Part of series
2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2000 2019 2018
Data updates
Updated annually and as new data becomes available
Get email notifications -->
Media Contact
Neilsberg Research Media Relations
Share this page

Vernon County, Missouri

Facts, statistics and data on population, demographics, income, economy, housing and education
County in MO, US
Last updated
Key Indicators
A quick look at key numbers

Population

19,687
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates

Median Age

41.9
years ∙ half population younger than 41.9, half older

Diversity Index

Low High
14.1%
chance two random people differ in race and ethnicity

Nativity

2.2%
foreign-born population
97.8%Native
2.2% Foreign-born

Geographic Context

Location, size, and surroundings

About

Vernon County is a county in Missouri, United States.
Location
County in MO, US
Co-ordinates
DEC37.850196° N, 94.341597° W
DMS37° 51′ 00.71″ N, 94° 20′ 29.75″ W

Population Density & area

23.82/sq mi (9.2/km²)
Total Area
836.8 sq mi (2,167.3 km²)
Land Area
826.4 sq mi (2,140.3 km²) · 98.8%
Water Area
10.4 sq mi (27 km²) · 1.2%

Demographics & Living

Who lives here, how households are formed, and community composition

Population Composition

Key characteristics of the population

Sex Distribution

49.2% male
Male 49.2%
Female 50.8%
males per 100 females
Vernon County 96.9
Missouri 97.2
United States 98

Nativity

2.2%
foreign-born population
97.8%Native
2.2% Foreign-born
% Foreign-born
Vernon County 2.2%
Missouri 4.5%
United States 14.1%
Age Distribution
How the population is spread across age groups

Median Age

41.9
years ∙ half population younger than 41.9, half older
Vernon County
41.9
Missouri
39
United States
38.9

Dependency ratio

Low High
79.9
dependents per 100 working-age adults
Vernon County 79.9
Missouri 67.3
United States 64.4

AGE DISTRIBUTION

Distribution of age group
Median age
Vernon County Missouri United States
Age Group
Children (Under 18) 23.8% 22.3% 22%
Working age (18-64) 55.6% 59.8% 60.8%
Senior (65+) 20.6% 17.9% 17.2%
Dependency ratio
Total dependency ratio 79.9 67.3 64.4
Child dependency ratio 42.9 37.4 36.1
Old-age dependency ratio 37 29.9 28.3
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Racial and ethnic makeup and how it compares

Race & Ethnicity

White
92.6%
Black
0.9%
Asian
0.8%
Hispanic
2.7%
Other
3%
Note: White, Black, and Asian refer to individuals belonging to a single race and not of Hispanic origin. Hispanics may be of any race.

Diversity Index

Low High
14.1%
chance two random people differ in race and ethnicity
Vernon County 14.1%
Missouri 40%
United States 61.4%
Note: The Diversity Index (DI), based on the Blau Index, measures the probability that two randomly selected individuals differ in race and ethnicity. Values range from 0 (no diversity) to 1 (high diversity) and are shown as percentages.

RACIAL & ETHNIC COMPOSITION

Race & Ethnicity
Percentage of Vernon County population
Vernon County Missouri United States
Hispanic or Latino 2.7% 5.2% 19.3%
Mexican 2.3% 3.2% 11.3%
Puerto Rican 0.2% 0.4% 1.8%
Cuban 0% 0.1% 0.8%
Other Hispanic / Latino 0.2% 1.4% 5.5%
Not Hispanic or Latino 97.3% 94.8% 80.7%
One race 94.5% 90% 76.4%
White 92.6% 76.3% 57.4%
Black or African American 0.9% 10.9% 11.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.1% 0.2% 0.5%
Asian 0.8% 2.1% 5.9%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0% 0.1% 0.2%
Some Other Race 0% 0.4% 0.6%
Two or more races (Multiracial) 2.8% 4.8% 4.3%
Household & Families Composition
Household size, type, and family structure

Household structure

59.1% family
Family 59.1%
Non family 40.9%
% family households
Vernon County 59.1%
Missouri 62.1%
United States 64.2%

Average household size

2.46
persons per household
Vernon County
2.46
Missouri
2.4
United States
2.53

Household & Family COMPOSITION

Households
Percentage of Vernon County population
Vernon County Missouri United States
Total households 7,754 2,508,227 129,227,496
Average houshold size 2.46 2.4 2.53
Family households 4,586 1,558,009 82,990,528
Average family size 3.19 3.03 3.14
Married couple family 3,704 1,166,368 60,637,388
Other families 882 391,641 22,353,140
Male householder 271 115,975 6,572,819
Female householder 611 275,666 15,780,321
Non-family households 3,168 950,218 46,236,968
One-person households 2,575 781,034 37,140,836
Male householder 1,134 351,809 16,871,444
Senior (65+) living alone 470 107,203 5,225,110
Female householder 1,441 429,225 20,269,392
Senior (65+) living alone 789 215,073 10,089,070
Other living arrangements 593 169,184 9,096,132

Housing Profile

Housing stock, ownership, rentals, and cost burdens

Total housing units

8,928
housing units
Vernon County 8,928
Missouri 2,825,287
United States 143,775,355

Occupancy status

86.9% occupied
Occupied 86.9%
Vacant 13.1%
vacancy rate
Vernon County 13.1%
Missouri 11.2%
United States 10.1%
Housing Characteristics
How the housing supply is structured and used

Types of Housing unit

79%
Single family houses
Single family houses
79%
Apartments in multi-unit structures
11.3%
Mobile homes
9.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc
0%

Median Year Built

1976
Half of houses were built before 1976, and half after.
Historic ∙ 1939 or earlier
19.1%
Postwar & mid-century ∙ 1940 - 1969
23.2%
Late 20th century ∙ 1970 - 1999
38.3%
Modern ∙ 2000 or later
19.4%
Note: Median year built reflects occupied units only; distribution includes all units.

