Ozark County, Missouri
Ozark County is a county in the southern portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. The estimated 2025 population is 9,172.[1] The largest city and county seat is Gainesville.[2] The county was organized as Ozark County, named after the Ozark Mountains, on January 29, 1841. It was renamed Decatur County, after Commodore Stephen Decatur, from 1843 to 1845, after which the name Ozark County was restored.[3]
Geography
[edit | edit source]According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 755 square miles (1,960 km2), of which 745 square miles (1,930 km2) is land and 10 square miles (26 km2) (1.4%) is water.[4] Arkansas is located to the south of Ozark County.
Adjacent counties
[edit | edit source]- Douglas County (north)
- Howell County (east)
- Fulton County, Arkansas (southeast)
- Baxter County, Arkansas (south)
- Marion County, Arkansas (southwest)
- Taney County (west)
Major highways
[edit | edit source]- File:US 160.svg U.S. Route 160
- File:MO-5.svg Route 5
- File:MO-95.svg Route 95
- File:MO-142.svg Route 142
- File:MO-181.svg Route 181
National protected area
[edit | edit source]- Mark Twain National Forest (part)
Demographics
[edit | edit source]Racial and ethnic composition
[edit | edit source]| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[5] | Pop 1990[6] | Pop 2000[7] | Pop 2010[8] | Pop 2020[9] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 7,856 | 8,490 | 9,249 | 9,387 | 8,000 | 98.68% | 98.74% | 96.93% | 96.54% | 93.53% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 1 | 2 | 14 | 11 | 19 | 0.01% | 0.02% | 0.15% | 0.11% | 0.22% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 41 | 35 | 59 | 58 | 38 | 0.52% | 0.41% | 0.62% | 0.60% | 0.44% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 6 | 12 | 8 | 13 | 14 | 0.08% | 0.14% | 0.08% | 0.13% | 0.16% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) | x [10] | x [11] | 0 | 0 | 5 | x | x | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.06% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 41 | 0.05% | 0.03% | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.48% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x [12] | x [13] | 120 | 124 | 327 | x | x | 1.26% | 1.28% | 3.82% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 53 | 56 | 90 | 128 | 109 | 0.67% | 0.65% | 0.94% | 1.32% | 1.27% |
| Total | 7,961 | 8,598 | 9,542 | 9,723 | 8,553 | 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 8,553. The median age was 51.9 years, 18.8% of residents were under the age of 18, and 28.1% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 100.9 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 98.7 males age 18 and over.[14]
The racial makeup of the county was 93.9% White, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0.7% from some other race, and 4.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 1.3% of the population.[15]
| Race | Num. | Perc. |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 8,000 | 93.5% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 19 | 0.22% |
| Native American (NH) | 38 | 0.44% |
| Asian (NH) | 14 | 0.16% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 5 | 0.06% |
| Other/Mixed (NH) | 368 | 4.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 109 | 1.27% |
0.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.[16]
There were 3,759 households in the county, of which 22.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 22.1% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[14]
There were 5,025 housing units, of which 25.2% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 80.5% were owner-occupied and 19.5% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.4% and the rental vacancy rate was 9.8%.[14]
2000 census
[edit | edit source]As of the census[17] of 2000, there were 9,542 people, 3,950 households, and 2,855 families residing in the county. The population density was 13 people per square mile (5.0 people/km2). There were 5,114 housing units at an average density of 7 units per square mile (2.7/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.57% White, 0.15% Black or African American, 0.65% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.19% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. Approximately 0.94% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Among the major first ancestries reported in Ozark County were 28.6% American, 15.9% German, 12.1% English, and 11.4% Irish.
There were 3,950 households, out of which 26.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.20% were married couples living together, 6.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.70% were non-families. 24.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.81.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.10% under the age of 18, 6.90% from 18 to 24, 22.80% from 25 to 44, 28.70% from 45 to 64, and 19.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 98.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $31,508, and the median income for a family was $36,622. Males had a median income of $21,685 versus $17,312 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,302. About 16.10% of families and 21.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.80% of those under age 18 and 17.20% of those age 65 or over.
Religion
[edit | edit source]According to the Association of Religion Data Archives County Membership Report (2000), Ozark County is a part of the Bible Belt with evangelical Protestantism being the majority religion. The most predominant denominations among residents in Ozark County who adhere to a religion are Southern Baptists (25.79%), Churches of Christ (24.83%), and Pentecostals (17.07%).
Education
[edit | edit source]Of adults 25 years of age and older in Ozark County, 73.0% possesses a high school diploma or higher while 8.3% holds a bachelor's degree or higher as their highest educational attainment.
