Gainesville, MO
Population 902 · Missouri
About Gainesville, MO
Gainesville is a small community located in Missouri with a population of 902 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,087 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gainesville features a median home value of $97,900, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Gainesville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $602, 48% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 421 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (163 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (169 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 Gainesville shows an unemployment rate of 9.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gainesville have an average one-way commute time of 19.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.0% of Gainesville 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 1.6% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Gainesville, MO
Compared to national averages, Gainesville has a median household income of $31,087 (59% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $97,900, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $602 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Gainesville's income is 49% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 35% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Gainesville, MO?
Gainesville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $97,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $602/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,087) that falls below the national average. However, Gainesville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gainesville has a population of 902 with a median age of 42.9 years. Compare Gainesville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Gainesville
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stover | 901 | $47,596 | $114,700 | Compare |
| Billings | 899 | $43,846 | $162,300 | Compare |
| Crocker | 908 | $54,519 | $100,300 | Compare |
| Doe Run | 895 | $76,447 | $130,500 | Compare |
| Clarence | 894 | $29,306 | $73,800 | Compare |
| Diamond | 911 | $74,000 | $132,800 | Compare |
| Grantwood Village | 915 | $134,844 | $488,500 | Compare |
| Puxico | 918 | $57,625 | $86,400 | 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 Gainesville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gainesville
What is the population of Gainesville, MO?
The population of Gainesville, MO is 902 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 Gainesville?
The median household income in Gainesville, MO is $31,087 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gainesville?
The median home value in Gainesville, MO is $97,900, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Gainesville?
The median monthly rent in Gainesville, MO is $602, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gainesville?
The unemployment rate in Gainesville, MO is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gainesville, MO a good place to live?
Gainesville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 902 and a median age of 42.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gainesville, MO?
11.0% of residents in Gainesville 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 Gainesville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gainesville, MO: median home value is $97,900 (60% below national), median rent is $602/month, and median household income is $31,087. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gainesville?
The poverty rate in Gainesville, MO is 24.4%, 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 Gainesville, MO?
Gainesville's population is 1.6% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 4.3% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.