Kelso, MO
Population 593 · Missouri
About Kelso, MO
Kelso is a small community located in Missouri with a population of 593 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,853 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.8 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 Kelso features a median home value of $213,800, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Kelso in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $810, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 251 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (158 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (80 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kelso shows an unemployment rate of 0.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kelso have an average one-way commute time of 22.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
28.8% of Kelso residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kelso Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Kelso, MO
Compared to national averages, Kelso has a median household income of $54,853 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $213,800, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $810 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Kelso's income is 10% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 42% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Kelso, MO?
Kelso offers affordable housing with a median home value of $213,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $810/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 12.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,853) that falls below the national average. However, Kelso’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kelso has a population of 593 with a median age of 32.8 years. Compare Kelso with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Kelso
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Ridge | 594 | $61,838 | $113,700 | Compare |
| Laddonia | 592 | $49,583 | $78,300 | Compare |
| St. Elizabeth | 592 | $93,438 | $270,700 | Compare |
| Arcadia | 595 | $41,875 | $122,500 | Compare |
| Raymondville | 591 | $37,500 | $96,400 | Compare |
| Lowry City | 587 | $42,159 | $84,300 | Compare |
| Shelbyville | 583 | $46,875 | $75,600 | Compare |
| Weaubleau | 603 | $31,103 | $76,700 | 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 Kelso With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kelso
What is the population of Kelso, MO?
The population of Kelso, MO is 593 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 Kelso?
The median household income in Kelso, MO is $54,853 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kelso?
The median home value in Kelso, MO is $213,800, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kelso?
The median monthly rent in Kelso, MO is $810, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kelso?
The unemployment rate in Kelso, MO is 0.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kelso, MO a good place to live?
Kelso offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 593 and a median age of 32.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Kelso, MO?
28.8% of residents in Kelso 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 Kelso?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kelso, MO: median home value is $213,800 (13% below national), median rent is $810/month, and median household income is $54,853. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Kelso?
The poverty rate in Kelso, MO is 12.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kelso, MO?
Kelso's population is 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.