West Plains, MO
Population 12,341 · Missouri
About West Plains, MO
West Plains is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 12,341 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,897 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.2 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 West Plains features a median home value of $158,700, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions West Plains in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $762, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,571 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (2,389 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (2,571 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Plains shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 31.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Plains have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.7% of West Plains 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 0.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West Plains, MO
Compared to national averages, West Plains has a median household income of $39,897 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $158,700, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $762 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, West Plains's income is 35% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 5% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in West Plains, MO?
West Plains offers affordable housing with a median home value of $158,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $762/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,897) that falls below the national average. However, West Plains’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Plains has a population of 12,341 with a median age of 34.2 years. Compare West Plains with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near West Plains
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eureka | 12,371 | $108,947 | $352,200 | Compare |
| Crestwood | 12,298 | $115,512 | $291,400 | Compare |
| Union | 12,560 | $71,760 | $199,100 | Compare |
| Fulton | 12,611 | $55,015 | $144,500 | Compare |
| Branson | 12,760 | $54,961 | $237,900 | Compare |
| Neosho | 12,857 | $55,159 | $148,600 | Compare |
| St. Ann | 12,865 | $52,059 | $118,600 | Compare |
| Jennings | 12,900 | $37,356 | $62,300 | 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 West Plains With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Plains
What is the population of West Plains, MO?
The population of West Plains, MO is 12,341 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 West Plains?
The median household income in West Plains, MO is $39,897 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Plains?
The median home value in West Plains, MO is $158,700, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in West Plains?
The median monthly rent in West Plains, MO is $762, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Plains?
The unemployment rate in West Plains, MO is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Plains, MO a good place to live?
West Plains offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,341 and a median age of 34.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is West Plains, MO?
17.7% of residents in West Plains 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 West Plains?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Plains, MO: median home value is $158,700 (35% below national), median rent is $762/month, and median household income is $39,897. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in West Plains?
The poverty rate in West Plains, MO is 31.0%, 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 West Plains, MO?
West Plains's population is 0.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.