Cardwell, MO
Population 846 · Missouri
About Cardwell, MO
Cardwell is a small community located in Missouri with a population of 846 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $17,917 per year, which is 76% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.7 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 Cardwell features a median home value of $44,700, which is 82% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cardwell one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $764, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 448 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (157 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (200 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cardwell shows an unemployment rate of 0.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 58.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cardwell have an average one-way commute time of 16.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
5.0% of Cardwell 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 13.2% White, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cardwell Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Cardwell, MO
Compared to national averages, Cardwell has a median household income of $17,917 (76% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $44,700, which is 82% below the national median. Monthly rent at $764 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Cardwell's income is 71% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 70% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Cardwell, MO?
Cardwell offers affordable housing with a median home value of $44,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $764/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.8%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($17,917) that falls below the national average. However, Cardwell’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cardwell has a population of 846 with a median age of 23.7 years. Compare Cardwell with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Cardwell
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest City | 845 | $38,750 | $67,200 | Compare |
| Leadington | 842 | $36,402 | $175,000 | Compare |
| Waverly | 854 | $48,000 | $107,500 | Compare |
| La Grange | 834 | $55,000 | $88,500 | Compare |
| Benton | 832 | $82,679 | $256,900 | Compare |
| Norwood | 832 | $37,375 | $78,600 | Compare |
| Lockwood | 862 | $48,578 | $87,800 | Compare |
| Winona | 829 | $32,083 | $101,500 | 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 Cardwell With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cardwell
What is the population of Cardwell, MO?
The population of Cardwell, MO is 846 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Cardwell?
The median household income in Cardwell, MO is $17,917 per year, which is 76% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cardwell?
The median home value in Cardwell, MO is $44,700, which is 82% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Cardwell?
The median monthly rent in Cardwell, MO is $764, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cardwell?
The unemployment rate in Cardwell, MO is 0.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cardwell, MO a good place to live?
Cardwell offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 846 and a median age of 23.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Cardwell, MO?
5.0% of residents in Cardwell 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 Cardwell?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cardwell, MO: median home value is $44,700 (82% below national), median rent is $764/month, and median household income is $17,917. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cardwell?
The poverty rate in Cardwell, MO is 58.9%, 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 Cardwell, MO?
Cardwell's population is 13.2% White, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.