Kirkwood, MO
Population 29,302 · Missouri
About Kirkwood, MO
Kirkwood is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 29,302 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $117,439 per year, which is 56% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kirkwood features a median home value of $421,500, which is 72% above the national median of $244,900. This places Kirkwood in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,293, 11% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,936 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (9,326 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (2,784 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kirkwood shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kirkwood have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
66.2% of Kirkwood residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kirkwood Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Kirkwood, MO
Compared to national averages, Kirkwood has a median household income of $117,439 (56% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $421,500, which is 72% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,293 is 11% above the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Kirkwood's income is 92% above the state average of $61,047, and home values are 180% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Kirkwood, MO?
Kirkwood offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $117,439, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%, and a well-educated community where 66.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $421,500. However, Kirkwood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kirkwood has a population of 29,302 with a median age of 42.5 years. Compare Kirkwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Kirkwood
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mehlville | 29,089 | $65,395 | $210,200 | Compare |
| Raytown | 29,593 | $67,227 | $162,000 | Compare |
| Liberty | 30,446 | $95,425 | $267,900 | Compare |
| Maryland Heights | 27,981 | $86,485 | $215,300 | Compare |
| Ballwin | 30,835 | $121,170 | $353,400 | Compare |
| Gladstone | 27,069 | $72,134 | $217,900 | Compare |
| Grandview | 25,821 | $53,431 | $171,200 | Compare |
| Hazelwood | 25,214 | $55,930 | $154,900 | 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 Kirkwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kirkwood
What is the population of Kirkwood, MO?
The population of Kirkwood, MO is 29,302 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 Kirkwood?
The median household income in Kirkwood, MO is $117,439 per year, which is 56% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kirkwood?
The median home value in Kirkwood, MO is $421,500, which is 72% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kirkwood?
The median monthly rent in Kirkwood, MO is $1,293, which is 11% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kirkwood?
The unemployment rate in Kirkwood, MO is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kirkwood, MO a good place to live?
Kirkwood offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 29,302 and a median age of 42.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kirkwood, MO?
66.2% of residents in Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kirkwood, MO: median home value is $421,500 (72% above national), median rent is $1,293/month, and median household income is $117,439. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Kirkwood?
The poverty rate in Kirkwood, MO is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kirkwood, MO?
Kirkwood's population is 1.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 4.9% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.