Montgomery County, Missouri
Montgomery County is a county in the east central part of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the population was 11,322.[1] Its county seat is Montgomery City.[2] The county was named in honor of Richard Montgomery, an American Revolutionary War general killed in 1775 while attempting to capture Quebec City, Canada.
The county comprises a portion of the Missouri Rhineland. It is approximately halfway between Columbia and St. Louis.
History
[edit | edit source]The county has evidence of human habitation from 10,000 years ago, the Archaic period of indigenous Americans. An ancient site was found during archaeological excavations at Graham Cave on the Loutre River.
In the early 19th century, European settlement started at a greater pace, after exploration during previous decades by French trappers and British and American fur traders.
Although the Loutre Island area is commonly associated with the German-founded towns of Rhineland and Starkenburg, established by immigrants of the mid-19th century and later, it was originally settled by Missouri's Anglo-southern settlers from places such as Kentucky or Virginia. Although the southern part of the county is more closely associated with Missouri's Rhineland, its northern part is more associated with Missouri's "Little Dixie" region, earning Montgomery county the nickname "Gateway to Little Dixie".
An early house of worship was a log church, which is still maintained as a chapel. St. Martin's Church is also located in Starkenburg, built in 1873 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Above its entrance is the text: "This is the House Of God and the Gate Of Heaven."
Starkenburg is also the site of the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, built in the early 20th century and listed on the NRHP. For further devotions and pilgrimage, the community created an outdoor area for representations of the Stations of the Cross, Mount Calvary and Holy Sepulchre. Starkenburg is located inland from the Missouri River. After the destructive Great Flood of 1993, Rhineland citizens used federal funds to relocate their houses 1.5 miles (2.4 km) inland away from the river.
Geography
[edit | edit source]According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 542 square miles (1,400 km2), of which 536 square miles (1,390 km2) is land and 5.8 square miles (15 km2) (1.1%) is water.[3]
Adjacent counties
[edit | edit source]- Audrain County (northwest)
- Pike County (northeast)
- Lincoln County (east)
- Warren County (southeast)
- Gasconade County (south)
- Callaway County (west)
- Osage County (southwest)
Major highways
[edit | edit source]- File:I-70 (MO).svg Interstate 70
- File:US 40.svg U.S. Route 40
- File:MO-19.svg Route 19
- File:MO-94.svg Route 94
- File:MO-161.svg Route 161
.svg){kind=link}
Climate
[edit | edit source]| Template:Climate chart |
Demographics
[edit | edit source]Racial and ethnic composition
[edit | edit source]| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[4] | Pop 1990[5] | Pop 2000[6] | Pop 2010[7] | Pop 2020[8] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 11,098 | 10,987 | 11,596 | 11,642 | 10,444 | 96.19% | 96.76% | 95.55% | 95.15% | 92.25% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 364 | 289 | 245 | 199 | 101 | 3.16% | 2.55% | 2.02% | 1.63% | 0.89% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 16 | 12 | 29 | 22 | 22 | 0.14% | 0.11% | 0.24% | 0.18% | 0.19% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 8 | 20 | 30 | 31 | 50 | 0.07% | 0.18% | 0.25% | 0.25% | 0.44% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) | x [9] | x [10] | 1 | 2 | 5 | x | x | 0.01% | 0.02% | 0.04% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 2 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 22 | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.06% | 0.02% | 0.19% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x [11] | x [12] | 134 | 165 | 449 | x | x | 1.10% | 1.35% | 3.97% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 49 | 45 | 94 | 172 | 229 | 0.42% | 0.40% | 0.77% | 1.41% | 2.02% |
| Total | 11,537 | 11,355 | 12,136 | 12,236 | 11,322 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
2020 census
[edit | edit source]As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 11,322, and the median age was 45.1 years. 21.9% of residents were under the age of 18 and 21.7% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 101.4 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 100.9 males age 18 and over.[13][14]
The racial makeup of the county was 92.9% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0.8% from some other race, and 4.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 2.0% of the population.[13]
According to the 2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics data, 0.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.[15]
There were 4,640 households in the county, of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 22.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[14]
There were 5,758 housing units, of which 19.4% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 74.4% were owner-occupied and 25.6% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.4% and the rental vacancy rate was 9.0%.[14]
2000 census
[edit | edit source]As of the census[16] of 2000, there were 12,136 people, 4,775 households, and 3,337 families residing in the county. The population density was 23 people per square mile (8.9 people/km2). There were 5,726 housing units at an average density of 11 per square mile (4.2/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 95.97% White, 2.04% Black or African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.21% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. Approximately 0.77% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 39.1% were of German, 18.4% American, 10.2% English and 9.2% Irish ancestry.
