Cedar County, Missouri

Coordinates: 37°43′N 93°52′W / 37.72°N 93.86°W / 37.72; -93.86
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cedar County
County courthouse in Stockton
County courthouse in Stockton
Map of Missouri highlighting Cedar County
Location within the U.S. state of Missouri
Map of the United States highlighting Missouri
Missouri's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 37°43′N 93°52′W / 37.72°N 93.86°W / 37.72; -93.86
Country United States
State Missouri
FoundedFebruary 14, 1845
Named forCedar Creek, a tributary of the Sac River
SeatStockton
Largest cityEl Dorado Springs
Area
 • Total499 sq mi (1,290 km2)
 • Land474 sq mi (1,230 km2)
 • Water24 sq mi (60 km2)  4.8%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total14,188
 • Density28/sq mi (11/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district4th
Websitecedarcountymo.gov

Cedar County is a county located in the southwest portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,188.[1] Its county seat is Stockton.[2] The county was founded February 14, 1845, and named after Cedar Creek, a tributary of the Sac River, which in turn is named from the Eastern red cedar, a common tree of the area.[3]

Geography[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 499 square miles (1,290 km2), of which 474 square miles (1,230 km2) is land and 24 square miles (62 km2) (4.8%) is water.[4] The water area includes various rivers and Stockton Lake.

Adjacent counties[edit]

Major highways[edit]

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
18503,361
18606,63797.5%
18709,47442.7%
188010,74113.4%
189015,62045.4%
190016,9238.3%
191016,080−5.0%
192013,933−13.4%
193011,136−20.1%
194011,6975.0%
195010,663−8.8%
19609,185−13.9%
19709,4242.6%
198011,89426.2%
199012,0931.7%
200013,73313.6%
201013,9821.8%
202014,1881.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[5]
1790-1960[6] 1900-1990[7]
1990-2000[8] 2010-2020[1]

As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 13,733 people, 5,685 households, and 3,894 families residing in the county. The population density was 29 people per square mile (11 people/km2). There were 6,813 housing units at an average density of 14 units per square mile (5.4/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.58% White, 0.32% Black or African American, 0.66% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 1.43% from two or more races. Approximately 1.11% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 5,685 households, out of which 27.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.50% were married couples living together, 7.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% were non-families. 28.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.60% under the age of 18, 6.40% from 18 to 24, 22.80% from 25 to 44, 25.40% from 45 to 64, and 20.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 95.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $26,694, and the median income for a family was $32,710. Males had a median income of $25,017 versus $17,594 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,356. 17.40% of the population and 11.60% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 24.80% of those under the age of 18 and 14.20% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Religion[edit]

According to the Association of Religion Data Archives County Membership Report (2010), Cedar County is regarded as being part of the Bible Belt, with evangelical Protestantism being the most predominant religion. The most predominant denominations among residents in Cedar County who adhere to a religion are Southern Baptists (35.02%), Christian churches and churches of Christ (11.49%), and Assemblies of God (9.56%).

2020 Census[edit]

Cedar County Racial Composition[11]
Race Num. Perc.
White (NH) 12,899 91%
Black or African American (NH) 57 0.4%
Native American (NH) 100 0.7%
Asian (NH) 42 0.3%
Pacific Islander (NH) 7 0.05%
Other/Mixed (NH) 822 5.8%
Hispanic or Latino 261 1.83%

Education[edit]

Public schools[edit]

Private schools[edit]

Public libraries[edit]

  • Cedar County Library District[12]

Communities[edit]

Cities and Towns[edit]

Unincorporated Communities[edit]

Notable people[edit]

Politics[edit]

Local[edit]

The Republican Party completely controls politics at the local level in Cedar County. Republicans hold all of the elected positions in the county.

