolivar, MO is $44,603 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bolivar?
The median home value in Bolivar, MO is $188,700, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bolivar?
The median monthly rent in Bolivar, MO is $833, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bolivar?
The unemployment rate in Bolivar, MO is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bolivar, MO a good place to live?
Bolivar offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,996 and a median age of 33.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bolivar, MO?
25.5% of residents in Bolivar 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 Bolivar?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bolivar, MO: median home value is $188,700 (23% below national), median rent is $833/month, and median household income is $44,603. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bolivar?
The poverty rate in Bolivar, MO is 21.1%, 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 Bolivar, MO?
Bolivar's population is 1.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.