Kirksville, MO
Population 17,493 · Missouri
About Kirksville, MO
Kirksville is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 17,493 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,063 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 25.1 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 Kirksville features a median home value of $145,300, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Kirksville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $787, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,546 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (2,906 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (3,160 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 Kirksville shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 27.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kirksville have an average one-way commute time of 13.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
37.9% of Kirksville 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 1.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 5.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kirksville Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Kirksville, MO
Compared to national averages, Kirksville has a median household income of $48,063 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $145,300, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $787 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Kirksville's income is 21% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 4% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Kirksville, MO?
Kirksville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $145,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $787/month, and a well-educated community where 37.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 13.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,063) that falls below the national average. However, Kirksville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kirksville has a population of 17,493 with a median age of 25.1 years. Compare Kirksville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Kirksville
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake St. Louis | 17,538 | $123,427 | $375,300 | Compare |
| Clayton | 17,282 | $128,898 | $799,200 | Compare |
| Farmington | 17,999 | $49,882 | $187,500 | Compare |
| Concord | 18,028 | $84,389 | $279,400 | Compare |
| Hannibal | 16,825 | $54,071 | $126,300 | Compare |
| Spanish Lake | 18,183 | $51,125 | $121,300 | Compare |
| Manchester | 18,189 | $92,839 | $298,400 | Compare |
| Ferguson | 18,350 | $46,106 | $99,300 | 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 Kirksville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kirksville
What is the population of Kirksville, MO?
The population of Kirksville, MO is 17,493 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 Kirksville?
The median household income in Kirksville, MO is $48,063 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kirksville?
The median home value in Kirksville, MO is $145,300, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Kirksville?
The median monthly rent in Kirksville, MO is $787, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kirksville?
The unemployment rate in Kirksville, MO is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kirksville, MO a good place to live?
Kirksville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,493 and a median age of 25.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Kirksville, MO?
37.9% of residents in Kirksville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Kirksville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kirksville, MO: median home value is $145,300 (41% below national), median rent is $787/month, and median household income is $48,063. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kirksville?
The poverty rate in Kirksville, MO is 27.2%, 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 Kirksville, MO?
Kirksville's population is 1.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 6.0% two or more races. 5.9% of residents are foreign-born.