Seneca, MO
Population 1,938 · Missouri
About Seneca, MO
Seneca is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 1,938 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,821 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.7 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 Seneca features a median home value of $112,300, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Seneca one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $886, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 800 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (403 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (254 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Seneca shows an unemployment rate of 0.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 19.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Seneca have an average one-way commute time of 23 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.1% of Seneca 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 4.3% White, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 6.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Seneca Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Seneca, MO
Compared to national averages, Seneca has a median household income of $49,821 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $112,300, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $886 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Seneca's income is 18% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 26% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Seneca, MO?
Seneca offers affordable housing with a median home value of $112,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $886/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.3%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,821) that falls below the national average. However, Seneca’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Seneca has a population of 1,938 with a median age of 35.7 years. Compare Seneca with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Seneca
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holden | 1,936 | $68,324 | $132,400 | Compare |
| Winchester | 1,914 | $87,344 | $209,300 | Compare |
| Hamilton | 1,909 | $56,548 | $139,200 | Compare |
| Carterville | 1,978 | $55,099 | $95,400 | Compare |
| Vinita Park | 1,978 | $53,355 | $99,000 | Compare |
| Milan | 1,883 | $52,647 | $89,700 | Compare |
| Claycomo | 1,994 | $49,649 | $151,300 | Compare |
| Adrian | 2,006 | $48,233 | $139,600 | 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 Seneca With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Seneca
What is the population of Seneca, MO?
The population of Seneca, MO is 1,938 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 Seneca?
The median household income in Seneca, MO is $49,821 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Seneca?
The median home value in Seneca, MO is $112,300, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Seneca?
The median monthly rent in Seneca, MO is $886, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Seneca?
The unemployment rate in Seneca, MO is 0.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Seneca, MO a good place to live?
Seneca offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,938 and a median age of 35.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Seneca, MO?
10.1% of residents in Seneca 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 Seneca?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Seneca, MO: median home value is $112,300 (54% below national), median rent is $886/month, and median household income is $49,821. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Seneca?
The poverty rate in Seneca, MO is 19.1%, 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 Seneca, MO?
Seneca's population is 4.3% White, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.9% of residents are foreign-born.