Wellston, MO
Population 1,690 · Missouri
About Wellston, MO
Wellston is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 1,690 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,474 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wellston features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wellston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,053, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,045 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (400 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (372 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wellston shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 35.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wellston have an average one-way commute time of 19.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.9% of Wellston 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wellston, MO
Compared to national averages, Wellston has a median household income of $39,474 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,053 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Wellston's income is 35% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 100% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Wellston, MO?
Wellston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,053/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,474) that falls below the national average. However, Wellston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wellston has a population of 1,690 with a median age of 38.3 years. Compare Wellston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Wellston
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bourbon | 1,694 | $63,125 | $116,000 | Compare |
| Noel | 1,679 | $39,196 | $117,000 | Compare |
| Gower | 1,677 | $80,057 | $189,900 | Compare |
| Duenweg | 1,707 | $53,839 | $116,600 | Compare |
| Campbell | 1,719 | $45,208 | $65,000 | Compare |
| Gallatin | 1,722 | $43,322 | $126,400 | Compare |
| Unionville | 1,725 | $51,771 | $98,300 | Compare |
| Winfield | 1,726 | $70,170 | $178,200 | 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 Wellston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wellston
What is the population of Wellston, MO?
The population of Wellston, MO is 1,690 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 Wellston?
The median household income in Wellston, MO is $39,474 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wellston?
The median home value in Wellston, MO is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wellston?
The median monthly rent in Wellston, MO is $1,053, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wellston?
The unemployment rate in Wellston, MO is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wellston, MO a good place to live?
Wellston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,690 and a median age of 38.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wellston, MO?
9.9% of residents in Wellston 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 Wellston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wellston, MO: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $1,053/month, and median household income is $39,474. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wellston?
The poverty rate in Wellston, MO is 35.0%, 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 Wellston, MO?
Wellston's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 91.3% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.