# Grain Valley, Missouri

Grain Valley is a city in Jackson County, Missouri, United States. Grain Valley is located in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area and is a suburb of Kansas City. The population was 15,627 at the 2020 census. It is 23 miles (37 km) east of downtown Kansas City.

## History

Grain Valley was founded in the late 1870s. The city was named for the general character of the grain-producing region. A post office called Grain Valley has been in operation since 1879. Grain Valley was founded primarily by former residents and business owners of Pink Hill, Missouri who moved to this area after the Chicago and Alton Railroad built a railway through this area in 1878, bypassing the former community of Pink Hill, Missouri. The townspeople needed to take advantage of the commerce that the railroad would provide during that era.

## Geography

Grain Valley is located at 39°0′31″N 94°12′27″W﻿ / ﻿39.00861°N 94.20750°W﻿ / 39.00861; -94.20750 (39.008733, -94.207465).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.07 square miles (15.72 km$^2$), of which 6.06 square miles (15.70 km$^2$) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km$^2$) is water.

## Demographics
### 2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 15,627 people, 5,109 households, and 3,656 families in Grain Valley. The population density was 2,536.9 per square mile (979.1/km$^2$). There were 5,254 housing units at an average density of 852.9 per square mile (329.2/km$^2$). The racial makeup was 85.15% (13,306) white, 2.85% (445) black or African-American, 0.51% (79) Native American, 0.99% (154) Asian, 0.09% (14) Pacific Islander, 1.64% (256) from other races, and 8.79% (1,373) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 6.6% (938) of the population.
Of the 5,109 households, 43.3% had children under the age of 18; 53.2% were married couples living together; 26.5% had a female householder with no husband present. Of all households, 23.7% consisted of individuals and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.8 and the average family size was 3.3.
30.1% of the population was under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 17.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 94.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 92.2 males.
The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $76,750 (with a margin of error of +/- $9,148) and the median family income was $85,895 (+/- $6,327). Males had a median income of $50,935 (+/- $4,403) versus $37,074 (+/- $4,801) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $42,926 (+/- $3,566). Approximately, 4.0% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under the age of 18 and 6.0% of those ages 65 or over.

### 2010 census

In the 2010 census there were 12,854 people in 4,566 households, including 3,395 families, in the city. The population density was 2,121.1 inhabitants per square mile (819.0/km$^2$). There were 4,867 housing units at an average density of 803.1 per square mile (310.1/km$^2$). The racial makeup of the city was 92.6% White, 2.5% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.9%.
Of the 4,566 households 47.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.0% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.6% were non-families. 19.1% of households were one person and 5.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.22.
The median age was 30.5 years. 32.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 35.2% were from 25 to 44; 18.3% were from 45 to 64; and 6.8% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.9% male and 51.1% female.

### 2000 census

At the 2000 census there were 5,160 people. The population density was 1,075.0 inhabitants per square mile (415.1/km$^2$). There were 2,022 housing units at an average density of 421.2 per square mile (162.6/km$^2$). The racial makeup of the city was 96.43% White, 0.56% African American, 0.48% Asian, 0.39% Native American, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 0.43% from other races, and 1.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.48%.
Of the 1,921 households 44.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.2% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.9% were non-families. 20.4% of households were one person and 6.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.11.
The age distribution was 31.0% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 39.0% from 25 to 44, 14.7% from 45 to 64, and 6.0% 65 or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males.
The median household income was $50,118 and the median family income was $57,240. Males had a median income of $37,436 versus $27,961 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,265. About 3.9% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.2% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.

## Economy

The Owner–Operator Independent Drivers Association is based in Grain Valley.

## Education

The Grain Valley R-V School District serves Grain Valley, as well as parts of Blue Springs, Oak Grove, and unincorporated eastern Jackson County, in the State of Missouri. The district had an enrollment of over 4000 students in 2015, up from 1659 students in 2000. Grain Valley R-V School District operates four elementary schools, two middle schools, and Grain Valley High School. Grain Valley has a public library, a branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library.

## Notable residents

* Kara Eaker, gymnast