Housing Characteristics

Units, rooms & bedrooms
Physical characteristics of housing units
Vernon County Missouri United States
Rooms per unit
Median rooms 5.8 5.7 5.5
1–3 rooms 10.3% 11.5% 15.1%
4–6 rooms 53.2% 53.4% 51.6%
7+ rooms 36.6% 35% 33.4%
Bedrooms
No bedroom / studio 2.3% 2% 2.9%
1 bedroom 9.7% 9.7% 10.9%
2 bedrooms 26.9% 26.1% 25%
3 bedrooms 42.5% 41.3% 38.7%
4+ bedrooms 18.6% 20.9% 22.4%
At a glance
Median year built 1976 1979 1981
Total housing units 8,928 2,825,287 143,775,355
Occupancy Profile
Who is inside and how they use it

Homeownership

71.3% owners
Renter-occupied 28.7%
Owner-occupied 71.3%
homeownership rate
Vernon County 71.3%
Missouri 68.1%
United States 65.2%

Average household size

2.6
Owner-occupied
2.1
Renter-occupied
owner-occupied average size
Vernon County 2.6
Missouri 2.54
United States 2.64

Housing Characteristics

Occupied unit characteristics
Tenure, crowding, and utilities
Vernon County Missouri United States
Total occupied units 7,754 2,508,227 129,227,496
Year moved in
2020 or later 19.1% 24.7% 24.8%
2010 to 2019 40.4% 40% 39.6%
2000 to 2009 18.1% 16.5% 16.4%
1999 or earlier 22.4% 18.8% 19.1%
Occupants per room
1.00 or fewer 97.8% 98.3% 96.6%
1.01 to 1.50 1.6% 1.2% 2.2%
1.51 or more 0.6% 0.5% 1.2%
Vehicles availability
No vehicles 11.4% 6.6% 8.4%
1 vehicle 28.1% 33% 33.1%
2 vehicles 32.9% 37.5% 36.6%
3 or more vehicles 27.6% 22.8% 21.9%
House heating fuel used
Gas 48.1% 57.7% 51.4%
Electricity 44% 38.8% 41.3%
Solar 0% 0.1% 0.3%
Fuel oil, kerosene etc 0% 0.2% 3.9%
All other fuels 7.4% 2.8% 2%
No fuel used 0.5% 0.4% 1.2%
Selected characteristics
Lacking complete plumbing 1% 0.4% 0.4%
Lacking complete kitchen 1.8% 0.8% 0.8%
No telephone service available 2% 0.9% 0.9%
Housing Value
What owner-occupied units are worth

Median home value

$158,800
owner-occupied units
Median value(USD)
Vernon County
$158,800
Missouri
$230,300
United States
$332,700

Housing Cost Burden

33.1%
of homeowners with a mortgage are cost-burdened
% Cost-Burdened Households
Owners with a mortgage
33.1%
Owners without a mortgage
10.2%
Renters
34.5%
Note: Households spending 30% or more of their income on housing costs are considered cost-burdened.

Financial characteristics

Property value and housing costs
Tenure, crowding, and utilities
Vernon County Missouri United States
Property value
Median Value $158,800 $230,300 $332,700
Under $100,000 29.9% 15.9% 11.4%
$100,000 - $200,000 32.4% 25.7% 15.8%
$200,000 - $300,000 19.9% 24.1% 17.8%
$300,000 - $500,000 13.9% 23.6% 26.9%
$500,000 - $1,000,000 3.6% 9.1% 20.9%
$1,000,000 and more 0.3% 1.6% 7.1%
Owner-occupied households
With a mortgage 44.3% 60.2% 60.6%
Without a mortgage 55.7% 39.8% 39.4%
Median monthly owner costs
With a mortgage $1,171 $1,524 $1,963
Without a mortgage $479 $546 $638
Gross rent
Median rent $734 $1,033 $1,413

Education Profile

How educated is the community and how education pays off

Adults with a college degree

16.6%
of adults 25+ with a bachelor's degree or higher
Vernon County 16.6%
Missouri 32.4%
United States 35.7%

Adults without a high school diploma

11.1%
of adults (25+) without a high school diploma
Vernon County 11.1%
Missouri 8.2%
United States 10.4%
School Enrollment
Who is enrolled in school and at what level

School enrollment

4,318
population (age 3+) enrolled in school
Nursery / Preschool
4.1%
K–12
76.9%
College / Undergraduate
17.1%
Graduate / Professional
1.9%

College-going rate (18-24 yr olds)

32.6%
of 18-24-year-olds in college or graduate school
Vernon County
32.6%
Missouri
38.1%
United States
40.9%

Enrollment & school type

Enrollment levels, college-going rate, and public vs private school split
Population 3+ currently enrolled in a school
Vernon County Missouri United States
Total enrolled (age 3+) 4,318 1,440,482 80,089,790
Nursery / preschool 4.1% 6.3% 5.7%
K–12 76.9% 69.4% 67.6%
Kindergarten 2% 5.1% 5%
Elementary: Grades 1–4 26.9% 20.5% 19.8%
Elementary: Grades 5–8 26% 21.7% 21%
High School: Grades 9–12 22% 22% 21.7%
College or graduate school 19% 24.3% 26.7%
College, undergraduate 17.1% 18.7% 21%
Graduate, professional school 1.9% 5.6% 5.8%
College-going rate · 18-24 yr olds 32.6% 38.1% 40.9%
School type
Public school 77.9% 80.3% 82%
Private school 22.1% 19.7% 18%
Education Attainment by Level & Gender
What is the highest level of education completed among adults

Education attainment

13,386
population 25 years and over
Total adults (25+)
Less than 9th grade
3.8%
9th-12th, no diploma
7.3%
HS graduate
40.9%
Some college no degree
19.9%
Associates degree
11.6%
Bachelors degree
10.5%
Graduate or professional degree
6%

Attainment by gender

Male vs Female
Adults (25+) · Share within each education level
% male · % female
Less than 9th grade
65.6% · 34.4%
9th-12th, no diploma
62.4% · 37.6%
HS graduate
51.2% · 48.8%
Some college no degree
47.9% · 52.1%
Associates degree
40.9% · 59.1%
Bachelors degree
38.5% · 61.5%
Graduate or professional degree
38.6% · 61.4%

Educational Attainment Overview

Distribution and key education attainment rates for adults (25+)
Highest credential completed · adults 25+
Vernon County Missouri United States
Population (25+) 13,386 4,243,115 230,807,303
Less than 9th grade 3.8% 2.7% 4.7%
9th–12th, no diploma 7.3% 5.5% 5.7%
High school diploma or GED 40.9% 30.2% 26%
Some college, no degree 19.9% 20.8% 19.1%
Associate's degree 11.6% 8.4% 8.8%
Bachelor's degree or higher 16.6% 32.4% 35.7%
Bachelor's degree 10.5% 19.8% 21.6%
Graduate or professional 6% 12.6% 14.1%
High School or higher 89% 91.9% 89.6%
Earnings by education level
percentage as applicable

Median Earnings

$36,964
Median earnings for adults 25+, by level
Less than HS graduate
$22,023
HS graduate
$34,286
Some college or associates
$37,764
Bachelors degree
$37,086
Graduate or professional degree
$56,903

