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West Plains, MO
Facts, statistics and data on population, demographics, income, economy, housing and education
Key Indicators
A quick look at key numbers
Population
12,441
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates
Median Age
36.3
years ∙ half population younger than 36.3, half older
Diversity Index
11.3%
chance two random people differ in race and ethnicity
Nativity
0.3%
foreign-born population
Geographic Context
Location, size, and surroundings
About
West Plains is a city within Howell County, Missouri, United States.
Co-ordinates
DEC36.737430° N, 91.867957° W
DMS36° 44′ 14.75″ N, 91° 52′ 04.65″ W
Population Density & area
935.4/sq mi
(360.6/km²)
Demographics & Living
Who lives here, how households are formed, and community composition
Population Composition
Key characteristics of the population
Sex Distribution
45.7%
male
Male
45.7%
Female
54.3%
males per 100 females
West Plains
84
Howell County
94.9
Missouri
97.2
Nativity
0.3%
foreign-born population
% Foreign-born
West Plains
0.3%
Howell County
1.2%
Missouri
4.5%
Age Distribution
How the population is spread across age groups
Median Age
36.3
years ∙ half population younger than 36.3, half older
Dependency ratio
77.2
dependents per 100 working-age adults
West Plains
77.2
Howell County
78.7
Missouri
67.3
AGE DISTRIBUTION
Distribution of age group
Median age
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Group | |||
| Children (Under 18) | 24.4% | 24.1% | 22.3% |
| Working age (18-64) | 56.4% | 56% | 59.8% |
| Senior (65+) | 19.2% | 19.9% | 17.9% |
| Dependency ratio | |||
| Total dependency ratio | 77.2 | 78.7 | 67.3 |
| Child dependency ratio | 43.2 | 43.1 | 37.4 |
| Old-age dependency ratio | 33.9 | 35.6 | 29.9 |
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Racial and ethnic makeup and how it compares
Race & Ethnicity
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
11.3%
chance two random people differ in race and ethnicity
West Plains
11.3%
Howell County
16.1%
Missouri
40%
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 West Plains population
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hispanic or Latino | 0.2% | 2.6% | 5.2% |
| Mexican | 0.1% | 1.4% | 3.2% |
| Puerto Rican | 0% | 0% | 0.4% |
| Cuban | 0% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| Other Hispanic / Latino | 0.1% | 1% | 1.4% |
| Not Hispanic or Latino | 99.8% | 97.4% | 94.8% |
| One race | 95.9% | 93.9% | 90% |
| White | 94.1% | 91.5% | 76.3% |
| Black or African American | 1% | 0.5% | 10.9% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.5% | 0.4% | 2.1% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander | 0% | 0% | 0.1% |
| Some Other Race | 0% | 1.3% | 0.4% |
| Two or more races (Multiracial) | 3.9% | 3.5% | 4.8% |
Household & Families Composition
Household size, type, and family structure
Household structure
53.3%
family
Family
53.3%
Non family
46.7%
% family households
West Plains
53.3%
Howell County
65.5%
Missouri
62.1%
Average household size
2.36
persons per household
Household & Family COMPOSITION
Households
Percentage of West Plains population
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total households | 5,051 | 15,965 | 2,508,227 |
| Average houshold size | 2.36 | 2.48 | 2.4 |
| Family households | 2,693 | 10,455 | 1,558,009 |
| Average family size | 3.22 | 3.05 | 3.03 |
| Married couple family | 1,717 | 7,720 | 1,166,368 |
| Other families | 976 | 2,735 | 391,641 |
| Male householder | 188 | 687 | 115,975 |
| Female householder | 788 | 2,048 | 275,666 |
| Non-family households | 2,358 | 5,510 | 950,218 |
| One-person households | 2,018 | 4,738 | 781,034 |
| Male householder | 944 | 2,098 | 351,809 |
| Senior (65+) living alone | 328 | 747 | 107,203 |
| Female householder | 1,074 | 2,640 | 429,225 |
| Senior (65+) living alone | 598 | 1,625 | 215,073 |
| Other living arrangements | 340 | 772 | 169,184 |
Housing Profile
Housing stock, ownership, rentals, and cost burdens
Total housing units
5,726
housing units
West Plains
5,726
Howell County
18,149
Missouri
2,825,287
Occupancy status
88.2%
occupied
Occupied
88.2%
Vacant
11.8%
vacancy rate
West Plains
11.8%
Howell County
12%
Missouri
11.2%
Housing Characteristics
How the housing supply is structured and used
Types of Housing unit
74.1%
Single family houses
Median Year Built
1977
Half of houses were built before 1977, and half after.
Note: Median year built reflects occupied units only; distribution includes all units.
