Carthage, MO
Population 15,513 · Missouri
About Carthage, MO
Carthage is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 15,513 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,849 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31 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 Carthage features a median home value of $133,500, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Carthage one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $897, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,095 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (2,819 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (2,637 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carthage shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 33.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Carthage have an average one-way commute time of 15.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.0% of Carthage 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 8.0% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 27.0% Asian residents, with 14.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carthage, MO
Compared to national averages, Carthage has a median household income of $50,849 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $133,500, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $897 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Carthage's income is 17% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 11% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Carthage, MO?
Carthage offers affordable housing with a median home value of $133,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $897/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,849) that falls below the national average. However, Carthage’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carthage has a population of 15,513 with a median age of 31 years. Compare Carthage with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Carthage
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | 15,532 | $80,435 | $227,600 | Compare |
| Fort Leonard Wood | 15,317 | $68,629 | $0 | Compare |
| Overland | 15,762 | $57,755 | $121,500 | Compare |
| Lebanon | 15,157 | $42,157 | $152,200 | Compare |
| Grain Valley | 15,967 | $87,266 | $269,800 | Compare |
| Washington | 14,948 | $78,510 | $217,500 | Compare |
| Sikeston | 16,231 | $53,203 | $158,100 | Compare |
| Poplar Bluff | 16,243 | $42,035 | $109,700 | 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 Carthage With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carthage
What is the population of Carthage, MO?
The population of Carthage, MO is 15,513 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 Carthage?
The median household income in Carthage, MO is $50,849 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carthage?
The median home value in Carthage, MO is $133,500, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carthage?
The median monthly rent in Carthage, MO is $897, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carthage?
The unemployment rate in Carthage, MO is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Carthage, MO a good place to live?
Carthage offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 15,513 and a median age of 31, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Carthage, MO?
23.0% of residents in Carthage 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 Carthage?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carthage, MO: median home value is $133,500 (45% below national), median rent is $897/month, and median household income is $50,849. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carthage?
The poverty rate in Carthage, MO is 33.0%, 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 Carthage, MO?
Carthage's population is 8.0% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 27.0% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 14.0% of residents are foreign-born.