Kelso, MO
Population 593 · Missouri
About Kelso, MO
Kelso is a small community in Missouri with a population of 593 residents. The median household income is $54,853 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Kelso is 32.8 years.
Housing in Kelso has a median home value of $213,800 and median monthly rent of $810. Of the 251 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 158 owner-occupied and 80 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Kelso is 0.7% and the poverty rate is 12.0%. 28.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.9 minutes.
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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Kelso?
The median household income in Kelso, MO is $54,853 per year.
What is the median home value in Kelso?
The median home value in Kelso, MO is $213,800.
What is the average rent in Kelso?
The median monthly rent in Kelso, MO is $810.
What is the unemployment rate in Kelso?
The unemployment rate in Kelso, MO is 0.7%.