There were 4,775 households, out of which 31.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.90% were married couples living together, 8.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.10% were non-families. 26.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.40% under the age of 18, 7.40% from 18 to 24, 26.10% from 25 to 44, 23.90% from 45 to 64, and 17.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 98.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,772, and the median income for a family was $38,632. Males had a median income of $27,933 versus $19,809 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,092. About 8.40% of families and 11.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.60% of those under age 18 and 10.60% of those age 65 or over.
Community groups
[edit | edit source]- Montgomery County Human Resource Board
- Montgomery County Citizens for Health Improvement Project
- Montgomery County Women in Agriculture
- Wellsville-Middletown Young Farmers/Young Farm Wives
- Montgomery City Lions Club
- Montgomery County Knights of Columbus
- Montgomery County Literacy Council
- Montgomery County Extension Council
- Montgomery County 4-H Council
- Customs and Classics Car Club
- Montgomery County Old Threshers Association
- Montgomery County Fair Association
Education
[edit | edit source]School districts include:[17]
Public schools
[edit | edit source]- Montgomery County R-II School District – Montgomery City
- Montgomery County Elementary School (PK–5)
- Jonesburg Elementary School (PK–5) – Jonesburg
- Montgomery County Middle School (grades 6–8)
- Montgomery County High School (9–12)
- Wellsville-Middletown R-I School District – Wellsville
- Wellsville Elementary School (PK–6)
- Wellsville High School (7–12)
Private schools
[edit | edit source]Public libraries
[edit | edit source]Communities
[edit | edit source]Cities
[edit | edit source]Village
[edit | edit source]Census-designated places
[edit | edit source]Other unincorporated places
[edit | edit source]Politics
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Local
[edit | edit source]The Republican Party controls politics at the local level in Montgomery County. Republicans hold all of the elected positions in the county.
Template:Missouri county elected officials
State
[edit | edit source]| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 79.41% 4,702 | 18.54% 1,098 | 2.05% 121 |
| 2020 | 76.81% 4,416 | 21.55% 1,239 | 1.64% 94 |
| 2016 | 60.31% 3,261 | 36.18% 1,956 | 3.51% 190 |
| 2012 | 53.49% 2,842 | 44.01% 2,338 | 2.50% 133 |
| 2008 | 55.34% 3,215 | 42.91% 2,493 | 1.76% 102 |
| 2004 | 60.60% 3,480 | 38.06% 2,186 | 1.34% 77 |
| 2000 | 54.14% 2,857 | 41.65% 2,198 | 4.20% 222 |
| 1996 | 42.23% 2,218 | 55.62% 2,921 | 2.15% 113 |
Montgomery County is part of Missouri's 42nd district in the Missouri House of Representatives and is represented by Bart Korman (R-High Hill). Template:Election box begin 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 Template:Election box begin Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box end
Montgomery County is a part of Missouri's 10th District in the Missouri Senate and is currently represented by Jeanie Riddle (R-Fulton). Template:Election box begin Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box end
Federal
[edit | edit source]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 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 Montgomery County is included in Missouri's 3rd congressional district and is represented by Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-St. Elizabeth) 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 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 end
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1888 | 1,905 | 48.20% | 1,989 | 50.33% | 58 | 1.47% |
| 1892 | 1,665 | 43.61% | 1,916 | 50.18% | 237 | 6.21% |
