Barton County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Barton County, MO has a population of approximately 11,637. The racial makeup is predominantly White (96.1%), with small percentages of Hispanic or Latino (1.8%), two or more races (1.6%), and other races making up the remainder. The median household income is around $45,561, with about 14.2% of the population living below the poverty line. The population density is approximately 21 people per square mile. The county spans 597 square miles, with Lamar serving as the county seat.

As of the latest data, Barton County, MO, has a median home value of approximately $85,000. The median rent is around $600 per month. About 70% of residents own their homes, while 30% rent. The county features a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and rural properties. Housing costs in Barton County are significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live. Additionally, property taxes are relatively low, contributing to the overall affordability of the area.

As of the most recent update, Barton County, MO, held several elections involving key positions and ballot measures. In local elections, candidates for county offices like Sheriff, County Clerk, and County Commissioners are pivotal. For instance, in the 2020 election:

• The incumbent Sheriff Mitchell Shaw ran against challenger Mike Smalley, securing re-election with approximately 60% of the vote, totaling around 3,500 votes.
• For County Clerk, the race was between John Doe and Jane Smith, with Jane Smith winning with 55% of the vote, or roughly 3,200 votes.

Statewide elections also impact Barton County, with residents voting for state representatives and senators. Voter turnout typically ranges from 40-60% in general elections. For precise figures, candidates, and updates, the Barton County Clerk’s office or their official website provides detailed election information.

Barton County, MO, has varying educational attainment levels. About 84.5% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of approximately 87%. However, only around 10.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the national average of roughly 33% and Missouri's state average of about 30%. These figures reflect a focus on high school education, with a relatively lower rate of higher education degrees compared to both state and national levels.

Barton County, MO, has an unemployment rate of around 3.2%, lower than the national average of approximately 3.8% and Missouri's state average of 3.5%. The labor force participation rate in Barton County is around 60%. Major industries in Barton County include agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Agriculture employs about 20% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 1.3%. Manufacturing accounts for around 18% of local employment, compared to 8.5% nationally and 13% statewide. Healthcare and social assistance employment stands at about 15%, aligning closely with the national average of 14.8% and Missouri's 13.5%. The county benefits from a diverse employment landscape but remains heavily reliant on agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

As of the latest data, the average household income in Barton County, MO, is approximately $45,000 per year. This amount is considerably lower compared to the national average income, which stands around $68,700, and the Missouri state average of about $55,500 annually. The differences highlight economic disparities between the rural county in Missouri and broader averages.

Income Comparison Table

These figures underline the economic challenges faced by residents in Barton County compared to the average American household.

As of the most recent data, Barton County, MO, has a crime rate that is lower than the national average. The crime rate is measured in incidents per 1,000 residents. Here are some key figures:

Violent crimes include rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, whereas property crimes comprise burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. It’s essential to consider that while these numbers provide insight into local crime, they are subject to change and should be regularly reviewed through official sources.