Poverty Rate

6.9%
for ages 25+, with bachelors degree or higher
Less than HS graduate
33.3%
HS graduate
18%
Some college or associates
13.5%
Bachelors degree or higher
6.9%

Outcomes by Education Level

Earnings and poverty rates across education levels (25+)
Adults 25+
Vernon County Missouri United States
Median earnings
Population 25+, with earnings $36,964 $49,030 $52,696
Less than high school graduate $22,023 $32,024 $32,485
High school graduate (includes equivalency) $34,286 $38,607 $40,153
Some college or associate's degree $37,764 $44,914 $47,260
Bachelor's degree $37,086 $61,818 $70,044
Graduate or professional degree $56,903 $75,454 $90,720
Poverty rates
Less than high school graduate 33.3% 26.4% 24.2%
High school graduate (includes equivalency) 18% 14.4% 14.4%
Some college or associate's degree 13.5% 9.7% 9.8%
Bachelor's degree or higher 6.9% 4.3% 4.5%

Economy & Employment

Jobs, industries, and workforce at a glance

Labor Force

Who is working, looking for work, and participating in the economy

Adult Population (16+)

15,638
residents 16 years and over
Vernon County 15,638
Missouri 4,975,226
United States 270,181,636

Employment-Population Ratio (EPOP)

Low High
54.2%
of residents age 16+ are employed
Vernon County 54.2%
Missouri 60.2%
United States 59.7%
Note: The Employment-Population Ratio (EPOP) measures the share of the population age 16 and over that is currently employed. Higher values indicate a larger proportion of residents holding jobs.
Labor Force Composition
Age and demographic makeup of the labor force

Median Age of Workers (16–64)

40.6
years ∙ half are younger than 40.6, half older
Vernon County
40.6
Missouri
39.3
United States
39.6
Note: Median worker age is based on adults age 16–64 who worked in the past 12 months.

Male-Female Labor Force Split

52.7% male
Male 52.7%
Female 47.3%
Female Share of Labor Force (%)
Vernon County 47.3
Missouri 48.1
United States 47.2

Labor force composition

Age and Gender Composition of the Labor Force (16+) in Vernon County
How the labor force age 16 and over is distributed across age groups and gender.
Vernon County Missouri United States
Total labor force 8,861 3,140,747 171,493,276
Age distribution
16 to 19 years 7.3% 4.8% 4%
20 to 24 years 9.5% 10% 9.6%
25 to 29 years 10.1% 10.9% 11%
30 to 34 years 10.5% 11.2% 11.5%
35 to 44 years 19.9% 21.3% 21.6%
45 to 54 years 19.2% 18.9% 19.5%
55 to 59 years 9.3% 9% 9%
60 to 64 years 6% 7.6% 7.4%
65 to 74 years 6.7% 5.4% 5.4%
75 years and over 1.5% 1% 1%
Gender composition
Male 52.7% 51.9% 52.8%
Female 47.3% 48.1% 47.2%
Labor Force Participation
How much of the working-age population is active in the labor force?

Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

56.7%
of adults age 16+ are in the labor force
Vernon County
56.7%
Missouri
63.1%
United States
63.5%
Note: The Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) measures the share of the population age 16 and over that is working or looking for work.

Participation Gap · Male vs Female

61.4%
of males age 16+ are in the labor force
52.2%
of females age 16+ are in the labor force
Female LFPR (%)
Vernon County 52.2%
Missouri 59.3%
United States 58.9%
Note: LFPR measures the share of the male or female population age 16+ that is working or looking for work.

AGE & GENDER LFPR

Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in Vernon County
Share of residents age 16+ working or seeking work, by age group, gender and race
Vernon County Missouri United States
LFPR by age group
16 to 19 years 52.4% 46.2% 39.4%
20 to 24 years 83.2% 77.4% 75.4%
25 to 29 years 81.9% 85.6% 84.1%
30 to 34 years 84.2% 84.6% 84%
35 to 44 years 78.2% 84.2% 83.6%
45 to 54 years 77.1% 82.2% 82.1%
55 to 59 years 67.8% 72.7% 74.1%
60 to 64 years 36.3% 57.1% 59.2%
65 to 74 years 25.7% 25.7% 27.1%
75 years and over 7.5% 7% 7.3%
LFPR by gender
Male 61.4% 67.2% 68.2%
Female 52.2% 59.3% 58.9%
LFPR by race, ethnicity
White 57% 62.5% 62%
Black or African American 22.1% 63.5% 63.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 52.2% 60.9% 62.3%
Asian 67.6% 69.4% 66.8%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 100% 66.6% 65.3%
Some Other Race 44% 71.1% 67.7%
Two or more races (Multiracial) 59.7% 66.8% 67.8%
Hispanic or Latino 52.6% 71.6% 68.3%
Note:
1. Race groups refer to individuals reporting a single race alone and may include people of Hispanic or Latino origin. Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity and may include individuals of any race, so categories may overlap.
2. The Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) measures the share of the population age 16 and over that is working or looking for work.
Labor Force Status
Employment, unemployment, and labor force conditions

Unemployment Rate

4.2%
of the civilian labor force age 16+ is unemployed
Vernon County
4.2%
Missouri
4%
United States
5.2%
Note: Unemployment rate measures the share of the civilian labor force age 16+ that is jobless and seeking work. It excludes residents not in the labor force, such as retirees and students.

UNEMPLOYMENT GAP · MALE VS FEMALE

3.6%
of males age 16+ in civilian labor force are unemployed
4.9%
of females age 16+ in civilian labor force are unemployed
male unemployment rate
Vernon County 3.6%
Missouri 4%
United States 5.3%
Note: Male and female unemployment rates measure the share of each group's civilian labor force age 16+ that is unemployed and seeking work.

