Murphy, MO
Population 8,566 · Missouri
About Murphy, MO
Murphy is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 8,566 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,373 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Murphy features a median home value of $177,500, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Murphy in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $961, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,851 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (2,816 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (695 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Murphy shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Murphy have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.5% of Murphy 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 0.6% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Murphy, MO
Compared to national averages, Murphy has a median household income of $73,373 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $177,500, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $961 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Murphy's income is 20% above the state average of $61,047, and home values are 18% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Murphy, MO?
Murphy offers affordable housing with a median home value of $177,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $961/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,373) that falls below the national average. However, Murphy’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Murphy has a population of 8,566 with a median age of 36.7 years. Compare Murphy with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Murphy
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olivette | 8,539 | $105,898 | $450,100 | Compare |
| Perryville | 8,530 | $53,958 | $184,700 | Compare |
| Oak Grove | 8,477 | $73,237 | $190,800 | Compare |
| Park Hills | 8,667 | $51,303 | $121,100 | Compare |
| Cameron | 8,721 | $56,090 | $178,300 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hill | 8,853 | $94,840 | $245,400 | Compare |
| Warrenton | 8,870 | $64,400 | $193,100 | Compare |
| Carl Junction | 8,257 | $77,855 | $206,400 | 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 Murphy With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Murphy
What is the population of Murphy, MO?
The population of Murphy, MO is 8,566 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 Murphy?
The median household income in Murphy, MO is $73,373 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Murphy?
The median home value in Murphy, MO is $177,500, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Murphy?
The median monthly rent in Murphy, MO is $961, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Murphy?
The unemployment rate in Murphy, MO is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Murphy, MO a good place to live?
Murphy offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,566 and a median age of 36.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Murphy, MO?
20.5% of residents in Murphy 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 Murphy?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Murphy, MO: median home value is $177,500 (28% below national), median rent is $961/month, and median household income is $73,373. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Murphy?
The poverty rate in Murphy, MO is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Murphy, MO?
Murphy's population is 0.6% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.