Public schools
[edit | edit source]- Thornfield R-I School District - Thornfield - (K-08)
- Lutie R-VI School District - Theodosia
- Lutie Elementary School (K-06)
- Lutie High School (07-12)
- Gainesville R-V School District - Gainesville
- Gainesville Elementary School (K-06)
- Gainesville High School (07-12)
- Dora R-III School District - Dora
- Dora Elementary School (K-06)
- Dora High School (07-12)
- Bakersfield R-IV School District - Bakersfield
- Bakersfield Elementary School (PK-05)
- Bakersfield High School (06-12)
Public libraries
[edit | edit source]The county has a library in Gainesville, the Ozard County Library. It's compeltely run by volunteers, and open 5 days a week.[18]
Politics
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Local
[edit | edit source]The Republican Party predominantly controls politics at the local level in Ozark County. Republicans hold all of the elected positions in the county.
Template:Missouri county elected officials
State
[edit | edit source]All of Ozark County is a part of Missouri's 155th District in the Missouri House of Representatives and is represented by Travis Smith (R-Dora).[19] 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 end Template:Election box begin Template:Election box candidate with party link Template:Election box end
All of Ozark County is a part of Missouri's 33rd District in the Missouri Senate and is currently represented by Carla Eslinger (R-Wasola). 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 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
Ozark County is included in Missouri's 8th Congressional District and is currently represented by Jason T. Smith (R-Salem) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Smith won a special election on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, to finish out the remaining term of U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (R-Cape Girardeau). Emerson announced her resignation a month after being reelected with over 70 percent of the vote in the district. She resigned to become CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative. 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 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 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 Parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 82.77% 3,886 | 15.57% 731 | 1.66% 78 |
| 2020 | 82.25% 3,963 | 15.96% 769 | 1.78% 86 |
| 2016 | 68.66% 3,078 | 27.39% 1,228 | 3.95% 177 |
| 2012 | 52.63% 2,334 | 43.92% 1,948 | 3.45% 153 |
| 2008 | 42.47% 1,967 | 53.63% 2,484 | 3.90% 181 |
| 2004 | 63.04% 2,949 | 34.80% 1,628 | 2.16% 101 |
| 2000 | 58.65% 2,502 | 38.54% 1,644 | 2.81% 120 |
| 1996 | 59.15% 2,376 | 38.16% 1,533 | 2.69% 108 |
| 1992 | 53.21% 2,222 | 46.79% 1,954 | 0.00% 0 |
| 1988 | 74.47% 2,721 | 25.18% 920 | 0.36% 13 |
| 1984 | 74.92% 2,742 | 25.08% 918 | 0.00% 0 |
| 1980 | 61.61% 2,287 | 38.20% 1,418 | 0.19% 7 |
| 1976 | 61.76% 1,886 | 38.21% 1,167 | 0.03% 1 |
Political culture
[edit | edit source]| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1888 | 884 | 59.13% | 434 | 29.03% | 177 | 11.84% |
| 1892 | 881 | 57.24% | 387 | 25.15% | 271 | 17.61% |
| 1896 | 1,187 | 53.47% | 1,025 | 46.17% | 8 | 0.36% |
| 1900 | 1,272 | 63.28% | 695 | 34.58% | 43 | 2.14% |
| 1904 | 1,305 | 68.00% | 556 | 28.97% | 58 | 3.02% |
| 1908 | 1,233 | 65.76% | 594 | 31.68% | 48 | 2.56% |
| 1912 | 695 | 32.69% | 575 | 27.05% | 856 | 40.26% |
| 1916 | 1,331 | 65.89% | 654 | 32.38% | 35 | 1.73% |
| 1920 | 2,457 | 79.72% | 569 | 18.46% | 56 | 1.82% |
| 1924 | 1,758 | 69.05% | 688 | 27.02% | 100 | 3.93% |
| 1928 | 2,616 | 82.68% | 529 | 16.72% | 19 | 0.60% |
| 1932 | 1,730 | 55.70% | 1,358 | 43.72% | 18 | 0.58% |
| 1936 | 2,981 | 68.47% | 1,359 | 31.21% | 14 | 0.32% |
| 1940 | 3,421 | 77.66% | 965 | 21.91% | 19 | 0.43% |
| 1944 | 2,707 | 81.10% | 628 | 18.81% | 3 | 0.09% |
| 1948 | 1,967 | 69.46% | 859 | 30.33% | 6 | 0.21% |
| 1952 | 2,572 | 77.73% | 734 | 22.18% | 3 | 0.09% |
| 1956 | 2,141 | 70.71% | 887 | 29.29% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 2,595 | 78.26% | 721 | 21.74% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1964 | 1,540 | 59.14% | 1,064 | 40.86% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1968 | 1,967 | 68.37% | 606 | 21.06% | 304 | 10.57% |
| 1972 | 2,119 | 77.22% | 625 | 22.78% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1976 | 1,754 | 56.49% | 1,341 | 43.19% | 10 | 0.32% |
| 1980 | 2,434 | 64.56% | 1,242 | 32.94% | 94 | 2.49% |
| 1984 | 2,614 | 70.19% | 1,110 | 29.81% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1988 | 2,404 | 64.21% | 1,329 | 35.50% | 11 | 0.29% |
| 1992 | 1,772 | 41.49% | 1,581 | 37.02% | 918 | 21.49% |
| 1996 | 1,882 | 47.18% | 1,445 | 36.22% | 662 | 16.60% |
| 2000 | 2,663 | 62.05% | 1,432 | 33.36% | 197 | 4.59% |
| 2004 | 3,083 | 65.50% | 1,561 | 33.16% | 63 | 1.34% |
