Jennings, MO
Population 12,900 · Missouri
About Jennings, MO
Jennings is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 12,900 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,356 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Jennings features a median home value of $62,300, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Jennings one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $944, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,221 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (2,390 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (3,173 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 Jennings shows an unemployment rate of 10.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Jennings have an average one-way commute time of 26.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.9% of Jennings 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 0.1% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Jennings, MO
Compared to national averages, Jennings has a median household income of $37,356 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $62,300, which is 75% below the national median. Monthly rent at $944 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Jennings's income is 39% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 59% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Jennings, MO?
Jennings offers affordable housing with a median home value of $62,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $944/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,356) that falls below the national average. However, Jennings’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Jennings has a population of 12,900 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare Jennings with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Jennings
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Ann | 12,865 | $52,059 | $118,600 | Compare |
| Neosho | 12,857 | $55,159 | $148,600 | Compare |
| Festus | 12,965 | $70,085 | $206,200 | Compare |
| Branson | 12,760 | $54,961 | $237,900 | Compare |
| Dardenne Prairie | 13,137 | $155,585 | $392,300 | Compare |
| Webb City | 13,139 | $61,502 | $156,200 | Compare |
| Fulton | 12,611 | $55,015 | $144,500 | Compare |
| Union | 12,560 | $71,760 | $199,100 | 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 Jennings With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Jennings
What is the population of Jennings, MO?
The population of Jennings, MO is 12,900 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 Jennings?
The median household income in Jennings, MO is $37,356 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Jennings?
The median home value in Jennings, MO is $62,300, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Jennings?
The median monthly rent in Jennings, MO is $944, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Jennings?
The unemployment rate in Jennings, MO is 10.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Jennings, MO a good place to live?
Jennings offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,900 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Jennings, MO?
9.9% of residents in Jennings 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 Jennings?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Jennings, MO: median home value is $62,300 (75% below national), median rent is $944/month, and median household income is $37,356. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Jennings?
The poverty rate in Jennings, MO is 24.1%, 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 Jennings, MO?
Jennings's population is 0.1% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 91.1% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.