| 1896 | 1,920 | 45.13% | 2,272 | 53.41% | 62 | 1.46% |
| 1900 | 1,866 | 46.67% | 2,000 | 50.03% | 132 | 3.30% |
| 1904 | 1,979 | 48.40% | 1,986 | 48.57% | 124 | 3.03% |
| 1908 | 2,038 | 48.76% | 2,073 | 49.59% | 69 | 1.65% |
| 1912 | 1,697 | 43.75% | 1,883 | 48.54% | 299 | 7.71% |
| 1916 | 2,079 | 50.47% | 1,988 | 48.26% | 52 | 1.26% |
| 1920 | 3,910 | 55.16% | 3,103 | 43.78% | 75 | 1.06% |
| 1924 | 3,563 | 53.60% | 2,938 | 44.19% | 147 | 2.21% |
| 1928 | 3,910 | 63.03% | 2,285 | 36.84% | 8 | 0.13% |
| 1932 | 2,607 | 41.77% | 3,600 | 57.68% | 34 | 0.54% |
| 1936 | 3,468 | 49.99% | 3,458 | 49.85% | 11 | 0.16% |
| 1940 | 3,930 | 54.96% | 3,205 | 44.82% | 16 | 0.22% |
| 1944 | 3,527 | 56.20% | 2,743 | 43.71% | 6 | 0.10% |
| 1948 | 2,889 | 50.75% | 2,792 | 49.04% | 12 | 0.21% |
| 1952 | 3,670 | 56.37% | 2,835 | 43.55% | 5 | 0.08% |
| 1956 | 3,443 | 54.76% | 2,844 | 45.24% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 3,454 | 55.19% | 2,804 | 44.81% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1964 | 2,610 | 44.24% | 3,289 | 55.76% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1968 | 2,903 | 53.59% | 1,891 | 34.91% | 623 | 11.50% |
| 1972 | 3,707 | 68.67% | 1,691 | 31.33% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1976 | 2,665 | 50.83% | 2,535 | 48.35% | 43 | 0.82% |
| 1980 | 3,061 | 58.58% | 2,007 | 38.41% | 157 | 3.00% |
| 1984 | 3,261 | 66.16% | 1,668 | 33.84% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1988 | 2,714 | 56.66% | 2,064 | 43.09% | 12 | 0.25% |
| 1992 | 1,974 | 37.11% | 2,063 | 38.79% | 1,282 | 24.10% |
| 1996 | 2,124 | 40.65% | 2,277 | 43.58% | 824 | 15.77% |
| 2000 | 3,106 | 58.57% | 2,092 | 39.45% | 105 | 1.98% |
| 2004 | 3,563 | 61.86% | 2,147 | 37.27% | 50 | 0.87% |
| 2008 | 3,428 | 58.54% | 2,347 | 40.08% | 81 | 1.38% |
| 2012 | 3,490 | 65.31% | 1,740 | 32.56% | 114 | 2.13% |
| 2016 | 4,127 | 76.02% | 1,119 | 20.61% | 183 | 3.37% |
| 2020 | 4,465 | 77.36% | 1,208 | 20.93% | 99 | 1.72% |
| 2024 | 4,776 | 79.63% | 1,170 | 19.51% | 52 | 0.87% |
| 2016 | 1 | 33.33% | 1 | 33.33% | 1 | 33.33% |
See also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
- ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
- ↑ "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 – Montgomery County, Missouri". United States Census Bureau.
- ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Montgomery County, Missouri". United States Census Bureau.
- ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Montgomery 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
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
- ↑ "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)". United States Census Bureau. 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
- ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ↑ Geography Division (January 12, 2021). 2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Montgomery County, MO (PDF) (Map). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved June 10, 2025. - Text list
- ↑ Breeding, Marshall. "Montgomery City Public Library". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
- ↑ Breeding, Marshall. "Wellsville Public Library". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
- ↑ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
External links
[edit | edit source]- St. Martin's Church
- Digitized 1930 Plat Book of Montgomery County Archived August 16, 2011, at the Wayback Machine from University of Missouri Division of Special Collections, Archives, and Rare Books
- Use American English from June 2025
- Use mdy dates from April 2024
- Articles needing additional references from June 2014
- Coordinates not on Wikidata
- Montgomery County, Missouri
- Missouri Rhineland
- 1818 establishments in Missouri Territory
- Populated places in the United States established in 1818
- Missouri counties on the Missouri River