CIVILIAN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

Unemployment Rate in Vernon County
Share of the civilian labor force age 16+ that is unemployed, by age group, gender and race
Vernon County Missouri United States
By age group
16 to 19 years 21.8% 11.4% 14.3%
20 to 24 years 1.5% 6.6% 9.1%
25 to 29 years 4.4% 4.5% 6%
30 to 34 years 7.3% 3.7% 5%
35 to 44 years 4.4% 3.3% 4.3%
45 to 54 years 0% 3.1% 3.9%
55 to 59 years 1.5% 2.8% 3.8%
60 to 64 years 4.1% 2.5% 3.7%
65 to 74 years 0% 2.7% 3.9%
75 years and over 0% 2.6% 3.9%
By gender
Male 3.6% 4% 5.3%
Female 4.9% 4% 5.2%
By race, ethnicity
White 4.1% 3.5% 4.3%
Black or African American 76.7% 7.5% 8.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0% 3.7% 7.8%
Asian 0% 3.3% 4.4%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0% 4.2% 7.2%
Some Other Race 0% 5.2% 6.3%
Two or more races (Multiracial) 1.2% 5.2% 6.3%
Hispanic or Latino 6% 4.2% 6.2%
Note:
1. Race groups refer to individuals reporting a single race alone and may include people of Hispanic or Latino origin. Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity and may include individuals of any race, so categories may overlap.
2.Unemployment rate measures the share of the civilian labor force age 16+ that is jobless and seeking work. It excludes residents not in the labor force, such as retirees and students.

Job Market

Where residents work, what types of employers they work for, and how they commute

Total employed population

8,482
employed residents 16 years and over
Employed population
Vernon County 8,482
Missouri 2,995,281
United States 161,297,155
Note: Total employed population refers to the civilian employed population age 16 and over, including both full-time and part-time workers.

Full-time employment rate

71%
of employed residents 16 and older
Full-time employment (%)
Vernon County 71%
Missouri 72%
United States 72%
Note: Total full-time employed population refers to civilians age 16 and over working full time throughout the year, excluding part-time workers.
Industries
The industries that employ Vernon County, Missouri workforce and shape the local economy

Top Industry

About 1 in 6 workers
are employed in Health care and social assistance
Top 3 Industries % of total workers
Health care and social assistance 17.9%
Retail trade 14.9%
Manufacturing 11.7%
Note: Percentages reflect the share of the total civilian employed population age 16+ working in each industry, including both full-time and part-time workers.

Top industry by gender

Male
Manufacturing employs the most men — 18% of 4,500 employed male workers
Female
Health care and social assistance employs the most women — 30% of 3,982 employed female workers
Note: Percentages reflect the share of employed males or females age 16+ working in each industry, including both full-time and part-time workers.

Industries Distribution Table

Employment Distribution by Industries in Vernon County
Share of employed residents 16 and older · by industry
Vernon County Missouri United States
Total employed population 8,482 2,995,281 161,297,155
Agriculture and mining
Agriculture 7.3% 1.5% 1.2%
Mining and logging 0.1% 0.2% 0.4%
Construction 8.1% 6.8% 6.9%
Manufacturing 11.7% 11.3% 9.9%
Wholesale trade 0.6% 2.3% 2.2%
Retail trade 14.9% 11.3% 10.8%
Transportation and utilities
Transportation and warehousing 3.4% 4.9% 5.1%
Utilities 1.1% 1% 0.9%
Information 0.6% 1.5% 1.9%
Financial activities
Finance and Insurance 5.5% 5.6% 4.8%
Real estate and leasing 1.4% 1.6% 1.8%
Professional and business services
Professional and technical services 1.9% 6.6% 8.3%
Corporate management 0% 0.1% 0.1%
Administrative and waste services 2.7% 3.7% 4.2%
Education and health services
Educational services 9.2% 9.3% 9.4%
Health care and social assistance 17.9% 15.1% 14.1%
Leisure and hospitality
Arts and recreation 1.7% 1.8% 2.1%
Accommodation and food services 4.2% 6.3% 6.6%
Other services 4.1% 4.8% 4.7%
Government 3.6% 4.3% 4.7%
Note: Percentages reflect the share of the total civilian employed population age 16+ working in each industry, including both full-time and part-time workers. Percentages are rounded for readability and may not sum to 100%.
Type of Employer
Whether residents work for private companies, government agencies, or are self-employed

Employment by employer type

72.1% Private
Government 13.7%
Private Employment 72.1%
Self Employed 14.2%
Private employment (%)
Vernon County 72.1%
Missouri 77.6%
United States 75.3%
Note: Percentages reflect the share of the civilian employed population age 16+ by type of employer, including private-sector workers, government employees, and the self-employed.

Self-employed workers

14.2%
of the workers are self-employed
Category % of total workers
Incorporated business 2.8%
Unincorporated business 11.2%
Unpaid family workers 0.2%
Note: Percentages reflect the share of self-employed and unpaid family workers within the civilian employed population age 16+, excluding private-sector and government employees. Percentages are rounded for readability and may not add up.

Type of employer

Employment distribution by employer type in Vernon County
Share of employed population 16 and older · by class of worker
Vernon County Missouri United States
Private wage & salary 72.1% 77.6% 75.3%
For-profit company employees 59.7% 67.2% 66.5%
Not-for-profit employees 12.4% 10.4% 8.8%
Self-employed 14.2% 9.2% 10.1%
Incorporated business 2.8% 3.3% 4%
Unincorporated business 11.2% 5.7% 6%
Unpaid family workers 0.2% 0.2% 0.2%
Government 13.7% 13.2% 14.5%
Local government 6.9% 6.7% 7.6%
State government 4.6% 3.9% 4.2%
Federal government 2.3% 2.6% 2.7%
Note: Percentages reflect the share of the civilian employed population age 16+ by type of employer, including private-sector workers, government employees, and the self-employed. Percentages are rounded for readability and may not sum to 100%.
Commute & Job Access
How residents commute to work and how long their daily travel takes

Work From Home Rate

11.8% WFH
Work from home 11.8%
Commute to work 88.2%
Working from home (%)
Vernon County 11.8%
Missouri 13%
United States 15.1%
Note: Percentages reflect workers age 16+ by work commute type, including those working from home and those commuting to a workplace.

Travel Time to Work

19.4 minutes
mean one-way travel time for commuters
Mean travel time (minutes)
Vernon County 19.4
Missouri 23.5
United States 26.4
Note: Mean travel time measures the average one-way commute in minutes for employed residents 16+ who commute to work. It excludes those who worked from home.

Commute Patterns

Means of transportation and travel time to work in Vernon County
Employed residents 16+.
Vernon County Missouri United States
Total employed population 8,482 2,995,281 161,297,155
Worked from home 11.8% 13% 15.1%
Drove Alone 73.1% 74.8% 68.8%
Carpooled 9.5% 8.1% 8.5%
Public transportation 0.2% 0.8% 3.2%
Walked 2.3% 1.8% 2.4%
Bicycle, taxi & other means 3.1% 1.4% 2%
Commuting population 7,303 2,574,505 135,071,605
Mean travel time (minutes) 19.4 23.5 26.4
Less than 5 minutes 6.7% 3.7% 3%
5 to 14 minutes 42.4% 26.1% 23%
15 to 29 minutes 29.4% 39.1% 36.6%
30 to 44 minutes 12.2% 19.5% 20.8%
45 to 59 minutes 3.4% 6.2% 8%
60 to 89 minutes 3.8% 3.5% 5.8%
90 minutes or more 2.1% 1.9% 2.7%
Note: Means of transportation distribution shows the share of employed residents 16+ by how they primarily get to work. Travel time distribution and mean travel time are calculated only for commuting residents — those who did not work from home. Percentages are rounded for readability and may not sum to 100%.