Housing Characteristics
Units, rooms & bedrooms
Physical characteristics of housing units
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rooms per unit | |||
| Median rooms | 5.4 | 5.8 | 5.7 |
| 1–3 rooms | 13.3% | 10.6% | 11.5% |
| 4–6 rooms | 50.5% | 50.7% | 53.4% |
| 7+ rooms | 36.3% | 38.8% | 35% |
| Bedrooms | |||
| No bedroom / studio | 2.1% | 1.8% | 2% |
| 1 bedroom | 11.3% | 7% | 9.7% |
| 2 bedrooms | 35.1% | 24.9% | 26.1% |
| 3 bedrooms | 40.8% | 51% | 41.3% |
| 4+ bedrooms | 10.6% | 15.3% | 20.9% |
| At a glance | |||
| Median year built | 1977 | 1983 | 1979 |
| Total housing units | 5,726 | 18,149 | 2,825,287 |
Occupancy Profile
Who is inside and how they use it
Homeownership
52.1%
owners
Renter-occupied
47.9%
Owner-occupied
52.1%
homeownership rate
West Plains
52.1%
Howell County
70.3%
Missouri
68.1%
Average household size
2.62
Owner-occupied
2.07
Renter-occupied
owner-occupied average size
West Plains
2.62
Howell County
2.58
Missouri
2.54
Housing Characteristics
Occupied unit characteristics
Tenure, crowding, and utilities
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total occupied units | 5,051 | 15,965 | 2,508,227 |
| Year moved in | |||
| 2020 or later | 25.3% | 22% | 24.7% |
| 2010 to 2019 | 50.1% | 42.3% | 40% |
| 2000 to 2009 | 14.3% | 17.8% | 16.5% |
| 1999 or earlier | 10.4% | 17.9% | 18.8% |
| Occupants per room | |||
| 1.00 or fewer | 99.8% | 98.2% | 98.3% |
| 1.01 to 1.50 | 0.1% | 1.4% | 1.2% |
| 1.51 or more | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.5% |
| Vehicles availability | |||
| No vehicles | 9.2% | 6.1% | 6.6% |
| 1 vehicle | 40.3% | 30.1% | 33% |
| 2 vehicles | 29.5% | 34% | 37.5% |
| 3 or more vehicles | 21% | 29.8% | 22.8% |
| House heating fuel used | |||
| Gas | 41.5% | 41.5% | 57.7% |
| Electricity | 57.1% | 47% | 38.8% |
| Solar | 0% | 0% | 0.1% |
| Fuel oil, kerosene etc | 0% | 0.5% | 0.2% |
| All other fuels | 1.1% | 10.8% | 2.8% |
| No fuel used | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.4% |
| Selected characteristics | |||
| Lacking complete plumbing | 0% | 1.3% | 0.4% |
| Lacking complete kitchen | 0.5% | 1.4% | 0.8% |
| No telephone service available | 0% | 0.7% | 0.9% |
Housing Value
What owner-occupied units are worth
Median home value
$169,900
owner-occupied units
Housing Cost Burden
15.5%
of homeowners with a mortgage are cost-burdened
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
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property value | |||
| Median Value | $169,900 | $173,000 | $230,300 |
| Under $100,000 | 24.8% | 28% | 15.9% |
| $100,000 - $200,000 | 35.3% | 29.8% | 25.7% |
| $200,000 - $300,000 | 26% | 18.2% | 24.1% |
| $300,000 - $500,000 | 10.5% | 16% | 23.6% |
| $500,000 - $1,000,000 | 3.4% | 6.7% | 9.1% |
| $1,000,000 and more | 0% | 1.3% | 1.6% |
| Owner-occupied households | |||
| With a mortgage | 56.6% | 46.2% | 60.2% |
| Without a mortgage | 43.4% | 53.8% | 39.8% |
| Median monthly owner costs | |||
| With a mortgage | $1,024 | $1,109 | $1,524 |
| Without a mortgage | $407 | $394 | $546 |
| Gross rent | |||
| Median rent | $810 | $733 | $1,033 |
Education Profile
How educated is the community and how education pays off
Adults with a college degree
17.1%
of adults 25+ with a bachelor's degree or higher
West Plains
17.1%
Howell County
17.8%
Missouri
32.4%
Adults without a high school diploma
13.8%
of adults (25+) without a high school diploma
West Plains
13.8%
Howell County
13%
Missouri
8.2%
School Enrollment
Who is enrolled in school and at what level
School enrollment
3,421
population (age 3+) enrolled in school
College-going rate (18-24 yr olds)
24.9%
of 18-24-year-olds in college or graduate school
Enrollment & school type
Enrollment levels, college-going rate, and public vs private school split
Population 3+ currently enrolled in a school
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total enrolled (age 3+) | 3,421 | 9,780 | 1,440,482 |
| Nursery / preschool | 3.4% | 7% | 6.3% |
| K–12 | 70.3% | 75.9% | 69.4% |
