As of 2026 the population of Bates County is 16,136. The population is expected to shrink to 16,128 by 2031 - a growth rate of -0.01%.
The median age of Bates County residents is 43.
The diversity index of Bates County is 19.6, meaning that there is a 20% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Bates County is $78,140 and projected to be $89,943 in 2031. Per capita income is $31,251, projected to be $35,918 in 2031. 1.92% of households – 310 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $760,110 and the average disposable income is $61,193.
There are 7,248 housing units in Bates County; 4,824 are owner-occupied, 1,594 are rented, and 830 are vacant. The average home value is $233,071, with 427 homes built in 2010 or later, and 1,263 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 626 businesses in Bates County, employing 5,132 workers and pulling from a labor force of 6,982 age 16 and above. 2,828 workers commute into Bates County from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
3,521 residents both live and work in/around Bates County. The average travel time is 32.8 minutes. 13.77% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 8.61% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 5,629 drive alone, 473 carpool, and 15 take public transportation. 182 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 683 residents work from home.
5,467 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 1,080 have associates degrees, 1,128 have bachelor’s degrees, and 684 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
