Poplar Bluff, MO
Population 16,243 · Missouri
About Poplar Bluff, MO
Poplar Bluff is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 16,243 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,035 per year, which is 44% 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 Poplar Bluff features a median home value of $109,700, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Poplar Bluff one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $760, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,654 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (3,252 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (3,081 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Poplar Bluff shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Poplar Bluff have an average one-way commute time of 16.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.0% of Poplar Bluff 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 1.4% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Poplar Bluff, MO
Compared to national averages, Poplar Bluff has a median household income of $42,035 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $109,700, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $760 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Poplar Bluff's income is 31% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 27% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Poplar Bluff, MO?
Poplar Bluff offers affordable housing with a median home value of $109,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $760/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,035) that falls below the national average. However, Poplar Bluff’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Poplar Bluff has a population of 16,243 with a median age of 36.7 years. Compare Poplar Bluff with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Poplar Bluff
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sikeston | 16,231 | $53,203 | $158,100 | Compare |
| Lemay | 16,431 | $59,026 | $139,100 | Compare |
| Grain Valley | 15,967 | $87,266 | $269,800 | Compare |
| Overland | 15,762 | $57,755 | $121,500 | Compare |
| Hannibal | 16,825 | $54,071 | $126,300 | Compare |
| Jackson | 15,532 | $80,435 | $227,600 | Compare |
| Carthage | 15,513 | $50,849 | $133,500 | Compare |
| Fort Leonard Wood | 15,317 | $68,629 | $0 | 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 Poplar Bluff With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Poplar Bluff
What is the population of Poplar Bluff, MO?
The population of Poplar Bluff, MO is 16,243 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 Poplar Bluff?
The median household income in Poplar Bluff, MO is $42,035 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Poplar Bluff?
The median home value in Poplar Bluff, MO is $109,700, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Poplar Bluff?
The median monthly rent in Poplar Bluff, MO is $760, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Poplar Bluff?
The unemployment rate in Poplar Bluff, MO is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Poplar Bluff, MO a good place to live?
Poplar Bluff offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,243 and a median age of 36.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Poplar Bluff, MO?
16.0% of residents in Poplar Bluff 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 Poplar Bluff?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Poplar Bluff, MO: median home value is $109,700 (55% below national), median rent is $760/month, and median household income is $42,035. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Poplar Bluff?
The poverty rate in Poplar Bluff, MO is 23.5%, 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 Poplar Bluff, MO?
Poplar Bluff's population is 1.4% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 8.9% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.