Wages & Earnings

What employed residents earn — by industry, occupation, and type of employer

Median Earnings

$41,994
median annual earnings · full-time year-round workers
Median annual earnings
Vernon County $41,994
Missouri $56,112
United States $61,859
Note: Median earnings reflect annual earnings for full-time, year-round workers age 16 and older. Part-time and part-year workers are excluded.

Gender earnings gap

85 ¢
per $1 earned by men
women earning per $1 earned by male
Vernon County 85¢
Missouri 80¢
United States 82¢
Note: Gender earnings gap measures how much women earn for every $1 earned by men, among full-time, year-round workers age 16 and older.
Top Earnings By industry
How median earnings vary across the industries where Vernon County, Missouri workers are employed

Highest-paying industry

$55,568
Workers in Professional and technical services report the highest median earnings
Top Industries Median annual earnings
Professional and technical services $55,568
Transportation and warehousing $51,890
Manufacturing $51,852
Note:
1. Median earnings reflect annual earnings for full-time, year-round workers age 16 and older, based on the worker's industry of employment.
2. Industry categories are based on the NAICS classification system.

Highest-paying industry by gender

Male
Men working in Transportation and warehousing earn the highest median earnings — $60,625, compared to $47,059 for all employed men
Female
Women working in Professional and technical services earn the highest median earnings — $72,500, compared to $40,048 for all employed women
Note:
1. Median earnings reflect annual earnings for full-time, year-round workers age 16 and older, by industry and gender.
2. Industry categories are based on the NAICS classification system.

Earnings Distribution Table

Earnings by industry in Vernon County
Median annual earnings · full-time, year-round workers 16 and older · by industry
Vernon County Missouri United States
Median Earnings $41,994 $56,112 $61,859
Agriculture and mining
Agriculture $43,000 $49,131 $45,892
Mining and logging $— $73,499 $86,268
Construction $41,250 $60,924 $59,718
Manufacturing $51,852 $59,823 $65,243
Wholesale trade $30,556 $62,116 $64,875
Retail trade $29,793 $41,922 $44,926
Transportation and utilities
Transportation and warehousing $51,890 $59,213 $58,006
Utilities $14,280 $86,270 $91,656
Information $— $68,317 $87,180
Financial activities
Finance and Insurance $41,048 $72,753 $83,271
Real estate and leasing $7,371 $60,216 $65,651
Professional and business services
Professional and technical services $55,568 $82,861 $99,546
Corporate management $— $95,189 $99,442
Administrative and waste services $34,607 $45,976 $47,120
Education and health services
Educational services $43,500 $54,084 $62,720
Health care and social assistance $40,417 $52,249 $58,751
Leisure and hospitality
Arts and recreation $50,417 $45,108 $51,274
Accommodation and food services $16,636 $34,556 $36,287
Other services $45,625 $47,522 $49,232
Government $48,833 $59,421 $75,907
Note:
1. Earnings reflect median annual earnings for full-time, year-round workers age 16 and older, by industry of employment.
2. Industry categories are based on the NAICS classification system.
Top Earnings By Employer Type
How median earnings vary depending on whether residents work for private businesses, government agencies, or are self-employed

Highest-paying employer type

$83,478
Workers in Federal government roles report the highest median earnings
Top employer types Median annual earnings
Federal government $83,478
Own incorporated business $57,667
State government $47,917
Note: Median earnings reflect annual earnings for full-time, year-round workers age 16 and older, by class of worker.

Highest-paying employer type by gender

Male
Men in Own incorporated business roles earn the highest median earnings — $63,750, compared to $47,059 for all employed men
Female
Women in Federal government roles earn the highest median earnings — $84,891, compared to $40,048 for all employed women
Note: Median earnings reflect annual earnings for full-time, year-round workers age 16 and older, by employer type and gender.

Earnings by employer type

Earnings by employer type in Vernon County
Median annual earnings · full-time, year-round workers 16 and older · by employer type
Vernon County Missouri United States
Private wage & salary
For-profit company employees $41,756 $56,083 $60,496
Not-for-profit employees $41,521 $59,344 $65,589
Self-employed
Incorporated business $57,667 $64,632 $73,960
Unincorporated business $36,599 $46,934 $47,798
Government
Local government $37,244 $53,142 $63,995
State government $47,917 $51,426 $65,197
Federal government $83,478 $71,753 $83,481
Note: Earnings reflect median annual earnings for full-time, year-round workers age 16 and older, by class of worker.
Top Earnings By Occupations
How median earnings vary across the occupations Vernon County, Missouri workers hold

Highest-paying occupation

$68,393
Workers in Business and finance occupation report the highest median earnings
Top occupation groups Median annual earnings
Business and finance $68,393
Architecture and engineering $59,531
Doctors, nurses and medical professionals $58,542
Note:
1. Median earnings reflect annual earnings for full-time, year-round workers age 16 and older, by occupation group.
2. Occupation groups follow the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system.

Highest-paying occupation by gender

Male
Among employed men, workers in Business and finance occupations earn the highest median earnings — $79,500 versus $47,059 overall
Female
Among employed women, workers in Business and finance occupations earn the highest median earnings — $67,679 versus $40,048 overall
Note:
1. Median earnings reflect annual earnings for full-time, year-round workers age 16 and older, by occupation group and gender.
2. Occupation groups follow the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system.