| Kindergarten | 3.3% | 4.1% | 5.1% |
| Elementary: Grades 1–4 | 27.6% | 25.2% | 20.5% |
| Elementary: Grades 5–8 | 21.4% | 20.6% | 21.7% |
| High School: Grades 9–12 | 17.9% | 26% | 22% |
| College or graduate school | 26.4% | 17.2% | 24.3% |
| College, undergraduate | 15.9% | 12.1% | 18.7% |
| Graduate, professional school | 10.5% | 5.1% | 5.6% |
| College-going rate · 18-24 yr olds | 24.9% | 20.1% | 38.1% |
| School type | |||
| Public school | 87.6% | 83.1% | 80.3% |
| Private school | 12.4% | 16.9% | 19.7% |
Education Attainment by Level & Gender
What is the highest level of education completed among adults
Education attainment
8,231
population 25 years and over
Attainment by gender
Male vs Female
Adults (25+) · Share within each education level
Educational Attainment Overview
Distribution and key education attainment rates for adults (25+)
Highest credential completed · adults 25+
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (25+) | 8,231 | 27,491 | 4,243,115 |
| Less than 9th grade | 2.6% | 3.5% | 2.7% |
| 9th–12th, no diploma | 11.2% | 9.5% | 5.5% |
| High school diploma or GED | 39.4% | 39.4% | 30.2% |
| Some college, no degree | 17.3% | 21.2% | 20.8% |
| Associate's degree | 12.4% | 8.6% | 8.4% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.1% | 17.8% | 32.4% |
| Bachelor's degree | 9.5% | 10.8% | 19.8% |
| Graduate or professional | 7.6% | 7% | 12.6% |
| High School or higher | 86.2% | 86.9% | 91.9% |
Earnings by education level
percentage as applicable
Median Earnings
$34,692
Median earnings for adults 25+, by level
Poverty Rate
1.2%
for ages 25+, with bachelors degree or higher
Outcomes by Education Level
Earnings and poverty rates across education levels (25+)
Adults 25+
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median earnings | |||
| Population 25+, with earnings | $34,692 | $36,192 | $49,030 |
| Less than high school graduate | $— | $29,509 | $32,024 |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | $26,525 | $32,827 | $38,607 |
| Some college or associate's degree | $39,727 | $36,936 | $44,914 |
| Bachelor's degree | $38,958 | $38,686 | $61,818 |
| Graduate or professional degree | $67,250 | $55,867 | $75,454 |
| Poverty rates | |||
| Less than high school graduate | 48.1% | 37.3% | 26.4% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 27.4% | 20.6% | 14.4% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 23.4% | 16.2% | 9.7% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 1.2% | 4.8% | 4.3% |
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+)
9,708
residents 16 years and over
West Plains
9,708
Howell County
31,843
Missouri
4,975,226
Employment-Population Ratio (EPOP)
55.9%
of residents age 16+ are employed
West Plains
55.9%
Howell County
52.8%
Missouri
60.2%
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)
36.3
years ∙ half are younger than 36.3, half older
Note: Median worker age is based on adults age 16–64 who worked in the past 12 months.
Male-Female Labor Force Split
49.6%
male
Male
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Female Share of Labor Force (%)
West Plains
50.4
Howell County
49.9
Missouri
48.1
Labor force composition
Age and Gender Composition of the Labor Force (16+) in West Plains
How the labor force age 16 and over is distributed across age groups and gender.
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total labor force | 5,664 | 17,713 | 3,140,747 |
| Age distribution | |||
| 16 to 19 years | 1.9% | 4.5% | 4.8% |
| 20 to 24 years | 13.3% | 9.8% | 10% |
| 25 to 29 years | 14.8% | 10.9% | 10.9% |
| 30 to 34 years | 13.2% | 11.2% | 11.2% |
| 35 to 44 years | 20.9% | 21% | 21.3% |
| 45 to 54 years | 16.5% | 19% | 18.9% |
| 55 to 59 years | 9% | 8.6% | 9% |
| 60 to 64 years | 4.9% | 7.9% | 7.6% |
| 65 to 74 years | 4.6% | 6.1% | 5.4% |
| 75 years and over | 0.9% | 1% | 1% |
| Gender composition | |||
| Male | 49.6% | 50.1% | 51.9% |
| Female | 50.4% | 49.9% | 48.1% |
Labor Force Participation
How much of the working-age population is active in the labor force?
Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR)
58.3%
of adults age 16+ are in the labor force
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
66.4%
of males age 16+ are in the labor force
52.1%
of females age 16+ are in the labor force
Female LFPR (%)
West Plains
52.1%
Howell County
53%
Missouri
59.3%
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 West Plains
Share of residents age 16+ working or seeking work, by age group, gender and race
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LFPR by age group | |||
| 16 to 19 years | 22.1% | 38.1% | 46.2% |
| 20 to 24 years | 76.4% | 76.4% | 77.4% |
| 25 to 29 years | 90.3% | 88.1% | 85.6% |
| 30 to 34 years | 80.3% | 81.4% | 84.6% |
| 35 to 44 years | 84% | 79.2% | 84.2% |
| 45 to 54 years | 68.2% | 69.8% | 82.2% |
| 55 to 59 years | 83.4% | 62.1% | 72.7% |
| 60 to 64 years | 46.3% | 49.6% | 57.1% |
| 65 to 74 years | 21.7% | 23.4% | 25.7% |
| 75 years and over | 4.4% | 5% | 7% |
| LFPR by gender | |||
| Male | 66.4% | 58.5% | 67.2% |
| Female | 52.1% | 53% | 59.3% |
| LFPR by race, ethnicity | |||
| White | 58.4% | 55.2% | 62.5% |
| Black or African American | 48.3% | 54.2% | 63.5% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 57.1% | 42.5% | 60.9% |
| Asian | 100% | 88.7% | 69.4% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander | 100% | 100% | 66.6% |
| Some Other Race | —% | 64.5% | 71.1% |
| Two or more races (Multiracial) | 52.1% | 58.7% | 66.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 50% | 73.8% | 71.6% |
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
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
3.8%
of males age 16+ in civilian labor force are unemployed
4.6%
of females age 16+ in civilian labor force are unemployed
male unemployment rate
West Plains
3.8%
Howell County
5.8%
Missouri
4%
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 West Plains
Share of the civilian labor force age 16+ that is unemployed, by age group, gender and race
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| By age group | |||
| 16 to 19 years | 0% | 10.4% | 11.4% |
| 20 to 24 years | 11% | 8.9% | 6.6% |
| 25 to 29 years | 0% | 3.6% | 4.5% |
| 30 to 34 years | 0% | 6.5% | 3.7% |
| 35 to 44 years | 9.3% | 5.4% | 3.3% |
| 45 to 54 years | 3.6% | 3.3% | 3.1% |
| 55 to 59 years | 0% | 4.4% | 2.8% |
| 60 to 64 years | 3.9% | 1.4% | 2.5% |
| 65 to 74 years | 0% | 2.8% | 2.7% |
| 75 years and over | 0% | 9.3% | 2.6% |
| By gender | |||
| Male | 3.8% | 5.8% | 4% |
| Female | 4.6% | 4.1% | 4% |
| By race, ethnicity | |||
| White | 3.4% | 4.5% | 3.5% |
| Black or African American | 10.7% | 13.9% | 7.5% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 0% | 0% | 3.7% |
| Asian | 70.6% | 36.1% | 3.3% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander | 0% | 0% | 4.2% |
| Some Other Race | —% | 13.3% | 5.2% |
| Two or more races (Multiracial) | 0% | 6.1% | 5.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 0% | 10.9% | 4.2% |
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
5,422
employed residents 16 years and over
Employed population
West Plains
5,422
Howell County
16,824
Missouri
2,995,281
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 (%)
West Plains
71%
Howell County
70%
Missouri
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 West Plains, MO workforce and shape the local economy
Top Industry
About 1 in 5 workers
are employed in Health care and social assistance
Top 3 Industries
% of total workers
Health care and social assistance
19%
Educational services
13.9%
Accommodation and food services
10%
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 — 14.3% of 2,705 employed male workers
Female
Health care and social assistance employs the most women — 26.9% of 2,717 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 West Plains
Share of employed residents 16 and older · by industry
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total employed population | 5,422 | 16,824 | 2,995,281 |
| Agriculture and mining | |||
| Agriculture | 2.3% | 2% | 1.5% |
| Mining and logging | 0% | 0.4% | 0.2% |
| Construction | 2.2% | 4.9% | 6.8% |
| Manufacturing | 7.3% | 11% | 11.3% |
| Wholesale trade | 1.6% | 2.5% | 2.3% |
| Retail trade | 8.9% | 11.3% | 11.3% |
| Transportation and utilities | |||
| Transportation and warehousing | 6.1% | 6.7% | 4.9% |
| Utilities | 1.3% | 1.2% | 1% |
| Information | 1.9% | 0.9% | 1.5% |
| Financial activities | |||
| Finance and Insurance | 3.3% | 2.4% | 5.6% |
| Real estate and leasing | 0.5% | 0.8% | 1.6% |
| Professional and business services | |||
| Professional and technical services | 3.7% | 2.5% | 6.6% |
| Corporate management | 0% | 0% | 0.1% |
| Administrative and waste services | 3.8% | 4.2% | 3.7% |
| Education and health services | |||
| Educational services | 13.9% | 13.1% | 9.3% |
| Health care and social assistance | 19% | 18.2% | 15.1% |
| Leisure and hospitality | |||
| Arts and recreation | 1.3% | 0.9% | 1.8% |
| Accommodation and food services | 10% | 7.3% | 6.3% |
| Other services | 7.9% | 6.4% | 4.8% |
| Government | 4.7% | 3.2% | 4.3% |
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
72.5%
Private
Government
19.8%
Private Employment
72.5%
Self Employed
7.7%
Private employment (%)
West Plains
72.5%
Howell County
68.7%
Missouri
77.6%
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
7.7%
of the workers are self-employed
Category
% of total workers
Incorporated business
2.7%
Unincorporated business
4.7%
Unpaid family workers
0.4%
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 West Plains
Share of employed population 16 and older · by class of worker
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private wage & salary | 72.5% | 68.7% | 77.6% |
| For-profit company employees | 61.2% | 58.2% | 67.2% |
| Not-for-profit employees | 11.3% | 10.6% | 10.4% |
| Self-employed | 7.7% | 12.2% | 9.2% |
| Incorporated business | 2.7% | 3.7% | 3.3% |
| Unincorporated business | 4.7% | 7.9% | 5.7% |
| Unpaid family workers | 0.4% | 0.6% | 0.2% |
| Government | 19.8% | 19% | 13.2% |
| Local government | 10.7% | 10.9% | 6.7% |
| State government | 8.5% | 5.8% | 3.9% |
| Federal government | 0.6% | 2.3% | 2.6% |
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
3.6%
WFH
Work from home
3.6%
Commute to work
96.4%
Working from home (%)
West Plains
3.6%
Howell County
6%
Missouri
13%
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
21.3 minutes
mean one-way travel time for commuters
Mean travel time (minutes)
West Plains
21.3
Howell County
23.1
Missouri
23.5
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 West Plains
Employed residents 16+.