Cedar County, Missouri
Elected countywide officials
Assessor Chad Pyle Republican
Circuit Clerk Melinda Gumm Republican
County Clerk Heather York Republican
Collector Lisa Nelson Republican
Commissioner
(Presiding)
Marlon Collins Republican
Commissioner
(District 1)
Don Boultinghouse Republican
Commissioner
(District 2)
Ted Anderson Republican
Coroner Nora Powell Republican
Prosecuting Attorney Ty Gaither Republican
Public Administrator Charlotte Haden Republican
Recorder Melissa Heskett Republican
Sheriff James "Jim Bob" McCrary Republican
Surveyor Mark Francis Republican
Treasurer Peggy Kenney Republican

State[edit]

Past Gubernatorial Elections Results
Year Republican Democratic Third Parties
2020 82.10% 5,771 15.71% 1,104 2.19% 154
2016 70.26% 4,415 26.53% 1,667 3.21% 202
2012 56.43% 3,383 40.92% 2,453 2.65% 159
2008 47.17% 2,970 48.22% 3,036 4.61% 290
2004 66.31% 4,096 32.04% 1,979 1.65% 102
2000 58.42% 3,297 39.69% 2,240 1.89% 107
1996 54.31% 2,827 42.50% 2,212 3.19% 166

Cedar County is split between three of Missouri's legislative districts that elect members of the Missouri House of Representatives. All three are represented by Republicans.

  • District 125 — Jim Kalberloh (R-Monett). The district includes El Dorado Springs and the rest of the northern part of the county.
Missouri House of Representatives — District 125 — Cedar County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Jim Kalberloh 2,590 100.00% +19.51
Missouri House of Representatives — District 125 — Cedar County (2018)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Warren D. Love 1,852 80.49% -19.51
Democratic Chase Crawford 449 19.51% +19.51
  • District 127 — Ann Kelley (R-Lamar). Consists of Jerico Springs, Umber View Heights, and the rest of the southern part of the county.
Missouri House of Representatives — District 127 — Cedar County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Ann Kelley 691 100.00% +26.24
Missouri House of Representatives — District 127 — Cedar County (2018)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Ann Kelley 461 73.76% -8.14
Democratic Teri Hanna 164 26.24% +8.14
  • District 128 — Mike Stephens (R-Bolivar). Consists of Stockton and the rest of the center of the county.
Missouri House of Representatives — District 128 — Cedar County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Mike Stephens 2,385 74.37% -7.80
Democratic Marvin Manring 822 25.63% +7.80
Missouri House of Representatives — District 128 — Cedar County (2018)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Mike Stephens 2,005 82.17% -3.16
Democratic Rich Horton 435 17.83% +17.83

All of Cedar County is a part of Missouri's 28th District in the Missouri Senate. The seat is currently represented by Sandy Crawford (R-Buffalo). The previous incumbent, Mike Parson was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2016, became Governor upon the resignation of Eric Greitens in 2018. Parson was elected to a full term as governor in 2020.

Missouri Senate — District 28 — Cedar County (2018)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Sandy Crawford 4,412 82.84% +14.68
Democratic Joe Poor 914 17.16% -14.68
Missouri Senate — District 28 Special Election — Cedar County (2017)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Sandy Crawford 595 68.16% -31.84
Democratic Albert J. Skalicky 278 31.84% +31.84

Federal[edit]

All of Cedar County is included in Missouri's 4th Congressional District and is currently represented by Vicky Hartzler (R-Harrisonville) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Hartzler was elected to a sixth term in 2020 over Democratic challenger Lindsey Simmons.

U.S. House of Representatives – Missouri’s 4th Congressional District – Cedar County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Vicky Hartzler 5,657 81.95% +0.61
Democratic Lindsey Simmons 1,070 15.50% +0.38
Libertarian Steven K. Koonse 176 2.55% -0.24
U.S. House of Representatives – Missouri's 4th Congressional District – Cedar County (2018)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Vicky Hartzler 4,406 81.34% +0.94
Democratic Renee Hoagenson 860 15.88% +0.46
Libertarian Mark Bliss 151 2.79% -1.40

Cedar County, along with the rest of the state of Missouri, is represented in the U.S. Senate by Josh Hawley (R-Columbia) and Roy Blunt (R-Strafford).