| 2008 | 2,918 | 62.27% | 1,661 | 35.45% | 107 | 2.28% |
| 2012 | 3,080 | 69.17% | 1,261 | 28.32% | 112 | 2.52% |
| 2016 | 3,639 | 80.78% | 724 | 16.07% | 142 | 3.15% |
| 2020 | 4,064 | 83.55% | 752 | 15.46% | 48 | 0.99% |
| 2024 | 4,044 | 84.60% | 698 | 14.60% | 38 | 0.79% |
| 2016 | 1 | 33.33% | 1 | 33.33% | 1 | 33.33% |
Like most counties situated in Southwest Missouri, Ozark County is a Republican stronghold in presidential elections. George W. Bush carried Ozark County in 2000 and 2004 by convincing two-to-one margins. Like many other rural counties throughout Missouri, Ozark County favored John McCain over Barack Obama in 2008. No Democratic presidential nominee has won Ozark County since 1860.[21]
Like most rural areas throughout the Bible Belt in Southwest Missouri, voters in Ozark County traditionally adhere to socially and culturally conservative principles which tend to influence their Republican leanings. In 2004, Missourians voted on a constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union between a man and a woman—it overwhelmingly passed Ozark County with 82.18 percent of the vote. The initiative passed the state with 71 percent of support from voters as Missouri became the first state to ban same-sex marriage. In 2006, Missourians voted on a constitutional amendment to fund and legalize embryonic stem cell research in the state—it narrowly failed in Ozark County with 51.07 percent voting against the measure. The initiative narrowly passed the state with 51 percent of support from voters as Missouri became one of the first states in the nation to approve embryonic stem cell research. Despite Ozark County's longstanding tradition of supporting socially conservative platforms, voters in the county have a penchant for advancing populist causes like increasing the minimum wage. In 2006, Missourians voted on a proposition (Proposition B) to increase the minimum wage in the state to $6.50 an hour—it passed Ozark County with 76.94 percent of the vote. The proposition strongly passed every single county in Missouri with 78.99 percent voting in favor as the minimum wage was increased to $6.50 an hour in the state. During the same election, voters in five other states also strongly approved increases in the minimum wage.
Missouri presidential preference primary (2008)
[edit | edit source]In the 2008 presidential primary, voters in Ozark County from both political parties supported candidates who finished in second place in the state at large and nationally. Former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-Arkansas) received more votes, a total of 766, than any candidate from either party in Ozark County during the 2008 presidential primary.
Communities
[edit | edit source]City
[edit | edit source]- Gainesville (county seat)
Villages
[edit | edit source]Census-designated places
[edit | edit source]Unincorporated communities
[edit | edit source]See also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2025". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
- ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ↑ "Disappearing Missouri Names". The Kansas City Star. March 19, 1911. p. 15. Retrieved August 15, 2014 – via Newspapers.com. Error creating thumbnail:
- ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 17, 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. pp. 20–25. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 13, 2025 – via Wayback Machine.
- ↑ "1990 Census of Population - General Population Characteristics - Missouri: Table 5 - Race and Hispanic Origin" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. pp. 13–63. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 13, 2025 – via Wayback Machine.
- ↑ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Ozark County, Missouri". United States Census Bureau.
- ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Ozark County, Missouri". United States Census Bureau.
- ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Ozark 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
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". 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.
- ↑ "Library in Ozark County Missouri".
- ↑ "Missouri House of Representatives District 155". Ballotpedia. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
- ↑ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
- ↑ Brandt, Maxwell; ‘A Few Lists of 2008 Election Results’
External links
[edit | edit source]- Digitized 1930 Plat Book of Ozark County Archived August 16, 2011, at the Wayback Machine from University of Missouri Division of Special Collections, Archives, and Rare Books
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- Use mdy dates from April 2024
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- Ozark County, Missouri
- 1841 establishments in Missouri
- Populated places in the United States established in 1841