Thayer, MO
Population 2,288 · Missouri
About Thayer, MO
Thayer is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 2,288 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,477 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Thayer features a median home value of $69,300, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Thayer one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $652, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,031 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (631 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (237 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Thayer shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 36.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Thayer have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.2% of Thayer 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, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Thayer, MO
Compared to national averages, Thayer has a median household income of $36,477 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $69,300, which is 72% below the national median. Monthly rent at $652 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Thayer's income is 40% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 54% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Thayer, MO?
Thayer offers affordable housing with a median home value of $69,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $652/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,477) that falls below the national average. However, Thayer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Thayer has a population of 2,288 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Thayer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Thayer
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marceline | 2,269 | $55,139 | $96,000 | Compare |
| Warson Woods | 2,312 | $200,104 | $573,600 | Compare |
| Richland | 2,256 | $41,750 | $89,000 | Compare |
| Granby | 2,345 | $45,655 | $99,200 | Compare |
| Doniphan | 2,220 | $43,309 | $113,600 | Compare |
| Duquesne | 2,216 | $52,372 | $184,200 | Compare |
| Marlborough | 2,366 | $47,011 | $187,900 | Compare |
| Merriam Woods | 2,203 | $50,000 | $111,800 | 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 Thayer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Thayer
What is the population of Thayer, MO?
The population of Thayer, MO is 2,288 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 Thayer?
The median household income in Thayer, MO is $36,477 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Thayer?
The median home value in Thayer, MO is $69,300, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Thayer?
The median monthly rent in Thayer, MO is $652, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Thayer?
The unemployment rate in Thayer, MO is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Thayer, MO a good place to live?
Thayer offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,288 and a median age of 41.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Thayer, MO?
23.2% of residents in Thayer 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 Thayer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Thayer, MO: median home value is $69,300 (72% below national), median rent is $652/month, and median household income is $36,477. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Thayer?
The poverty rate in Thayer, MO is 36.5%, 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 Thayer, MO?
Thayer's population is 0.6% White, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.