U.S. Senate – Class I – Cedar County (2018)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Josh Hawley 4,092 74.85% +21.16
Democratic Claire McCaskill 1,181 21.60% -17.47
Independent Craig O'Dear 91 1.67%
Libertarian Japheth Campbell 65 1.19% -6.05
Green Jo Crain 38 0.70% +0.70

Blunt was elected to a second term in 2016 over then-Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander.

U.S. Senate — Class III — Cedar County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Roy Blunt 4,445 70.61% +16.92
Democratic Jason Kander 1,541 24.48% -14.59
Libertarian Jonathan Dine 172 2.73% -4.51
Green Johnathan McFarland 80 1.27% +1.27
Constitution Fred Ryman 57 0.91% +0.91

Political culture[edit]

United States presidential election results for Cedar County, Missouri[13]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 5,788 82.17% 1,145 16.25% 111 1.58%
2016 5,021 79.36% 1,011 15.98% 295 4.66%
2012 4,376 72.39% 1,537 25.43% 132 2.18%
2008 4,194 66.01% 2,060 32.42% 100 1.57%
2004 4,238 68.32% 1,910 30.79% 55 0.89%
2000 3,530 62.33% 1,979 34.95% 154 2.72%
1996 2,484 47.57% 2,027 38.82% 711 13.62%
1992 2,085 39.05% 2,064 38.66% 1,190 22.29%
1988 2,966 62.52% 1,774 37.39% 4 0.08%
1984 3,539 71.08% 1,440 28.92% 0 0.00%
1980 3,469 65.66% 1,703 32.24% 111 2.10%
1976 2,752 55.43% 2,192 44.15% 21 0.42%
1972 3,520 75.34% 1,152 24.66% 0 0.00%
1968 2,940 64.08% 1,218 26.55% 430 9.37%
1964 2,478 52.44% 2,247 47.56% 0 0.00%
1960 3,730 70.68% 1,547 29.32% 0 0.00%
1956 3,276 65.57% 1,720 34.43% 0 0.00%
1952 3,814 71.71% 1,483 27.88% 22 0.41%
1948 2,928 58.56% 2,062 41.24% 10 0.20%
1944 3,576 70.69% 1,478 29.22% 5 0.10%
1940 4,068 66.99% 1,973 32.49% 32 0.53%
1936 3,535 58.80% 2,443 40.64% 34 0.57%
1932 2,515 46.47% 2,834 52.37% 63 1.16%
1928 3,340 65.75% 1,728 34.02% 12 0.24%
1924 2,802 55.83% 2,007 39.99% 210 4.18%
1920 3,488 63.48% 1,936 35.23% 71 1.29%
1916 1,874 55.28% 1,410 41.59% 106 3.13%
1912 1,242 36.06% 1,392 40.42% 810 23.52%
1908 1,933 54.87% 1,483 42.09% 107 3.04%
1904 1,885 52.90% 1,533 43.03% 145 4.07%
1900 1,845 48.53% 1,820 47.87% 137 3.60%
1896 1,881 43.78% 2,400 55.87% 15 0.35%
1892 1,354 41.50% 1,246 38.19% 663 20.32%
1888 1,424 43.07% 1,434 43.38% 448 13.55%

At the presidential level, Cedar County has been solidly Republican for much of its history. Cedar County strongly favored Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020. A Democrat hasn't carried the county in a presidential election since Franklin Roosevelt's landslide victory in 1932.

Like most rural areas throughout Missouri, voters in Cedar County generally adhere to socially and culturally conservative principles which tend to influence their Republican leanings. Despite Cedar County's longstanding tradition of supporting socially conservative platforms, voters in the county have a penchant for advancing populist causes. In 2018, Missourians voted on a proposition (Proposition A) concerning right to work, the outcome of which ultimately reversed the right to work legislation passed in the state the previous year. 51.58% of Cedar County voters cast their ballots to overturn the law.