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total employed population | 5,422 | 16,824 | 2,995,281 |
| Worked from home | 3.6% | 6% | 13% |
| Drove Alone | 79.1% | 77.6% | 74.8% |
| Carpooled | 14.4% | 14.1% | 8.1% |
| Public transportation | 0% | 0.1% | 0.8% |
| Walked | 1% | 0.9% | 1.8% |
| Bicycle, taxi & other means | 1.9% | 1.2% | 1.4% |
| Commuting population | 4,961 | 15,402 | 2,574,505 |
| Mean travel time (minutes) | 21.3 | 23.1 | 23.5 |
| Less than 5 minutes | 11.7% | 8.1% | 3.7% |
| 5 to 14 minutes | 53.4% | 35.7% | 26.1% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 13.6% | 31.4% | 39.1% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 9.1% | 13.1% | 19.5% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.4% | 2.3% | 6.2% |
| 60 to 89 minutes | 6.4% | 5.1% | 3.5% |
| 90 minutes or more | 5.5% | 4.3% | 1.9% |
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
$39,698
median annual earnings · full-time year-round workers
Median annual earnings
West Plains
$39,698
Howell County
$41,284
Missouri
$56,112
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
74 ¢
per $1 earned by men
women earning per $1 earned by male
West Plains
74¢
Howell County
79¢
Missouri
80¢
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 West Plains, MO workers are employed
Highest-paying industry
$103,025
Workers in Agriculture report the highest median earnings
Top Industries
Median annual earnings
Agriculture
$103,025
Construction
$66,429
Administrative and waste services
$54,485
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 Educational services earn the highest median earnings — $68,377, compared to $46,864 for all employed men
Female
Women working in Administrative and waste services earn the highest median earnings — $58,021, compared to $34,788 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 West Plains
Median annual earnings · full-time, year-round workers 16 and older · by industry
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Earnings | $39,698 | $41,284 | $56,112 |
| Agriculture and mining | |||
| Agriculture | $103,025 | $62,344 | $49,131 |
| Mining and logging | $— | $51,216 | $73,499 |
| Construction | $66,429 | $61,893 | $60,924 |
| Manufacturing | $49,191 | $43,628 | $59,823 |
| Wholesale trade | $41,658 | $46,957 | $62,116 |
| Retail trade | $29,887 | $36,930 | $41,922 |
| Transportation and utilities | |||
| Transportation and warehousing | $47,288 | $51,440 | $59,213 |
| Utilities | $30,250 | $48,478 | $86,270 |
| Information | $32,220 | $35,705 | $68,317 |
| Financial activities | |||
| Finance and Insurance | $41,389 | $40,042 | $72,753 |
| Real estate and leasing | $— | $39,766 | $60,216 |
| Professional and business services | |||
| Professional and technical services | $31,469 | $31,219 | $82,861 |
| Corporate management | $— | $— | $95,189 |
| Administrative and waste services | $54,485 | $51,609 | $45,976 |
| Education and health services | |||
| Educational services | $39,625 | $36,602 | $54,084 |
| Health care and social assistance | $46,088 | $43,177 | $52,249 |
| Leisure and hospitality | |||
| Arts and recreation | $— | $31,094 | $45,108 |
| Accommodation and food services | $21,757 | $21,228 | $34,556 |
| Other services | $12,228 | $30,893 | $47,522 |
| Government | $39,839 | $44,904 | $59,421 |
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
$100,924
Workers in Own incorporated business roles report the highest median earnings
Top employer types
Median annual earnings
Own incorporated business
$100,924
Own unincorporated business
$80,469
Nonprofit organization
$59,778
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 unincorporated business roles earn the highest median earnings — $102,627, compared to $46,864 for all employed men
Female
Women in Nonprofit organization roles earn the highest median earnings — $61,500, compared to $34,788 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 West Plains
Median annual earnings · full-time, year-round workers 16 and older · by employer type
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private wage & salary | |||
| For-profit company employees | $34,594 | $38,989 | $56,083 |
| Not-for-profit employees | $59,778 | $59,167 | $59,344 |
| Self-employed | |||
| Incorporated business | $100,924 | $53,438 | $64,632 |
| Unincorporated business | $80,469 | $34,135 | $46,934 |
| Government | |||
| Local government | $38,688 | $38,374 | $53,142 |
| State government | $49,957 | $48,972 | $51,426 |
| Federal government | $— | $62,042 | $71,753 |
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 West Plains, MO workers hold
Highest-paying occupation
$100,978
Workers in Architecture and engineering occupation report the highest median earnings
Top occupation groups
Median annual earnings
Architecture and engineering
$100,978
Management
$66,250
Computer and math
$61,875
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 Architecture and engineering occupations earn the highest median earnings — $100,978 versus $46,864 overall
Female
Among employed women, workers in Management occupations earn the highest median earnings — $63,000 versus $34,788 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 West Plains