Earnings by occupation

Earnings by occupation in Vernon County
Median annual earnings · full-time, year-round workers 16 and older · by occupation
Vernon County Missouri United States
Median earnings(Total) $41,994 $56,112 $61,859
Management and business
Management $51,737 $81,674 $95,511
Business and finance $68,393 $74,836 $85,333
Technology and science
Computer and math $49,413 $90,446 $106,999
Architecture and engineering $59,531 $90,820 $102,526
Sciences $— $68,675 $84,877
Education, legal, and arts
Community and Social Service $43,864 $50,599 $58,943
Legal $— $92,427 $113,997
Education, Training and Library $40,750 $51,872 $61,591
Arts, design and media $50,976 $59,032 $69,945
Healthcare
Doctors, Nurses & Medical Professionals $58,542 $84,685 $95,504
Health technicians $40,250 $48,865 $54,377
Healthcare support $33,561 $34,528 $37,780
Protective Service
Firefighting and emergency services $— $53,501 $54,969
Law enforcement $— $58,819 $78,427
Other services
Food preparation and serving $22,031 $30,135 $31,969
Building and grounds cleaning $28,235 $35,160 $36,545
Personal care and service $19,375 $34,241 $36,137
Sales and office
Sales $34,213 $55,512 $58,713
Office and Administrative Support $40,789 $44,353 $47,965
Trades and natural resources
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry $36,667 $40,462 $37,492
Construction and extraction $47,083 $57,206 $53,180
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair $46,875 $59,351 $60,226
Production and transportation
Production $45,705 $48,370 $48,805
Transportation $56,250 $54,863 $55,051
Material moving $22,332 $37,827 $38,558
Note:
1. Earnings reflect median annual earnings for full-time, year-round workers age 16 and older, by occupation.
2. Occupation groups follow the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system.

Income & Financial Security

Earnings, income distribution, and economic pressure points

Household Income

What households earn, where income comes from, and how household structure shapes earnings

Median Household Income

$52,230
Median household income in Vernon County
Median household income (USD)
Vernon County
$52,230
Missouri
$70,702
United States
$80,734
Note:
1. Based on income across all household types in Vernon County, including family and non-family households.
2. Median household income represents the midpoint of household incomes, with half of households earning more and half earning less.
3. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.

Per capita income

$25,885
Per capita income in Vernon County
Per capita income (USD)
Vernon County
$25,885
Missouri
$39,695
United States
$44,673
Note:
1. Based on income across all residents in Vernon County, per capita income represents the average income per person, calculated by dividing total income by the total population, including adults and children.
2. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.
Income level
How household income, per-capita income, and local earnings compare to broader benchmarks

Mean Household Income

$65,264
Average household income in Vernon County
Avg household income (USD)
Vernon County
$65,264
Missouri
$96,247
United States
$113,530
Note:
1. Based on income across all household types in Vernon County, including family and non-family households, mean household income is the average of all household incomes and is often higher than the median due to the influence of higher-income households.
2. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.

Mean vs median household income

$65,264
Mean household income
$52,230
Median household income
Mean-median gap (USD)
Vernon County $13,034
Missouri $25,545
United States $32,796
Note:
1. A larger mean-median gap indicates greater income inequality, as it generally signals a wider concentration of income at the upper end of the distribution.
2. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.

Income Level

Household and per capita income in Vernon County
Household, family, non-family, and per-capita income measures compared across Vernon County and peer geographies.
Vernon County Missouri United States
Total households 7,754 2,508,227 129,227,496
Median household income $52,230 $70,702 $80,734
Mean household income $65,264 $96,247 $113,530
Mean-median gap $13,034 $25,545 $32,796
Family households 4,586 1,558,009 82,990,528
Median family income $68,721 $91,360 $99,999
Mean family income $81,785 $117,375 $134,109
Mean-median gap $13,064 $26,015 $34,110
Non-family households 3,168 950,218 46,236,968
Median non-family income $32,288 $41,464 $48,618
Mean non-family income $39,414 $57,541 $71,134
Mean-median gap $7,126 $16,077 $22,516
Other Benchmarks
Per capita income $25,885 $39,695 $44,673
Note:
1. Household, family, and non-family income measures are based on their respective household types.
2. Per capita income is based on all residents and represents total income divided by the total population, including adults and children.
3. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.
Income sources
Where household income comes from, including wages, retirement income, and public assistance

Households with earnings

70.8%
of households have wages, salaries, or self-employment income
% households with earnings
Vernon County
70.8%
Missouri
76%
United States
77.5%
Note: Includes households where at least one member received wages, salaries, or net self-employment income during the year.

Transfer income dependency

Social Security
41.3% of households (3,205) receive Social Security income, with an average annual benefit of $21,353
SSI (disability)
7.2% of households (562) receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), with an average annual benefit of $12,002
Cash Assistance
1.6% of households (126) receive cash public assistance income, with an average annual amount of $12,002
SNAP / Food Stamps
14.9% of households (1,159) receive SNAP (food stamp) benefits.
Note: Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.

Income Sources

Income sources for households in Vernon County
Share of households receiving each income type
Vernon County Missouri United States
Total households 7,754 2,508,227 129,227,496
Wage-based income
With earnings 71% 76% 78%
Retirement and disability income
Social security 41% 33% 31%
Average social security income $21,353 $23,786 $24,367
Retirement income 27% 26% 24%
Average retirement income $24,816 $28,692 $33,349
SSI (Supplemental security) 7% 5% 5%
Average SSI income $12,002 $11,181 $11,477
Public assistance
SNAP / food stamps 15% 10% 12%
Cash assistance 2% 2% 3%
Note:
1. Percentages reflect the share of households receiving each income type during the year.
2. Categories are not mutually exclusive; households may receive more than one income type.
3. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.
Income by household type
How income levels vary across different household and family structures

Median income by household type

$68,721
Family households earn $68,721, compared to $32,288 for those living alone or with non-relatives.
Median household income (USD)
All households
$52,230
Family households
$68,721
Nonfamily households
$32,288
Note:
1. Family households include two or more people related by birth, marriage, or adoption. Nonfamily households include people living alone or with unrelated individuals.
2. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.

Median income by family type

$75,625
Married-couple families earn $75,625, compared to $51,750 for single-parent and other family types.
Median household income (USD)
All family households
$68,721
Married-couple families
$75,625
Other family types
$51,750
Note:
1. Family households include two or more people related by birth, marriage, or adoption.
2. Other family types include single-parent households and families headed by a householder with no spouse present.
3. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.

Income By Household Type

Median income by household and family size in Vernon County
Median household and family income by household size in Vernon County, compared with peer geographies.
Vernon County Missouri United States
Total households 7,754 2,508,227 129,227,496
Household income by size
1-person $28,890 $36,748 $41,531
2-person $65,946 $80,893 $89,421
3-person $67,721 $97,086 $105,720
4-person $66,679 $111,019 $122,780
5-person $65,446 $107,879 $115,998
6-person $71,326 $105,164 $114,729
7-person or more $86,875 $108,650 $124,557
Total families 4,586 1,558,009 82,990,528
Family income by size
2-person $70,703 $80,027 $86,867
3-person $60,648 $95,828 $103,132
4-person $62,357 $113,137 $123,422
5-person $71,341 $108,997 $116,064
6-person $77,692 $104,707 $113,447
7-person or more $86,875 $107,366 $119,745
Note:
1. Household and family size includes all people living in the unit.
2. Family households include two or more people related by birth, marriage, or adoption.
3. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.

