Matthews, MO
Population 506 · Missouri
About Matthews, MO
Matthews is a small community located in Missouri with a population of 506 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,013 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.4 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 Matthews features a median home value of $101,800, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Matthews one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $731, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 282 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (145 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (70 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Matthews shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 5.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Matthews have an average one-way commute time of 18 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
2.5% of Matthews 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 0.0% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Matthews, MO
Compared to national averages, Matthews has a median household income of $44,013 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,800, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $731 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Matthews's income is 28% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 32% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Matthews, MO?
Matthews offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $731/month, and a low poverty rate of 5.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,013) that falls below the national average. However, Matthews’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Matthews has a population of 506 with a median age of 52.4 years. Compare Matthews with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Matthews
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithton | 509 | $51,875 | $87,500 | Compare |
| New Melle | 510 | $103,750 | $407,100 | Compare |
| Union Star | 510 | $57,907 | $84,500 | Compare |
| West Alton | 511 | $128,438 | $156,300 | Compare |
| Beverly Hills | 495 | $47,955 | $73,300 | Compare |
| Niangua | 495 | $36,667 | $87,500 | Compare |
| Meadville | 493 | $70,000 | $110,200 | Compare |
| Westphalia | 493 | $62,438 | $215,700 | 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 Matthews With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Matthews
What is the population of Matthews, MO?
The population of Matthews, MO is 506 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Matthews?
The median household income in Matthews, MO is $44,013 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Matthews?
The median home value in Matthews, MO is $101,800, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Matthews?
The median monthly rent in Matthews, MO is $731, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Matthews?
The unemployment rate in Matthews, MO is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Matthews, MO a good place to live?
Matthews offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 506 and a median age of 52.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Matthews, MO?
2.5% of residents in Matthews 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 Matthews?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Matthews, MO: median home value is $101,800 (58% below national), median rent is $731/month, and median household income is $44,013. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Matthews?
The poverty rate in Matthews, MO is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Matthews, MO?
Matthews's population is 0.0% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.