Median annual earnings · full-time, year-round workers 16 and older · by occupation
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median earnings(Total) | $39,698 | $41,284 | $56,112 |
| Management and business | |||
| Management | $66,250 | $66,632 | $81,674 |
| Business and finance | $— | $47,313 | $74,836 |
| Technology and science | |||
| Computer and math | $61,875 | $88,200 | $90,446 |
| Architecture and engineering | $100,978 | $100,109 | $90,820 |
| Sciences | $— | $61,307 | $68,675 |
| Education, legal, and arts | |||
| Community and Social Service | $48,190 | $40,333 | $50,599 |
| Legal | $— | $33,958 | $92,427 |
| Education, Training and Library | $48,839 | $39,663 | $51,872 |
| Arts, design and media | $— | $— | $59,032 |
| Healthcare | |||
| Doctors, Nurses & Medical Professionals | $49,440 | $61,836 | $84,685 |
| Health technicians | $49,359 | $49,103 | $48,865 |
| Healthcare support | $— | $34,241 | $34,528 |
| Protective Service | |||
| Firefighting and emergency services | $— | $— | $53,501 |
| Law enforcement | $— | $42,222 | $58,819 |
| Other services | |||
| Food preparation and serving | $— | $18,553 | $30,135 |
| Building and grounds cleaning | $24,206 | $24,723 | $35,160 |
| Personal care and service | $— | $32,583 | $34,241 |
| Sales and office | |||
| Sales | $29,149 | $37,824 | $55,512 |
| Office and Administrative Support | $37,969 | $37,787 | $44,353 |
| Trades and natural resources | |||
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $— | $43,203 | $40,462 |
| Construction and extraction | $32,240 | $50,372 | $57,206 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $24,620 | $42,206 | $59,351 |
| Production and transportation | |||
| Production | $27,464 | $38,695 | $48,370 |
| Transportation | $53,021 | $49,812 | $54,863 |
| Material moving | $37,000 | $40,409 | $37,827 |
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
$44,002
Median household income in West Plains
Note:
1. Based on income across all household types in West Plains,
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
$24,722
Per capita income in West Plains
Note:
1. Based on income across all residents in West Plains, 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
$57,298
Average household income in West Plains
Note:
1. Based on income across all household types in West Plains, 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
$57,298
Mean household income
$44,002
Median household income
Mean-median gap (USD)
West Plains
$13,296
Howell County
$15,546
Missouri
$25,545
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 West Plains
Household, family, non-family, and per-capita income measures compared across West Plains and peer geographies.
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total households | 5,051 | 15,965 | 2,508,227 |
| Median household income | $44,002 | $50,993 | $70,702 |
| Mean household income | $57,298 | $66,539 | $96,247 |
| Mean-median gap | $13,296 | $15,546 | $25,545 |
| Family households | 2,693 | 10,455 | 1,558,009 |
| Median family income | $59,806 | $59,699 | $91,360 |
| Mean family income | $73,377 | $79,383 | $117,375 |
| Mean-median gap | $13,571 | $19,684 | $26,015 |
| Non-family households | 2,358 | 5,510 | 950,218 |
| Median non-family income | $24,197 | $26,970 | $41,464 |
| Mean non-family income | $32,789 | $36,436 | $57,541 |
| Mean-median gap | $8,592 | $9,466 | $16,077 |
| Other Benchmarks | |||
| Per capita income | $24,722 | $27,570 | $39,695 |
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
69%
of households have wages, salaries, or self-employment income
Note: Includes households where at least one member received wages, salaries, or net self-employment income during the year.
Transfer income dependency
Social Security
36.7% of households (1,856) receive Social Security income, with an average annual benefit of $19,278
SSI (disability)
9.6% of households (484) receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), with an average annual benefit of $8,893
Cash Assistance
4% of households (201) receive cash public assistance income, with an average annual amount of $8,893
SNAP / Food Stamps
16.4% of households (826) 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 West Plains
Share of households receiving each income type
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total households | 5,051 | 15,965 | 2,508,227 |
| Wage-based income | |||
| With earnings | 69% | 69% | 76% |
| Retirement and disability income | |||
| Social security | 37% | 41% | 33% |
| Average social security income | $19,278 | $18,962 | $23,786 |
| Retirement income | 21% | 25% | 26% |
| Average retirement income | $24,646 | $23,631 | $28,692 |
| SSI (Supplemental security) | 10% | 8% | 5% |
| Average SSI income | $8,893 | $9,910 | $11,181 |
| Public assistance | |||
| SNAP / food stamps | 16% | 14% | 10% |
| Cash assistance | 4% | 3% | 2% |
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
$59,806
Family households earn $59,806, compared to $24,197 for those living alone or with non-relatives.
