Lemay, MO
Population 16,431 · Missouri
About Lemay, MO
Lemay is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 16,431 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,026 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lemay features a median home value of $139,100, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lemay one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $879, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,197 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (5,007 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (1,359 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lemay shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lemay have an average one-way commute time of 24.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.1% of Lemay 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 3.7% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 14.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lemay, MO
Compared to national averages, Lemay has a median household income of $59,026 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $139,100, which is 43% below the national median. Monthly rent at $879 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Lemay's income is 3% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 8% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Lemay, MO?
Lemay offers affordable housing with a median home value of $139,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $879/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,026) that falls below the national average. However, Lemay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lemay has a population of 16,431 with a median age of 35.9 years. Compare Lemay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Lemay
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poplar Bluff | 16,243 | $42,035 | $109,700 | Compare |
| Sikeston | 16,231 | $53,203 | $158,100 | Compare |
| Hannibal | 16,825 | $54,071 | $126,300 | Compare |
| Grain Valley | 15,967 | $87,266 | $269,800 | Compare |
| Overland | 15,762 | $57,755 | $121,500 | Compare |
| Clayton | 17,282 | $128,898 | $799,200 | Compare |
| Jackson | 15,532 | $80,435 | $227,600 | Compare |
| Carthage | 15,513 | $50,849 | $133,500 | 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 Lemay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lemay
What is the population of Lemay, MO?
The population of Lemay, MO is 16,431 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 Lemay?
The median household income in Lemay, MO is $59,026 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lemay?
The median home value in Lemay, MO is $139,100, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lemay?
The median monthly rent in Lemay, MO is $879, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lemay?
The unemployment rate in Lemay, MO is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lemay, MO a good place to live?
Lemay offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 16,431 and a median age of 35.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lemay, MO?
19.1% of residents in Lemay 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 Lemay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lemay, MO: median home value is $139,100 (43% below national), median rent is $879/month, and median household income is $59,026. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lemay?
The poverty rate in Lemay, MO is 14.3%, 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 Lemay, MO?
Lemay's population is 3.7% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 3.1% two or more races. 14.9% of residents are foreign-born.