Houston, MO
Population 2,407 · Missouri
About Houston, MO
Houston is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 2,407 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,250 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.7 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 Houston features a median home value of $115,200, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Houston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $728, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,107 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (542 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (401 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Houston shows an unemployment rate of 10.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Houston have an average one-way commute time of 16.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.3% of Houston 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 1.2% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Houston, MO
Compared to national averages, Houston has a median household income of $41,250 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $115,200, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $728 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Houston's income is 32% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 24% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Houston, MO?
Houston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $115,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $728/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,250) that falls below the national average. However, Houston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Houston has a population of 2,407 with a median age of 35.7 years. Compare Houston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Houston
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | 2,415 | $51,875 | $97,900 | Compare |
| Lake Lotawana | 2,378 | $162,188 | $550,000 | Compare |
| Sparta | 2,378 | $61,630 | $167,400 | Compare |
| Plattsburg | 2,437 | $64,856 | $182,500 | Compare |
| Marlborough | 2,366 | $47,011 | $187,900 | Compare |
| Lake Ozark | 2,451 | $80,476 | $308,700 | Compare |
| Cabool | 2,460 | $30,781 | $100,400 | Compare |
| Terre du Lac | 2,460 | $93,115 | $186,400 | 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 Houston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Houston
What is the population of Houston, MO?
The population of Houston, MO is 2,407 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 Houston?
The median household income in Houston, MO is $41,250 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Houston?
The median home value in Houston, MO is $115,200, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Houston?
The median monthly rent in Houston, MO is $728, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Houston?
The unemployment rate in Houston, MO is 10.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Houston, MO a good place to live?
Houston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,407 and a median age of 35.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Houston, MO?
13.3% of residents in Houston 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 Houston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Houston, MO: median home value is $115,200 (53% below national), median rent is $728/month, and median household income is $41,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Houston?
The poverty rate in Houston, MO is 30.9%, 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 Houston, MO?
Houston's population is 1.2% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.