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
$81,250
Married-couple families earn $81,250, compared to $33,918 for single-parent and other family types.
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 West Plains
Median household and family income by household size in West Plains, compared with peer geographies.
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total households | 5,051 | 15,965 | 2,508,227 |
| Household income by size | |||
| 1-person | $23,339 | $25,229 | $36,748 |
| 2-person | $55,742 | $57,722 | $80,893 |
| 3-person | $59,167 | $59,902 | $97,086 |
| 4-person | $73,793 | $72,394 | $111,019 |
| 5-person | $103,481 | $85,361 | $107,879 |
| 6-person | $— | $85,586 | $105,164 |
| 7-person or more | $— | $— | $108,650 |
| Total families | 2,693 | 10,455 | 1,558,009 |
| Family income by size | |||
| 2-person | $52,941 | $57,816 | $80,027 |
| 3-person | $50,417 | $51,839 | $95,828 |
| 4-person | $74,095 | $65,313 | $113,137 |
| 5-person | $104,827 | $110,724 | $108,997 |
| 6-person | $— | $85,742 | $104,707 |
| 7-person or more | $— | $— | $107,366 |
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
46.78%
of all household income is held by the top 20% of households
Bottom 20%
3.72%
of all household income
Top 20%
46.78%
of all household income
Key insights
- The top fifth of households earn nearly half of all income in the area. The bottom fifth hold just 3.72% — meaning the top 20% hold 13 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%
$212,968
is the average income among the top 5% of households
Bottom 40% combined
12.66%
of all household income
Top 5% alone
18.58%
of all household income
Key insights
- The top 5% of households earn an average of $212,968 and hold 18.58% of all household income — more than the entire bottom 40% of households combined, who hold just 12.66%
- 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
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
13.8%
of all households, 699 in total, earn $100,000 or more
% $100k+
West Plains
13.8%
Howell County
18.4%
Missouri
34%
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 West Plains
Distribution of households across income ranges, with cumulative shares in West Plains, compared with peer geographies.
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $44,002 | $50,993 | $70,702 |
| Income bracket | |||
| Less than $10,000 | 5.6% | 6.4% | 4.9% |
| $10,000 to $14,999 | 10.9% | 8.4% | 3.8% |
| $15,000 to $24,999 | 13.8% | 9.7% | 7.1% |
| $25,000 to $34,999 | 11.6% | 11.8% | 7.8% |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 12.9% | 12.2% | 11.9% |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 17.8% | 21.1% | 17.4% |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 13.5% | 11.9% | 13.2% |
| $100,000 to $149,999 | 8.5% | 10.9% | 17.1% |
| $150,000 to $199,999 | 3.2% | 4% | 8.2% |
| $200,000 or more | 2.1% | 3.5% | 8.7% |
| Cumulative Shares | |||
| Share below $35,000 | 41.9% | 36.3% | 23.6% |
| Share below $75,000 | 72.6% | 69.6% | 52.9% |
| Share above $100,000 | 13.8% | 18.4% | 34% |
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
0.44
Scale: 0 (Perfect Equality) – 1 (Perfect Inequality)
Gini index
West Plains
0.44
Howell County
0.46
Missouri
0.47
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
$134,021
is the average income of the top 20% of households
Key insights
- The top 20% of households earn an average of $134,021 compared to $10,662 for the bottom 20%. Households in the middle earn $44,352 on average.
- Need additional insights? Ask NEIL. ➔
Note:
1. Income shares are calculated by dividing each group's aggregate income by total household income. All households are ranked from lowest to highest and divided into five equal groups of 20%.
2. Amounts shown in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, as reported by the Census Bureau.
Household income distribution
Household income distribution by income groups — upper limits, mean incomes, and income shares in West Plains
Distribution of household income across five equal groups
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest household income in each group ($) | |||
| Bottom 20% | $17,304 | $20,038 | $30,464 |
| Lower 20% | $33,967 | $39,263 | $55,996 |
| Middle 20% | $58,414 | $62,397 | $87,668 |
| Upper 20% | $88,110 | $95,777 | $137,691 |
| Top 5% threshold | $153,306 | $167,830 | $249,759 |
| Average household income within each group ($) | |||
| Bottom 20% | $10,662 | $10,672 | $16,216 |
| Lower 20% | $25,620 | $29,761 | $42,961 |
| Middle 20% | $44,352 | $50,720 | $71,048 |
| Upper 20% | $71,837 | $77,293 | $109,991 |
| Top 20% | $134,021 | $164,248 | $241,020 |
| Top 5% | $212,968 | $284,474 | $429,588 |
| Share of total income (%) | |||
| Bottom 20% | 3.72% | 3.21% | 3.37% |
| Lower 20% | 8.94% | 8.95% | 8.93% |
| Middle 20% | 15.48% | 15.25% | 14.76% |
| Upper 20% | 25.07% | 23.23% | 22.86% |
| Top 20% | 46.78% | 49.37% | 50.08% |
| Top 5% | 18.58% | 21.38% | 22.32% |
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 · by race & ethnicity
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.
