Sedalia, MO
Population 21,869 · Missouri
About Sedalia, MO
Sedalia is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 21,869 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,668 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sedalia features a median home value of $136,500, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sedalia one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $854, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,951 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (5,283 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (3,789 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sedalia shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sedalia have an average one-way commute time of 16.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.0% of Sedalia 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 11.2% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 8.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sedalia Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Sedalia, MO
Compared to national averages, Sedalia has a median household income of $50,668 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $136,500, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $854 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Sedalia's income is 17% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 9% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Sedalia, MO?
Sedalia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $136,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $854/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,668) that falls below the national average. However, Sedalia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sedalia has a population of 21,869 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Sedalia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Sedalia
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozark | 21,953 | $69,372 | $230,600 | Compare |
| Old Jamestown | 21,121 | $107,250 | $230,100 | Compare |
| Arnold | 20,884 | $75,194 | $209,700 | Compare |
| Rolla | 20,144 | $42,518 | $177,400 | Compare |
| Affton | 20,035 | $77,337 | $200,300 | Compare |
| Webster Groves | 23,771 | $110,716 | $371,400 | Compare |
| Raymore | 23,849 | $103,158 | $318,000 | Compare |
| Nixa | 24,131 | $80,491 | $238,300 | 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 Sedalia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sedalia
What is the population of Sedalia, MO?
The population of Sedalia, MO is 21,869 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 Sedalia?
The median household income in Sedalia, MO is $50,668 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sedalia?
The median home value in Sedalia, MO is $136,500, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sedalia?
The median monthly rent in Sedalia, MO is $854, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sedalia?
The unemployment rate in Sedalia, MO is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sedalia, MO a good place to live?
Sedalia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,869 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sedalia, MO?
17.0% of residents in Sedalia 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 Sedalia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sedalia, MO: median home value is $136,500 (44% below national), median rent is $854/month, and median household income is $50,668. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sedalia?
The poverty rate in Sedalia, MO is 17.2%, 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 Sedalia, MO?
Sedalia's population is 11.2% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 8.2% of residents are foreign-born.