Missouri presidential preference primaries[edit]

2020[edit]

The 2020 presidential primaries for both the Democratic and Republican parties were held in Missouri on March 10. On the Democratic side, former Vice President Joe Biden (D-Delaware) both won statewide and carried Cedar County by a wide margin. Biden went on to defeat President Donald Trump in the general election.

Missouri Democratic Presidential Primary – Cedar County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Joe Biden 434 63.92%
Democratic Bernie Sanders 194 28.57%
Democratic Tulsi Gabbard 10 1.47%
Democratic Others/Uncommitted 41 6.04%

Incumbent President Donald Trump (R-Florida) faced a primary challenge from former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld, but won both Cedar County and statewide by overwhelming margins.

Missouri Republican Presidential Primary – Cedar County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Donald Trump 1,503 98.24%
Republican Bill Weld 3 0.20%
Republican Others/Uncommitted 24 1.57%

2016[edit]

The 2016 presidential primaries for both the Republican and Democratic parties were held in Missouri on March 15. Businessman Donald Trump (R-New York) narrowly won the state overall, but Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) carried a plurality of the vote in Cedar County. Trump went on to win the nomination and the presidency.

Missouri Republican Presidential Primary – Cedar County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Ted Cruz 1,407 44.55%
Republican Donald Trump 1,355 42.91%
Republican John Kasich 182 5.76%
Republican Marco Rubio 102 3.23%
Republican Others/Uncommitted 112 3.55%

On the Democratic side, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (D-New York) narrowly won statewide, but Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) carried Cedar County by a small margin.

Missouri Democratic Presidential Primary – Cedar County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Bernie Sanders 361 51.13%
Democratic Hillary Clinton 332 47.03%
Democratic Others/Uncommitted 13 1.84%

2012[edit]

The 2012 Missouri Republican Presidential Primary's results were nonbinding on the state's national convention delegates. Voters in Cedar County supported former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pennsylvania), who finished first in the state at large, but eventually lost the nomination to former Governor Mitt Romney (R-Massachusetts). Delegates to the congressional district and state conventions were chosen at a county caucus, which selected a delegation favoring Santorum. Incumbent President Barack Obama easily won the Missouri Democratic Primary and renomination. He defeated Romney in the general election.

2008[edit]

In 2008, the Missouri Republican Presidential Primary was closely contested, with Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) prevailing and eventually winning the nomination. Former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-Arkansas) won a plurality in Cedar County, receiving more votes than any other candidate of either major party.

Missouri Republican Presidential Primary – Cedar County (2008)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Mike Huckabee 1,051 46.02%
Republican John McCain 709 31.04%
Republican Mitt Romney 403 17.64%
Republican Ron Paul 63 2.76%
Republican Others/Uncommitted 58 2.55%

Then-Senator Hillary Clinton (D-New York) decisively won the vote in Cedar County on the Democratic side. Despite initial reports that Clinton had won Missouri, Barack Obama (D-Illinois), also a Senator at the time, narrowly defeated her statewide and later became that year's Democratic nominee, going on to win the presidency.

Missouri Democratic Presidential Primary – Cedar County (2008)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Hillary Clinton 910 60.30%
Democratic Barack Obama 498 33.00%
Democratic Others/Uncommitted 101 6.69%

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "2020 Population and Housing State Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ Eaton, David Wolfe (1916). How Missouri Counties, Towns and Streams Were Named. The State Historical Society of Missouri. pp. 273.
  4. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  5. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  6. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  7. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  8. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  9. ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved November 29, 2019.
  10. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  11. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Cedar County, Missouri".
  12. ^ Breeding, Marshall. "Cedar County Library District". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  13. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 24, 2018.

External links[edit]

37°43′N 93°52′W / 37.72°N 93.86°W / 37.72; -93.86