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Missouri Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Missouri is a state in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa to the north; Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee to the east; Arkansas to the south; and Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska to the west.
Missouri is the 19th-most populous state in the U.S. The total land area is 68,886 sq mi (179,015 km²), with an average of 90 people per square mile, making it the 28th most densely populated state. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Missouri recorded a population of 6,154,913 in the 2020 Census.
The latest Census estimate (July 1, 2024) places Missouri’s population at 6,245,466, approximately 6.2 million people.
Based on recent trends and population estimates, Missouri’s population is projected to continue growing moderately in the coming years.
Projected Population of Missouri (2026): ~6.3 million
Missouri Population Growth (2010–2020)
Missouri has a population growth rate of 2.8% during 2010-2020. It has had a population increase of 165,986 since 2010. The median age in Missouri is approximately 38.3 years of age. The ratio of females to males is approximately 50.9% female and 49.1%, male.
Missouri Census Snapshot (2020)
| Indicators | Data |
| Total Population | 6,154,913 (6.15 million) |
| Median Age | 38.3 years |
| Population Rank | 19th |
| Total Land Area | 68,886 sq mi (179,015 km2) |
| Area Rank | 21st |
| Population Density | 89.3/sq mi (34.4/km2) |
| Capital City | Jefferson City |
| Largest City | Kansas City |
Source: US Census 2020 and estimates
Missouri Historical Population
Missouri’s population has grown steadily over the past two centuries. From just 19,783 in 1810, the population surged to 383,702 by 1840 as the state expanded westward. The 20th century saw steady growth, reaching 6 million in 2010. During 2010–2020, Missouri added 166,000 people, a 2.8% increase, reflecting moderate growth compared to earlier decades.
Decadal Population Change (1910–2020)
| Census | Pop. | % Change |
| 1810 | 19,783 | – |
| 1820 | 66,586 | 236.60% |
| 1830 | 140,455 | 110.90% |
| 1840 | 383,702 | 173.20% |
| 1850 | 682,044 | 77.80% |
| 1860 | 1,182,012 | 73.30% |
| 1870 | 1,721,295 | 45.60% |
| 1880 | 2,168,380 | 26.00% |
| 1890 | 2,679,185 | 23.60% |
| 1900 | 3,106,665 | 16.00% |
| 1910 | 3,293,335 | 6.00% |
| 1920 | 3,404,055 | 3.40% |
| 1930 | 3,629,367 | 6.60% |
| 1940 | 3,784,664 | 4.30% |
| 1950 | 3,954,653 | 4.50% |
| 1960 | 4,319,813 | 9.20% |
| 1970 | 4,676,501 | 8.30% |
| 1980 | 4,916,686 | 5.10% |
| 1990 | 5,117,073 | 4.10% |
| 2000 | 5,595,211 | 9.30% |
| 2010 | 5,988,927 | 7.00% |
| 2020 | 6,154,913 | 2.80% |
Source: US Census 2020
Missouri Demographics (Summary)
Religion in Missouri (Overview)
Christianity is the largest religious affiliation in Missouri, followed by a significant unaffiliated population.
Christian: ~77%
Protestant: 55%
Roman Catholic: 16%
Mormon (LDS): 1%
Unaffiliated: ~20%
Other Religions: ~3%
Hinduism
Buddhism
Judaism
Islam
Other smaller faiths
🔗 Read detailed data: Religion in Missouri
Race and Ethnicity in Missouri (Overview)
Missouri has a predominantly White population, with significant African American and smaller minority communities.
White (Non-Hispanic): 75.8%
Black or African American: 19.5%
Hispanic or Latino: 4.9%
Asian: 2.2%
Two or More Races: 5%
🔗 Read detailed data: Race and Ethnicity in Missouri
Ancestry in Missouri (Overview)
Missouri’s population reflects a strong European heritage. The largest ancestry groups include:
German
Irish
English
American
Italian
🔗 Read detailed data: Race and Ethnicity in Missouri
Counties and Cities in Missouri (Overview)
As of 2022, Missouri is divided into 114 counties and has one independent city, St. Louis, which is considered a county-equivalent for most purposes.
The most populous county is St. Louis County.
The largest county by land area is also St. Louis County.
The largest city by population in Missouri is Kansas City, followed by:
St. Louis
Springfield
Columbia
Read more about Counties and Cities in Missouri
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