As of 2025 the population of Bates County is 16,091. The population is expected to shrink to 16,057 by 2030 - a growth rate of -0.04%.
The median age of Bates County residents is 43.
The diversity index of Bates County is 19.2, meaning that there is a 19% 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 $78,831 and projected to be $87,973 in 2030. Per capita income is $31,192, projected to be $34,613 in 2030. 1.87% of households – 301 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $722,597 and the average disposable income is $61,366.
There are 7,201 housing units in Bates County; 4,820 are owner-occupied, 1,535 are rented, and 846 are vacant. The average home value is $223,693, with 290 homes built in 2010 or later, and 1,313 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 641 businesses in Bates County, employing 5,247 workers and pulling from a labor force of 6,758 age 16 and above. 2,784 workers commute into Bates County from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
3,325 residents both live and work in/around Bates County. The average travel time is 33.8 minutes. 13.23% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 9.47% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 5,371 drive alone, 528 carpool, and 11 take public transportation. 179 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 669 residents work from home.
5,158 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 1,106 have associates degrees, 1,140 have bachelor’s degrees, and 710 hold a graduate or professional degree.
