Carterville, MO
Population 1,978 · Missouri
About Carterville, MO
Carterville is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 1,978 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,099 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.2 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 Carterville features a median home value of $95,400, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Carterville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $823, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 779 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (524 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (165 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carterville shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 20.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Carterville have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.5% of Carterville 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 2.4% White, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.3% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carterville, MO
Compared to national averages, Carterville has a median household income of $55,099 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $95,400, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $823 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Carterville's income is 10% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 37% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Carterville, MO?
Carterville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $95,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $823/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,099) that falls below the national average. However, Carterville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carterville has a population of 1,978 with a median age of 34.2 years. Compare Carterville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Carterville
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinita Park | 1,978 | $53,355 | $99,000 | Compare |
| Claycomo | 1,994 | $49,649 | $151,300 | Compare |
| Adrian | 2,006 | $48,233 | $139,600 | Compare |
| Raintree Plantation | 2,006 | $71,953 | $296,900 | Compare |
| Elsberry | 2,010 | $49,226 | $113,300 | Compare |
| Bloomfield | 2,011 | $43,182 | $69,400 | Compare |
| Willow Springs | 2,015 | $43,125 | $108,300 | Compare |
| Seneca | 1,938 | $49,821 | $112,300 | 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 Carterville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carterville
What is the population of Carterville, MO?
The population of Carterville, MO is 1,978 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 Carterville?
The median household income in Carterville, MO is $55,099 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carterville?
The median home value in Carterville, MO is $95,400, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carterville?
The median monthly rent in Carterville, MO is $823, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carterville?
The unemployment rate in Carterville, MO is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carterville, MO a good place to live?
Carterville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,978 and a median age of 34.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Carterville, MO?
8.5% of residents in Carterville 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 Carterville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carterville, MO: median home value is $95,400 (61% below national), median rent is $823/month, and median household income is $55,099. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carterville?
The poverty rate in Carterville, MO is 20.0%, 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 Carterville, MO?
Carterville's population is 2.4% White, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.3% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.