Lafayette County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Lafayette County, Missouri, had a population of approximately 32,984 people. The racial makeup was about 91.1% White, 3.1% Black or African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race made up around 4.0% of the population. The county had around 12,658 households with an average household size of 2.55. The median age was 41.8 years. The median household income was approximately $53,285.

As of 2023, Lafayette County, MO, has a median home price of approximately $185,000. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $750 per month. Homeownership rate stands at about 75%. Property taxes are relatively low, with an average effective property tax rate of about 0.9%. The housing market has seen a moderate annual appreciation rate of 3-4% in recent years. Overall, the county provides affordable housing options compared to national averages.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on elections in Lafayette County, MO, please refer to the Lafayette County Clerk’s Office or the Missouri Secretary of State’s website. As of now, I can provide a general overview based on the recent 2023-2024 election cycle.

Typically, elections may include races for county positions such as County Commissioner, Sheriff, Treasurer, and other local offices, as well as state and federal elections.

For a snapshot (hypothetical example):

1. County Commissioner:

   • Candidate A: 5,234 votes
   • Candidate B: 4,987 votes

2. Sheriff:

   • Candidate A: 6,345 votes
   • Candidate B: 5,876 votes

Note: The above numbers and candidates are illustrative. Verify with official sources for precise details.

Lafayette County, MO has a high school graduation rate of approximately 91%, which is above the national average of 85% and the Missouri state average of 89%. About 20% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is lower than the national average of 33% and the Missouri state average of 29%. The county's emphasis on high school education is evident, but it lags behind in higher education attainment compared to broader benchmarks.

As of the latest data, Lafayette County, MO has an employment rate of approximately 95%, implying a 5% unemployment rate. The labor force consists of around 14,000 people. Key industries include agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, retail trade, and education.

Agriculture employs a significant portion of the workforce, reflecting the county's rural setting. Manufacturing is also a major employer, particularly in machinery and food production sectors.

When compared to Missouri's state averages, Lafayette County has a higher proportion of jobs in agriculture and manufacturing but fewer in professional services and high-tech industries. Nationally, Lafayette County also stands out for its agricultural employment, which is substantially higher than the U.S. average, where service-oriented sectors dominate.

State average unemployment: ~3.7%
National average unemployment: ~3.9%

Lafayette County demonstrates a strong industrial base, albeit more traditional and less diversified compared to broader state and national trends.

As of the latest data, the average household income in Lafayette County, Missouri, stands at approximately $55,000 annually. This figure is below both the national and state averages. Nationally, the average household income is about $68,700, while the state of Missouri has an average household income of around $63,000. This indicates that households in Lafayette County earn less on average compared to both state and national levels.

These figures highlight economic disparities and can influence various socio-economic policies and local government decisions regarding resource allocation and community support services.

As of recent data, Lafayette County, MO, has a relatively low crime rate comparative to national averages. The crime rate is approximately 16.8 per 1,000 residents. Below is a summary of different types of crimes reported:

These figures are estimates based on local law enforcement and FBI data. Residents and visitors should still practice general safety precautions.