Phelps County, Missouri

Income Data

-7% vs. Missouri average
$55,427
Median Household Income
$29,191
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$55,427
-7% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,191
-26% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
28.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in Missouri
#73 / 115
by median household income

How Phelps County Compares

Phelps County$55,427
Missouri Average$59,503
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$55,427
Median Household Income
$29,191
Per Capita Income
$194,900
Median Home Value
28.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Phelps County, Missouri

Phelps lags behind the nation

Phelps County's median household income of $55,427 falls 25.8% below the national median of $74,755. This gap suggests households here earn substantially less than the typical American family, reflecting broader rural income challenges across Missouri's interior.

Below Missouri average

Phelps County ranks in the lower half of Missouri counties, with median income running $4,076 below the state average of $59,503. The county's per capita income of $29,191 also trails Missouri's $31,011 average, indicating fewer high-earning households.

Neighbors show mixed fortunes

Phelps sits among a cluster of counties with modest incomes: Pike County ($57,572) and Putnam County ($56,875) are slightly ahead, while Polk County ($56,686) and Randolph County ($55,310) are nearly on par. Platte County ($95,748) stands as a clear regional outlier with nearly 73% higher household income.

Housing costs remain manageable

At 17.3%, Phelps County's rent-to-income ratio sits at a reasonable level, meaning renters spend a sustainable share of earnings on housing. However, the median home value of $194,900 still represents 3.5 years of median household income, requiring significant savings for homeownership.

Build financial security here

Phelps County households earning $55,427 can strengthen their position through consistent saving and investing. Starting with even a modest emergency fund of $1,000–$2,000 protects against unexpected costs, while exploring employer retirement plans and low-cost index funds compounds wealth over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Phelps County, Missouri?
The median household income in Phelps County, Missouri is $55,427, 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 Phelps County?
The per capita income in Phelps County is $29,191, 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 $55,427.
How does Phelps County compare to the Missouri average?
Phelps County's median household income of $55,427 is lower than the Missouri state average of $59,503. The per capita income is $29,191, compared to the state average of $31,011.
What is the per capita income in Phelps County, Missouri?
The per capita income in Phelps County, Missouri is $29,191, 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 Phelps County a low-income area in Missouri?
Phelps County's median household income of $55,427 is below the Missouri average of $59,503. The per capita income of $29,191 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 Phelps County rank for income in Missouri?
Phelps County ranks #73 out of 115 counties in Missouri by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $55,427 and per capita income of $29,191, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Phelps County

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Your income is above the Phelps County median

County median: $55,427 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-7%

vs. National Median

-26%

vs. Phelps County MedianAbout equal
vs. Missouri Average7% below
vs. National Median26% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.8x

Your monthly income ($4,619) vs. median rent ($801/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.