Income Distribution

How income is distributed across households and how evenly earnings are shared

Income Concentration

44.68%
of all household income is held by the top 20% of households
Bottom 20%
4.27%
of all household income
Top 20%
44.68%
of all household income
Key insights
  • The top fifth of households earn more than two-fifths of all income in the area. The bottom fifth hold just 4.27% — meaning the top 20% hold 10 times the income share of the bottom 20%.
  • Need additional insights? Ask NEIL. ➔
Note:
1. Income shares are calculated by dividing each group's aggregate income by total household income. All households are ranked from lowest to highest and divided into five equal groups of 20%.
2. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.

The Top 5%

$215,163
is the average income among the top 5% of households
Bottom 40% combined
14.74%
of all household income
Top 5% alone
16.48%
of all household income
Key insights
  • The top 5% of households earn an average of $215,163 and hold 16.48% of all household income — about the same as the entire bottom 40% of households combined, who hold just 14.74%
  • Need additional insights? Ask NEIL. ➔
Note:
1. The top 5% threshold represents the minimum income needed to rank among the highest-earning 5% of households. Average income figures reflect the mean within each group.
2. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.
Income ranges
The distribution of households across income ranges and how the local profile compares

Income Distribution

Under $50K
47.2%
$50K - $100K
33.6%
$100K - $150K
12.2%
$150K - $200K
5.3%
Over $200K
1.7%
Note:
1. Income ranges reflect gross household income before taxes. Percentages reflect the share of all households falling within each range.
2. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.

Households earning $100K or more

19.2%
of all households, 1,484 in total, earn $100,000 or more
% $100k+
Vernon County 19.2%
Missouri 34%
United States 40.5%
Note: Share reflects the percentage of all households with total annual income of $100,000 or more, based on gross household income before taxes.

Household income brackets

Household income brackets in Vernon County
Distribution of households across income ranges, with cumulative shares in Vernon County, compared with peer geographies.
Vernon County Missouri United States
Median household income $52,230 $70,702 $80,734
Income bracket
Less than $10,000 5.9% 4.9% 5%
$10,000 to $14,999 4.3% 3.8% 3.4%
$15,000 to $24,999 9.9% 7.1% 6.3%
$25,000 to $34,999 9.7% 7.8% 6.6%
$35,000 to $49,999 17.4% 11.9% 10.1%
$50,000 to $74,999 20.8% 17.4% 15.5%
$75,000 to $99,999 12.8% 13.2% 12.6%
$100,000 to $149,999 12.2% 17.1% 17.5%
$150,000 to $199,999 5.3% 8.2% 9.6%
$200,000 or more 1.7% 8.7% 13.4%
Cumulative Shares
Share below $35,000 29.8% 23.6% 21.3%
Share below $75,000 68% 52.9% 46.9%
Share above $100,000 19.2% 34% 40.5%
Note:
1. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.
Income inequality
How evenly income is distributed within the community and how inequality compares with broader geographies

Gini Index of Income Inequality

Low High
0.41
Scale: 0 (Perfect Equality) – 1 (Perfect Inequality)
Gini index
Vernon County 0.41
Missouri 0.47
United States 0.48
Note: The Gini Index measures the distribution of income across households. Values range from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality), with higher values indicating greater income inequality.

Earnings Gap

$145,808
is the average income of the top 20% of households
Avg income for top 20% ($)
Vernon County
$145,808
Missouri
$241,020
United States
$293,336
Key insights
Note:
1. Income shares are calculated by dividing each group's aggregate income by total household income. All households are ranked from lowest to highest and divided into five equal groups of 20%.
2. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.

Household income distribution

Household income distribution by income groups — upper limits, mean incomes, and income shares in Vernon County
Distribution of household income across five equal groups
Vernon County Missouri United States
Highest household income in each group ($)
Bottom 20% $24,836 $30,464 $33,040
Lower 20% $43,780 $55,996 $63,330
Middle 20% $63,144 $87,668 $101,088
Upper 20% $97,391 $137,691 $162,235
Top 5% threshold $162,457 $249,759 $250,001
Average household income within each group ($)
Bottom 20% $13,913 $16,216 $17,079
Lower 20% $34,159 $42,961 $48,012
Middle 20% $52,792 $71,048 $81,211
Upper 20% $79,645 $109,991 $128,012
Top 20% $145,808 $241,020 $293,336
Top 5% $215,163 $429,588 $528,428
Share of total income (%)
Bottom 20% 4.27% 3.37% 3.01%
Lower 20% 10.47% 8.93% 8.46%
Middle 20% 16.18% 14.76% 14.31%
Upper 20% 24.41% 22.86% 22.55%
Top 20% 44.68% 50.08% 51.67%
Top 5% 16.48% 22.32% 23.27%
Note:
1. All households are ranked by income from lowest to highest and divided into five equal groups, each representing 20% of households.
2. Bottom 20% = the lowest-earning 20% of households; Top 20% = the highest-earning 20%.
3. The top 5% threshold is the minimum income needed to be among the highest-earning 5% of households.
4. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.
Income by race & ethnicity
How household income levels vary across racial and ethnic groups within the area

Median Household Income · White vs. Black Households

*The Census Bureau did not publish median household income by race data for Vernon County due to an insufficient number of sample cases to produce reliable estimates.
White
Among the 7,451 White households (96.1% of all households), the median household income is $52,393.
Black
Among the 13 Black or African American households (0.2% of all households), the median household income is $—.
Note:
1. White and Black race groups refer to individuals reporting a single race alone and may include people of Hispanic or Latino origin.
2. Median household income figures reflect all households regardless of employment status of the householder.
3. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.

Income by race and ethnicity

Median Household Income by race and Hispanic origin in Vernon County
Median household income by race and Hispanic origin, compared to the Missouri and United States.
Vernon County Missouri United States
All Residents $52,230 $70,702 $80,734
White $52,393 $74,538 $86,271
Black or African American $— $47,941 $55,157
American Indian and Alaska Native $64,167 $60,741 $62,420
Asian $51,500 $95,651 $116,503
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander $— $63,490 $81,811
Some Other Race $— $64,423 $67,563
Two or more races (Multiracial) $45,859 $64,327 $75,660
Hispanic or Latino $60,516 $63,809 $71,415
Note:
1. Race groups refer to individuals reporting a single race alone and may include people of Hispanic or Latino origin.
2. Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity and may include individuals of any race, so categories may overlap.
3. Median household income figures reflect all households regardless of employment status of the householder.
4. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.

