Plato, MO
Population 195 · Missouri
About Plato, MO
Plato is a small community located in Missouri with a population of 195 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,750 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 17.6 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 Plato features a median home value of $146,700, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Plato one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 58 total housing units, 96% are owner-occupied (49 units) and 4% are renter-occupied (2 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Plato shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 1.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Plato have an average one-way commute time of 49.6 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
39.4% of Plato residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Plato, MO
Compared to national averages, Plato has a median household income of $57,750 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $146,700, which is 40% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Plato's income is 5% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 3% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Plato, MO?
Plato offers affordable housing with a median home value of $146,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 39.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 1.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,750) that falls below the national average. However, Plato’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Plato has a population of 195 with a median age of 17.6 years. Compare Plato with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Plato
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linn Creek | 196 | $63,750 | $183,300 | Compare |
| Des Arc | 193 | $62,188 | $81,700 | Compare |
| Miramiguoa Park | 193 | $82,250 | $132,700 | Compare |
| Wyaconda | 193 | $48,672 | $56,800 | Compare |
| Weldon Spring Heights | 198 | $171,250 | $419,000 | Compare |
| Bosworth | 199 | $50,250 | $43,300 | Compare |
| Reeds | 191 | $27,639 | $0 | Compare |
| Utica | 199 | $75,000 | $98,600 | 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 Plato With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Plato
What is the population of Plato, MO?
The population of Plato, MO is 195 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 Plato?
The median household income in Plato, MO is $57,750 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Plato?
The median home value in Plato, MO is $146,700, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Plato?
The median monthly rent in Plato, MO is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Plato?
The unemployment rate in Plato, MO is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Plato, MO a good place to live?
Plato offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 195 and a median age of 17.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Plato, MO?
39.4% of residents in Plato aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Plato?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Plato, MO: median home value is $146,700 (40% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $57,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Plato?
The poverty rate in Plato, MO is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Plato, MO?
Plato's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.