Henry County, Missouri
Henry County is a county located in the western portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the population was 21,946.[1] Its county seat is Clinton.[2] The county was organized December 13, 1834, as Rives County but was renamed in 1841 for Revolutionary War patriot Patrick Henry.[3][4] The county originally had been named after William Cabell Rives,[5] who was then serving as a U.S. Senator from Virginia. However, Rives lost popularity in Missouri after he joined the Whig Party.
Geography
[edit]According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 732 square miles (1,900 km2), of which 697 square miles (1,810 km2) is land and 35 square miles (91 km2) (4.8%) is water.[6]
Adjacent counties
[edit]- Johnson County (north)
- Pettis County (northeast)
- Benton County (east)
- St. Clair County (south)
- Bates County (west)
- Cass County (northwest)
Major highways
[edit]
Transit
[edit]Demographics
[edit]2020 census
[edit]As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 21,946. The median age was 44.7 years. 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18 and 22.9% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 96.0 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 93.8 males age 18 and over.[7]
The racial makeup of the county was 91.2% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0.9% from some other race, and 6.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 2.6% of the population.[8]
40.4% of residents lived in urban areas, while 59.6% lived in rural areas.[9]
There were 9,253 households in the county, of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 26.6% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[7]
There were 10,693 housing units, of which 13.5% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 70.2% were owner-occupied and 29.8% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.2% and the rental vacancy rate was 8.5%.[7]
2000 census
[edit]As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 21,997 people, 9,133 households, and 6,246 families residing in the county. The population density was 31 people per square mile (12 people/km2). There were 10,261 housing units at an average density of 15 units per square mile (5.8/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.61% White, 1.02% Black or African American, 0.70% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 1.05% from two or more races. Approximately 0.91% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 9,133 households, out of which 28.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.30% were married couples living together, 9.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.60% were non-families. 27.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.70% under the age of 18, 7.80% from 18 to 24, 25.80% from 25 to 44, 24.40% from 45 to 64, and 18.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 95.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,949, and the median income for a family was $36,328. Males had a median income of $27,932 versus $19,201 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,468. About 11.40% of families and 14.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.40% of those under age 18 and 13.90% of those age 65 or over.
Racial and ethnic composition
[edit]| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[11] | Pop 1990[12] | Pop 2000[13] | Pop 2010[14] | Pop 2020[15] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 19,267 | 19,545 | 21,157 | 21,230 | 19,800 | 97.94% | 97.51% | 96.18% | 95.32% | 90.22% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 227 | 227 | 212 | 219 | 177 | 1.15% | 1.13% | 0.96% | 0.98% | 0.81% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 57 | 81 | 150 | 101 | 89 | 0.29% | 0.40% | 0.68% | 0.45% | 0.41% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 16 | 46 | 50 | 52 | 91 | 0.08% | 0.23% | 0.23% | 0.23% | 0.41% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) | x [16] | x [17] | 5 | 13 | 6 | x | x | 0.02% | 0.06% | 0.03% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 12 | 1 | 9 | 8 | 67 | 0.06% | 0.00% | 0.04% | 0.04% | 0.31% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x [18] | x [19] | 213 | 280 | 1,143 | x | x | 0.97% | 1.26% | 5.21% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 93 | 144 | 201 | 369 | 573 | 0.47% | 0.72% | 0.91% | 1.66% | 2.61% |
| Total | 19,672 | 20,044 | 21,997 | 22,272 | 21,946 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Education
[edit]
Public schools
[edit]- Calhoun R-VIII School District– Calhoun
- Calhoun Elementary School (K-06)
- Calhoun High School (07–12)
- Clinton School District Archived October 15, 2007, at the Wayback Machine – Clinton
- Clinton Early Childhood Center (PK)
- Henry Elementary School (K-02)
- Clinton Intermediate School (03–05)
- Clinton Middle School (06–08)
- Clinton High School (09–12)
- Davis R-XII School District – Clinton
- Davis Elementary School (K-08)
- Henry County R-I School District – Windsor
- Windsor Elementary School (PK-06)
- Windsor High School (07–12)
- Lakeland R-III School District – Deepwater/Lowry City
- Actually located in St. Clair County
- Lakeland Elementary School (PK-06)
- Lakeland High School (07–12)
- Leesville R-IX School District – Clinton
- Leesville Elementary School (K-08)
- Montrose R-XIV School District – Montrose
- Montrose Elementary School (K-08)
- Montrose High School (09–12)
- Shawnee R-III School District – Chilhowee
- Shawnee Elementary School (K-08)
Private schools
[edit]- Windsor Amish Schools – Windsor (01–08) – Amish
- St. Mary's School – Montrose (01–08) – Roman Catholic
- Holy Rosary Catholic School – Clinton (PK-08) – Roman Catholic
- Clinton Christian Academy – Clinton (K4-12) – Nondenominational Christian
Public libraries
[edit]Politics
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Local
[edit]The Democratic Party historically controls politics at the local level in Henry County. However, recent gains by Republicans have made Henry County a decidedly Republican stronghold, holding almost all positions in the county.