Poverty

Poverty levels across the community and the groups most affected

Poverty Rate

18.8%
18.8% of residents, or 3,574 people, live below the poverty line.
% poverty rate
Vernon County
18.8%
Missouri
12.6%
United States
12.5%
Note: The poverty rate reflects the share of the total population with income below the federal poverty threshold, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Working Poor

4.7%
4.7% of full-time, year-round workers, or 284 people, earn below the poverty line despite working full time.
% full-time workers in poverty
Vernon County
4.7%
Missouri
2.5%
United States
2.3%
Note: The working poor rate measures the share of full-time, year-round civilian workers age 16+ whose income falls below the federal poverty threshold, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Poverty levels
How widespread poverty is within the area and how local levels compare with broader geographies

CHILD POVERTY RATE

22.6%
22.6% of children under 18, or 1,038 children, live below the poverty line.
Child poverty rate (%)
Vernon County
22.6%
Missouri
15.8%
United States
16.1%
Note: Child poverty rate reflects the share of residents under age 18 with household income below the federal poverty threshold, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.

SENIOR POVERTY RATE

11.8%
11.8% of adults aged 65 and older, or 449 seniors, live below the poverty line.
Senior poverty rate (%)
Vernon County
11.8%
Missouri
10.4%
United States
10.8%
Note: Senior poverty rate reflects the share of residents aged 65 and over with income below the federal poverty threshold, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Poverty Rates

Poverty distribution by age, sex, and work engagement
Share of population below the federal poverty level
Vernon County Missouri United States
Overall poverty rate 18.8% 12.6% 12.5%
Poverty by age
Under 18 years 22.6% 15.8% 16.1%
Under 5 years 24.6% 17.6% 17.3%
5 to 17 years 21.9% 15.2% 15.7%
18 to 64 years 19.6% 12% 11.6%
18 to 34 years 19.4% 15.1% 14.2%
35 to 64 years 19.7% 10.3% 10.1%
65 years and over 11.8% 10.4% 10.8%
Poverty by sex
Male 19.7% 11.4% 11.3%
Female 17.9% 13.7% 13.6%
Poverty by work engagement
Worked full time, year-round 4.7% 2.5% 2.3%
Worked part time or part year 25.9% 16.2% 15%
Did not work 27.6% 21.5% 21.4%
Note:
1. Poverty thresholds are set annually by the U.S. Census Bureau and vary by household size and composition.
2. Work engagement categories are based on weeks and hours worked in the prior 12 months.
Poverty by household type
How poverty rates vary across family structures and household types

Poverty by household type

17.1%
of all households are below the poverty level
poverty rate (%)
All households
17.1%
Family
8.9%
Nonfamily
28.9%
Key insights
Note:
1. Family households include two or more people related by birth, marriage, or adoption.
2. Nonfamily households include people living alone or with unrelated individuals.
3. Poverty thresholds are set annually by the U.S. Census Bureau and vary by household size and composition.

Poverty among family households

8.9%
of families are below the poverty level
poverty rate (%)
All families
8.9%
Married-couple
7.1%
Other families
16.6%
Key insights
Note:
1. Married-couple families and other families are subsets of family households, which include two or more people related by birth, marriage, or adoption.
2. Other family types are predominantly single-parent households.
3. Poverty thresholds are set annually by the U.S. Census Bureau and vary by household size and composition.

Poverty by household type

Poverty rates by household type and age of householder in Vernon County
Share of households below the federal poverty level by type and householder age
Vernon County Missouri United States
FAMILY HOUSEHOLDS
All ages 8.9% 8.4% 8.8%
Householder under 25 years 8.5% 23.4% 24.6%
Householder 25 to 44 years 16.3% 11.6% 12.2%
Householder 45 to 64 years 4.3% 6% 6.5%
Householder 65 years and over 5.3% 5.5% 6%
NON FAMILY HOUSEHOLDS
All ages 28.9% 20.4% 19.4%
Householder under 25 years 54.3% 34% 35.7%
Householder 25 to 44 years 11.4% 13.5% 12.2%
Householder 45 to 64 years 52.8% 23.8% 21.7%
Householder 65 years and over 16.4% 19.3% 20%
Note:
1. Family households include two or more people related by birth, marriage, or adoption.
2. Nonfamily households include people living alone or with unrelated individuals.
3. Householder age reflects the age of the person in whose name the housing unit is owned or rented.
4. Poverty thresholds are set annually by the U.S. Census Bureau and vary by household size and composition.
Poverty by race & ethnicity
How poverty rates vary across racial and ethnic groups and how those differences compare locally

Poverty by race — Black vs. White

White
19% of White residents, or 3,379 people, live below the poverty line.
Black
33.6% of Black or African American residents, or 45 people, live below the poverty line.
Note:
1. White and Black race groups refer to individuals reporting a single race alone and may include people of Hispanic or Latino origin.
2. Poverty thresholds are set annually by the U.S. Census Bureau and vary by household size and composition.

Poverty by race and ethnicity

Poverty rates by race and Hispanic origin in Vernon County
Share of population below the federal poverty level in Vernon County and peer geographies.
Vernon County Missouri United States
All Residents 18.8% 12.6% 12.5%
White 19% 10.6% 9.7%
Black or African American 33.6% 23.6% 21.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 25% 16.6% 21.1%
Asian 19.3% 11.8% 9.9%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0% 12.6% 16.8%
Some Other Race 0% 18.8% 18.2%
Two or more races (Multiracial) 18.2% 16.2% 14.6%
Hispanic or Latino 5.9% 17.8% 16.7%
Note:
1. Race groups refer to individuals reporting a single race alone and may include people of Hispanic or Latino origin.
2. Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity and may include individuals of any race, so categories may overlap.
3. Poverty thresholds are set annually by the U.S. Census Bureau and vary by household size and composition.

About Neilsberg Research

Neilsberg Research Avatar
Neilsberg Research team are data scientists with expertise in processing, analysis and visualization of big data helping small businesses make right decisions.

Cite this page


			
			 	 
			 
	      
Url to be used as reference

			
				
				
		
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal or tax advice. We recommend that you consult with a qualified professional such as a lawyer or accountant before making a decision. Many of the products and services featured here are from our affiliate partners. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Read advertiser disclosure.