Benton County

As of the 2020 census, Benton County, Missouri, had a population of approximately 19,394 people. The racial composition was 96.7% White, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals made up 1.6% of the population. The median household income was around $37,172, and 18.9% of the population lived below the poverty line.

Benton County, MO, has a median home value of approximately $132,000. The median rent is around $650 per month. Homeownership rate stands at about 80%, while the vacancy rate is near 20%. The area has a mix of single-family homes, mobile homes, and some multi-family units. Housing growth has been relatively stable, with moderate new construction activity.

Benton County, MO, organizes local, state, and federal elections. For the latest local elections, key positions include County Commissioner, Sheriff, and Assessor. Voter turnout typically ranges between 30-60% depending on the election type.

Election Example:

• 2022 General Election:
  • County Commissioner: Incumbent Republican Jim Hansen (5,412 votes) defeated Democrat Lisa Smith (3,265 votes).
  • Sheriff: Republican Eric Knox (7,205 votes) won against Independent Chris Bateman (1,876 votes).
  • Assessor: Republican Judy Luebbert (6,803 votes) opposed no major challengers, securing re-election.

Voting Info:

• Registration Deadline: 27 days before election day.
• Polling Hours: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Absentee Voting: Available 6 weeks prior; request deadline: 5 PM on the Wednesday prior to election.

Always verify with the official Benton County election website or local clerk's office for the most current and specific details.

Benton County, MO has varying levels of educational attainment. As of the most recent data:

• High school graduation rate: Approximately 83%, slightly lower than the Missouri state average of around 90% and the national average of 88%.
• Bachelor's degree or higher: About 13% of residents aged 25 and over hold at least a bachelor's degree. This is significantly lower than both the Missouri state average of 29% and the national average of 33%.

Overall, Benton County has lower educational attainment levels compared to both state and national averages.

As of recent data, Benton County, MO, has an unemployment rate of around 4.2%, close to the national average of 4.0%. The county has a labor force participation rate of approximately 51%, below the state average of 64% and the national average of 63%.

Top industries in Benton County include Health Care and Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing. Health Care and Social Assistance constitutes about 20% of employment, surpassing the national average of 14%. Retail Trade employs around 17%, higher than the national average of 10%.

Manufacturing in the county represents 10% of employment, compared to the national average of 8%. Tourism-related employment is also significant, driven by outdoor and recreational activities in the Lake of the Ozarks region.

Overall, Benton County's employment landscape is characterized by higher dependence on health care, retail, and tourism compared to broader national trends.

As of the latest available data, Benton County, MO, reported an average household income of approximately $47,000 per year. In comparison, the state of Missouri's average household income is about $57,000 per year, while the national average stands at around $68,700 per year. This indicates that Benton County has a lower average household income relative to both the state and national figures.

Benton County's below-average income may reflect a variety of local economic factors, including employment opportunities, industry presence, and cost of living.

As of the latest available data, Benton County, MO has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. Here are the specific crime statistics per 1,000 residents:

Violent crimes include offenses such as murder, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crimes encompass burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. The relatively low crime rates make Benton County a generally safe area to live in, reflecting well on the community's efforts to maintain safety and order.