Carter County, Missouri

Income Data

-24% vs. Missouri average
$45,083
Median Household Income
$27,115
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$45,083
-24% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,115
-31% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
30.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Missouri
#108 / 115
by median household income

How Carter County Compares

Carter County$45,083
Missouri Average$59,503
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$45,083
Median Household Income
$27,115
Per Capita Income
$147,600
Median Home Value
30.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Carter County, Missouri

Carter County lags significantly

Carter County's median household income of $45,083 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $30,000—a 40% gap. This places the county among the most economically challenged areas in the nation, reflecting persistent rural poverty.

Among Missouri's poorest counties

Carter County ranks in the lower 10% of Missouri counties, with median household income $14,420 below the state average of $59,503. The county's per capita income of $27,115 is nearly 13% below Missouri's average, indicating widespread income constraints.

Poorest in its region

Carter County ($45,083) ranks below Cedar County ($45,577) and significantly below Clark County ($51,458), making it the most economically stressed Ozark county in this analysis. The gap widens dramatically against affluent neighbors like Cass ($87,413) and Clay ($86,150).

Housing costs strain budgets

Carter County households spend 17.6% of income on rent—above the affordable threshold and double Chariton County's 10.2%. Though the median home value of $147,600 exceeds the county income, most households lack the resources to purchase.

Start small, think long-term

With limited surplus income, Carter County families benefit from employer 401(k) matches and low-cost index funds even in small amounts. Building an emergency fund of $1,000 first creates a foundation for future wealth-building as income grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Carter County, Missouri?
The median household income in Carter County, Missouri is $45,083, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Carter County?
The per capita income in Carter County is $27,115, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $45,083.
How does Carter County compare to the Missouri average?
Carter County's median household income of $45,083 is lower than the Missouri state average of $59,503. The per capita income is $27,115, compared to the state average of $31,011.
What is the per capita income in Carter County, Missouri?
The per capita income in Carter County, Missouri is $27,115, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Carter County a low-income area in Missouri?
Carter County's median household income of $45,083 is below the Missouri average of $59,503. The per capita income of $27,115 is also lower than the state average of $31,011. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Carter County rank for income in Missouri?
Carter County ranks #108 out of 115 counties in Missouri by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $45,083 and per capita income of $27,115, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Carter County

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Your income is above the Carter County median

County median: $45,083 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-24%

vs. National Median

-40%

vs. Carter County MedianAbout equal
vs. Missouri Average24% below
vs. National Median40% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.7x

Your monthly income ($3,757) vs. median rent ($661/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.