Template:Missouri county elected officials
State
[edit]| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third Parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 74.17% 7,957 | 23.56% 2,527 | 2.28% 244 |
| 2020 | 74.00% 7,928 | 24.02% 2,574 | 1.98% 212 |
| 2016 | 59.40% 5,582 | 37.51% 3,695 | 3.09% 304 |
| 2012 | 42.14% 4,277 | 53.85% 5,430 | 3.74% 377 |
| 2008 | 35.70% 3,935 | 61.79% 6,810 | 2.51% 277 |
| 2004 | 50.47% 5,471 | 48.29% 5,235 | 1.23% 134 |
| 2000 | 45.63% 4,420 | 52.36% 5,072 | 2.01% 194 |
| 1996 | 34.41% 3,135 | 62.70% 5,712 | 2.89% 263 |
All of Henry County is a part of Missouri's 57th District in the Missouri House of Representatives and is represented by Rodger Reedy (R-Windsor), who was elected in 2018.[22]
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All of Henry County is a part of Missouri's 31st District in the Missouri Senate and is currently represented by Ed Emery (R-Lamar). Template:Election box begin Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box end Template:Election box begin Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box end
Federal
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All of Henry 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. Template:Election box begin Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box end Template:Election box begin Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box end Template:Election box begin Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box end
Political culture
[edit]| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1888 | 2,634 | 42.44% | 3,289 | 52.99% | 284 | 4.58% |
| 1892 | 2,563 | 39.19% | 3,475 | 53.13% | 502 | 7.68% |
| 1896 | 3,234 | 41.79% | 4,442 | 57.41% | 62 | 0.80% |
| 1900 | 2,626 | 39.49% | 3,777 | 56.81% | 246 | 3.70% |
| 1904 | 2,799 | 44.49% | 3,222 | 51.22% | 270 | 4.29% |
| 1908 | 2,854 | 43.30% | 3,577 | 54.27% | 160 | 2.43% |
| 1912 | 1,162 | 18.40% | 3,396 | 53.78% | 1,757 | 27.82% |
| 1916 | 2,727 | 41.90% | 3,653 | 56.12% | 129 | 1.98% |
| 1920 | 5,313 | 49.14% | 5,367 | 49.63% | 133 | 1.23% |
| 1924 | 4,616 | 46.76% | 4,706 | 47.68% | 549 | 5.56% |
| 1928 | 6,263 | 59.07% | 4,319 | 40.73% | 21 | 0.20% |
| 1932 | 3,631 | 34.58% | 6,809 | 64.85% | 60 | 0.57% |
| 1936 | 4,927 | 40.68% | 7,145 | 59.00% | 39 | 0.32% |
| 1940 | 6,332 | 50.97% | 6,069 | 48.85% | 22 | 0.18% |
| 1944 | 5,564 | 54.69% | 4,587 | 45.09% | 23 | 0.23% |
| 1948 | 4,619 | 45.40% | 5,551 | 54.56% | 4 | 0.04% |
| 1952 | 6,628 | 59.07% | 4,576 | 40.78% | 16 | 0.14% |
| 1956 | 5,789 | 54.16% | 4,900 | 45.84% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 6,012 | 56.65% | 4,601 | 43.35% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1964 | 3,083 | 34.86% | 5,761 | 65.14% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1968 | 3,824 | 47.68% | 3,514 | 43.82% | 682 | 8.50% |
| 1972 | 5,802 | 64.99% | 3,125 | 35.01% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1976 | 4,168 | 43.89% | 5,282 | 55.62% | 47 | 0.49% |
| 1980 | 4,807 | 49.19% | 4,648 | 47.56% | 317 | 3.24% |
| 1984 | 5,419 | 59.16% | 3,741 | 40.84% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1988 | 4,167 | 50.04% | 4,135 | 49.65% | 26 | 0.31% |