Median Household Income · White vs. Black Households
*The Census Bureau did not publish median household income by race data for West Plains due to an insufficient number of sample cases to produce reliable estimates.
White
Among the 4,784 White households (94.7% of all households), the median household income is $46,667.
Black
Among the 0 Black or African American households (0% 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 West Plains
Median household income by race and Hispanic origin, compared to the Howell County and Missouri.
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Residents | $44,002 | $50,993 | $70,702 |
| White | $46,667 | $51,289 | $74,538 |
| Black or African American | $— | $— | $47,941 |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | $— | $— | $60,741 |
| Asian | $— | $36,719 | $95,651 |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander | $— | $— | $63,490 |
| Some Other Race | $— | $51,771 | $64,423 |
| Two or more races (Multiracial) | $29,365 | $41,589 | $64,327 |
| Hispanic or Latino | $— | $39,018 | $63,809 |
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
28.1%
28.1% of residents, or 3,361 people, live below the poverty line.
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
10.3%
10.3% of full-time, year-round workers, or 400 people, earn below the poverty line despite working full time.
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
36.4%
36.4% of children under 18, or 1,080 children, live below the poverty line.
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
19.7%
19.7% of adults aged 65 and older, or 416 seniors, live below the poverty line.
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
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall poverty rate | 28.1% | 20.3% | 12.6% |
| Poverty by age | |||
| Under 18 years | 36.4% | 23.8% | 15.8% |
| Under 5 years | 39.3% | 19.8% | 17.6% |
| 5 to 17 years | 35.6% | 25.1% | 15.2% |
| 18 to 64 years | 27.1% | 20.3% | 12% |
| 18 to 34 years | 25.3% | 20.3% | 15.1% |
| 35 to 64 years | 28.4% | 20.2% | 10.3% |
| 65 years and over | 19.7% | 16.2% | 10.4% |
| Poverty by sex | |||
| Male | 22.7% | 18.2% | 11.4% |
| Female | 32.6% | 22.4% | 13.7% |
| Poverty by work engagement | |||
| Worked full time, year-round | 10.3% | 5.9% | 2.5% |
| Worked part time or part year | 33.8% | 23.8% | 16.2% |
| Did not work | 38.6% | 29.4% | 21.5% |
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
25.6%
of all households are below the poverty level
Key insights
- 16% of family households (432 families) live below the poverty line, compared to 36.5% of nonfamily households (861 households).
- Need additional insights? Ask NEIL. ➔
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
16%
of families are below the poverty level
Key insights
- 6.5% of married-couple families (112 families) live below the poverty line, compared to 32.8% of single-parent and other family types (320 families).
- Need additional insights? Ask NEIL. ➔
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 West Plains
Share of households below the federal poverty level by type and householder age
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAMILY HOUSEHOLDS | |||
| All ages | 16% | 14.9% | 8.4% |
| Householder under 25 years | 0% | 12.9% | 23.4% |
| Householder 25 to 44 years | 26.5% | 19.5% | 11.6% |
| Householder 45 to 64 years | 9.5% | 13.9% | 6% |
| Householder 65 years and over | 7% | 9.9% | 5.5% |
| NON FAMILY HOUSEHOLDS | |||
| All ages | 36.5% | 33.4% | 20.4% |
| Householder under 25 years | 48% | 50.1% | 34% |
| Householder 25 to 44 years | 51.6% | 43.3% | 13.5% |
| Householder 45 to 64 years | 28.2% | 29.7% | 23.8% |
| Householder 65 years and over | 34.8% | 30.7% | 19.3% |
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 rates by race & ethnicity
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.
Poverty by race — Black vs. White
White
27.6% of White residents, or 3,116 people, live below the poverty line.
Black
100% of Black or African American residents, or 94 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 West Plains
Share of population below the federal poverty level in West Plains and peer geographies.
| West Plains | Howell County | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Residents | 28.1% | 20.3% | 12.6% |
| White | 27.6% | 20.2% | 10.6% |
| Black or African American | 100% | 70.1% | 23.6% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 0% | 51.5% | 16.6% |
| Asian | 0% | 4.4% | 11.8% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander | 0% | 0% | 12.6% |
| Some Other Race | —% | 19.7% | 18.8% |
| Two or more races (Multiracial) | 30.7% | 18.5% | 16.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 50% | 27.8% | 17.8% |
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 team are data scientists with expertise in processing, analysis and visualization of big data helping small businesses make right decisions.
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