La Plata, MO
Population 1,401 · Missouri
About La Plata, MO
La Plata is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 1,401 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,107 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in La Plata features a median home value of $96,300, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes La Plata one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $326, 72% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 694 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (335 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (191 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in La Plata shows an unemployment rate of 8.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in La Plata have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.6% of La Plata 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 0.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How La Plata Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in La Plata, MO
Compared to national averages, La Plata has a median household income of $49,107 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $96,300, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $326 is 72% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, La Plata's income is 20% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 36% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in La Plata, MO?
La Plata offers affordable housing with a median home value of $96,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $326/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,107) that falls below the national average. However, La Plata’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
La Plata has a population of 1,401 with a median age of 40.9 years. Compare La Plata with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near La Plata
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Winnebago | 1,401 | $179,038 | $646,200 | Compare |
| Steelville | 1,410 | $32,404 | $82,500 | Compare |
| Rich Hill | 1,412 | $45,203 | $58,100 | Compare |
| Auxvasse | 1,385 | $54,185 | $129,300 | Compare |
| Edina | 1,420 | $42,125 | $79,900 | Compare |
| Mansfield | 1,375 | $30,587 | $92,000 | Compare |
| Princeton | 1,434 | $55,066 | $69,200 | Compare |
| Shell Knob | 1,445 | $51,852 | $304,700 | 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 La Plata With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about La Plata
What is the population of La Plata, MO?
The population of La Plata, MO is 1,401 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Missouri.
What is the median household income in La Plata?
The median household income in La Plata, MO is $49,107 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in La Plata?
The median home value in La Plata, MO is $96,300, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in La Plata?
The median monthly rent in La Plata, MO is $326, which is 72% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in La Plata?
The unemployment rate in La Plata, MO is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is La Plata, MO a good place to live?
La Plata offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,401 and a median age of 40.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is La Plata, MO?
15.6% of residents in La Plata 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 La Plata?
Key cost-of-living indicators for La Plata, MO: median home value is $96,300 (61% below national), median rent is $326/month, and median household income is $49,107. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in La Plata?
The poverty rate in La Plata, MO is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is La Plata, MO?
La Plata's population is 0.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.