Licking, MO
Population 2,816 · Missouri
About Licking, MO
Licking is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 2,816 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $32,813 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Licking features a median home value of $109,000, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Licking one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $614, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 842 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (421 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (320 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Licking shows an unemployment rate of 11.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 36.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Licking have an average one-way commute time of 19.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
6.6% of Licking 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 2.3% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Licking, MO
Compared to national averages, Licking has a median household income of $32,813 (56% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $109,000, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $614 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Licking's income is 46% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 28% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Licking, MO?
Licking offers affordable housing with a median home value of $109,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $614/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($32,813) that falls below the national average. However, Licking’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Licking has a population of 2,816 with a median age of 38.4 years. Compare Licking with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Licking
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery City | 2,810 | $51,707 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Knob Noster | 2,824 | $60,294 | $146,700 | Compare |
| Moline Acres | 2,806 | $55,069 | $76,500 | Compare |
| Fayette | 2,800 | $58,750 | $128,700 | Compare |
| Owensville | 2,798 | $50,428 | $133,100 | Compare |
| Castle Point | 2,792 | $34,679 | $57,300 | Compare |
| Gray Summit | 2,847 | $54,883 | $140,200 | Compare |
| Piedmont | 2,857 | $37,868 | $102,400 | 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 Licking With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Licking
What is the population of Licking, MO?
The population of Licking, MO is 2,816 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 Licking?
The median household income in Licking, MO is $32,813 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Licking?
The median home value in Licking, MO is $109,000, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Licking?
The median monthly rent in Licking, MO is $614, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Licking?
The unemployment rate in Licking, MO is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Licking, MO a good place to live?
Licking offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,816 and a median age of 38.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Licking, MO?
6.6% of residents in Licking 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 Licking?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Licking, MO: median home value is $109,000 (55% below national), median rent is $614/month, and median household income is $32,813. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Licking?
The poverty rate in Licking, MO is 36.3%, 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 Licking, MO?
Licking's population is 2.3% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 16.2% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.