| 1992 | 2,681 | 27.53% | 4,232 | 43.45% | 2,827 | 29.02% |
| 1996 | 3,260 | 35.68% | 4,579 | 50.11% | 1,298 | 14.21% |
| 2000 | 5,120 | 52.36% | 4,459 | 45.60% | 199 | 2.04% |
| 2004 | 6,361 | 58.48% | 4,461 | 41.01% | 55 | 0.51% |
| 2008 | 6,095 | 54.62% | 4,869 | 43.63% | 195 | 1.75% |
| 2012 | 6,229 | 61.18% | 3,606 | 35.42% | 347 | 3.41% |
| 2016 | 7,075 | 71.38% | 2,357 | 23.78% | 480 | 4.84% |
| 2020 | 8,027 | 74.29% | 2,619 | 24.24% | 159 | 1.47% |
| 2024 | 8,286 | 75.80% | 2,535 | 23.19% | 111 | 1.02% |
| 2016 | 1 | 33.33% | 1 | 33.33% | 1 | 33.33% |
Communities
[edit]Cities
[edit]- Blairstown
- Brownington
- Calhoun
- Clinton (county seat)
- Deepwater
- Montrose
- Urich
- Windsor
Villages
[edit]Census-designated place
[edit]Unincorporated communities
[edit]Townships
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "Henry County, Missouri". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
- ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ↑ Eaton, David Wolfe (1916). How Missouri Counties, Towns and Streams Were Named. The State Historical Society of Missouri. pp. 172.
- ↑ "Chronology of Henry County - 1830s". Truman Area Community Network. Henry County Library. Archived from the original on November 25, 2014. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
- ↑ "Disappearing Missouri Names". The Kansas City Star. March 19, 1911. p. 15. Retrieved August 15, 2014 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
- ↑ "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
- ↑ "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)". United States Census Bureau. 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
- ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ↑ "1980 Census of Population - General Social and Economic Characteristics - Missouri- Table 16 - Persons by Spanish Origin, Race, and Sex: 1980" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. p. 20-25.
- ↑ "1990 Census of Population - General Population Characteristics - Missouri: Table 5 - Race and Hispanic Origin" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. p. 13-63.
- ↑ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Henry County, Missouri". United States Census Bureau.
- ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Henry County, Missouri". United States Census Bureau.
- ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Henry County, Missouri". United States Census Bureau.
- ↑ included in the Asian category in the 1980 Census
- ↑ included in the Asian category in the 1990 Census
- ↑ not an option in the 1980 Census
- ↑ not an option in the 1990 Census
- ↑ Breeding, Marshall. "Henry County Library". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
- ↑ Breeding, Marshall. "Lenora Blackmore Public Library". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
- ↑ "Representative Rodger Reedy".
- ↑ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
Further reading
[edit]- Lamkin, Uel. A History of Henry County, Missouri (1919) full text
External links
[edit]- Digitized 1930 Plat Book of Henry County Archived August 16, 2011, at the Wayback Machine from University of Missouri Division of Special Collections, Archives, and Rare Books