Lawson, MO
Population 2,742 · Missouri
About Lawson, MO
Lawson is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 2,742 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,799 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.5 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 Lawson features a median home value of $169,500, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lawson in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,006, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,053 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (684 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (248 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lawson shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lawson have an average one-way commute time of 27.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.0% of Lawson 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 0.5% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lawson, MO
Compared to national averages, Lawson has a median household income of $63,799 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $169,500, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,006 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Lawson's income is 5% above the state average of $61,047, and home values are 12% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Lawson, MO?
Lawson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $169,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,006/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,799) that falls below the national average. However, Lawson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lawson has a population of 2,742 with a median age of 31.5 years. Compare Lawson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Lawson
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canton | 2,741 | $46,941 | $115,100 | Compare |
| Pleasant Valley | 2,744 | $78,750 | $195,200 | Compare |
| Pine Lawn | 2,738 | $19,924 | $51,700 | Compare |
| Forsyth | 2,749 | $44,352 | $185,900 | Compare |
| New Madrid | 2,720 | $51,250 | $120,700 | Compare |
| Bel-Ridge | 2,714 | $39,878 | $88,900 | Compare |
| Marionville | 2,701 | $50,250 | $125,700 | Compare |
| Castle Point | 2,792 | $34,679 | $57,300 | 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 Lawson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lawson
What is the population of Lawson, MO?
The population of Lawson, MO is 2,742 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 Lawson?
The median household income in Lawson, MO is $63,799 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lawson?
The median home value in Lawson, MO is $169,500, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lawson?
The median monthly rent in Lawson, MO is $1,006, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lawson?
The unemployment rate in Lawson, MO is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lawson, MO a good place to live?
Lawson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,742 and a median age of 31.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lawson, MO?
16.0% of residents in Lawson 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 Lawson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lawson, MO: median home value is $169,500 (31% below national), median rent is $1,006/month, and median household income is $63,799. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lawson?
The poverty rate in Lawson, MO is 10.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lawson, MO?
Lawson's population is 0.5% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.