Cedar County, Missouri


Cedar County is a county located in the southwest portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2010 census, the population was 13,982. Its county seat is Stockton. 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.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of, of which is land and is water. The water area includes various rivers and Stockton Lake.

Adjacent counties

As of the census 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. There were 6,813 housing units at an average density of 14 per square mile. 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.

Education

Public schools

Local

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

State

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.
All of Cedar County is a part of Missouri’s 28th District in the Missouri Senate. The seat is currently vacant. The previous incumbent, Mike Parson was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2016.

Federal

All of Cedar County is included in Missouri’s 4th Congressional District and is currently represented by Vicky Hartzler in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Political culture

Missouri presidential preference primary (2008)