Cedar County, Missouri

Last updated

Cedar County
Cedar County Missouri Courthouse 20191016-6899.jpg
County courthouse in Stockton
Map of Missouri highlighting Cedar County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of Missouri
Missouri in United States.svg
Missouri's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 37°43′N93°52′W / 37.72°N 93.86°W / 37.72; -93.86
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of Missouri.svg  Missouri
FoundedFebruary 14, 1845
Named for Cedar Creek, a tributary of the Sac River
Seat Stockton
Largest city El Dorado Springs
Area
  Total
499 sq mi (1,290 km2)
  Land474 sq mi (1,230 km2)
  Water24 sq mi (60 km2)  4.8%
Population
 (2020)
  Total
14,188
  Density28/sq mi (11/km2)
Time zone UTC−6 (Central)
  Summer (DST) UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district 4th
Website cedarcountymo.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]

Contents

Geography

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

Major highways

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1850 3,361
1860 6,63797.5%
1870 9,47442.7%
1880 10,74113.4%
1890 15,62045.4%
1900 16,9238.3%
1910 16,080−5.0%
1920 13,933−13.4%
1930 11,136−20.1%
1940 11,6975.0%
1950 10,663−8.8%
1960 9,185−13.9%
1970 9,4242.6%
1980 11,89426.2%
1990 12,0931.7%
2000 13,73313.6%
2010 13,9821.8%
2020 14,1881.5%
U.S. Decennial Census [5]
1790-1960 [6] 1900-1990 [7]
1990-2000 [8] 2010-2020 [1]

As of the census [9] 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

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

Cedar County Racial Composition [10]
RaceNum.Perc.
White (NH)12,89991%
Black or African American (NH)570.4%
Native American (NH)1000.7%
Asian (NH)420.3%
Pacific Islander (NH)70.05%
Other/Mixed (NH)8225.8%
Hispanic or Latino 2611.83%

Education

Public schools

Private schools

Public libraries

Communities

Cities and Towns

Unincorporated Communities

Notable people

Politics

Local

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 Leah Morton Republican
Circuit Clerk Sarah Turner Republican
County Clerk Heather York Republican
Collector Lisa Nelson Republican
Commissioner
(Presiding)
Kenneth Thornton Republican
Commissioner
(District 1)
Don Boultinghouse Republican
Commissioner
(District 2)
Ted Anderson Republican
Coroner Andrew Wyant 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

Past Gubernatorial Elections Results
Year Republican Democratic Third Parties
2024 81.68%5,77416.16% 1,1422.16% 153
2020 82.10%5,77115.71% 1,1042.19% 154
2016 70.26%4,41526.53% 1,6673.21% 202
2012 56.43%3,38340.92% 2,4532.65% 159
2008 47.17% 2,97048.22%3,0364.61% 290
2004 66.31%4,09632.04% 1,9791.65% 102
2000 58.42%3,29739.69% 2,2401.89% 107
1996 54.31%2,82742.50% 2,2123.19% 166

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

Missouri House of Representatives — District 125 — Cedar County (2024)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Dane Diehl3,75387.52%−0.68
Democratic Lynda Jones53512.48%+12.48
Missouri House of Representatives — District 125 — Cedar County (2022)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Dane Diehl2,63888.20%−11.80
Libertarian Robert E. Smith35311.80%+11.80
Missouri House of Representatives — District 125 — Cedar County (2020)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Jim Kalberloh2,590100.00%+19.51
Missouri House of Representatives — District 125 — Cedar County (2018)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Warren D. Love1,85280.49%−19.51
Democratic Chase Crawford44919.51%+19.51
Missouri House of Representatives — District 127 — Cedar County (2024)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Ann Kelley2,03674.74%+4.00
Democratic Marvin Manring68825.26%−4.00
Missouri House of Representatives — District 127 — Cedar County (2022)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Ann Kelley1,44870.74%−29.26
Democratic Marvin Manring59929.26%+29.26
Missouri House of Representatives — District 127 — Cedar County (2020)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Ann Kelley691100.00%+26.24
Missouri House of Representatives — District 127 — Cedar County (2018)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Ann Kelley46173.76%−8.14
Democratic Teri Hanna16426.24%+8.14

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 (2022)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Sandy Crawford4,528100.00%+17.16
Missouri Senate — District 28 — Cedar County (2018)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Sandy Crawford4,41282.84%+14.68
Democratic Joe Poor91417.16%−14.68
Missouri Senate — District 28 Special Election — Cedar County (2017)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Sandy Crawford59568.16%−31.84
Democratic Albert J. Skalicky27831.84%+31.84

Federal

All of Cedar County is included in Missouri's 4th Congressional District and is currently represented by Mark Alford (R-Lake Winnebago) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Alford was elected to a second term in 2024 over Democratic challenger Jeanette Cass.

U.S. House of Representatives – Missouri’s 4th Congressional District – Cedar County (2024)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Mark Alford5,71682.40%−0.35
Democratic Jeanette Cass1,01914.69%−0.56
Libertarian Thomas Holbrook2022.91%+0.91
U.S. House of Representatives – Missouri’s 4th Congressional District – Cedar County (2022)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Mark Alford4,21182.75%+0.80
Democratic Jack Truman77615.25%−0.25
Libertarian Randy Langkraehr1022.00%−0.55
U.S. House of Representatives – Missouri’s 4th Congressional District – Cedar County (2020)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Vicky Hartzler5,65781.95%+0.61
Democratic Lindsey Simmons1,07015.50%+0.38
Libertarian Steven K. Koonse1762.55%−0.24
U.S. House of Representatives – Missouri's 4th Congressional District – Cedar County (2018)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Vicky Hartzler4,40681.34%+0.94
Democratic Renee Hoagenson86015.88%+0.46
Libertarian Mark Bliss1512.79%−1.40

Cedar County, along with the rest of the state of Missouri, is represented in the U.S. Senate by Josh Hawley (R-Ozark) and Eric Schmitt (R-Glendale). Hawley was elected to a second term in 2024 over marine veteran Lucas Kunce.

U.S. Senate – Class I – Cedar County (2024)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Josh Hawley5,64979.59%+4.74
Democratic Lucas Kunce1,26017.75%−3.85
Libertarian W.C. Young680.95%−0.23
Green Nathan Kline610.86%+0.16
BetterJared Young600.85%+0.85
U.S. Senate – Class I – Cedar County (2018)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Josh Hawley4,09274.85%+21.16
Democratic Claire McCaskill1,18121.60%−17.47
Independent Craig O'Dear911.67%
Libertarian Japheth Campbell651.19%−6.05
Green Jo Crain380.70%+0.70

Schmitt was elected to the senate in 2022 over nurse and businesswoman Trudy Busch Valentine.

U.S. Senate — Class III — Cedar County (2022)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Eric Schmitt3,96276.95%+6.34
Democratic Trudy Busch Valentine92918.04%−6.44
Libertarian Jonathan Dine1492.89%+0.16
Constitution Paul Venable1092.12%+1.21
U.S. Senate — Class III — Cedar County (2016)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Roy Blunt4,44570.61%+16.92
Democratic Jason Kander1,54124.48%−14.59
Libertarian Jonathan Dine1722.73%−4.51
Green Johnathan McFarland801.27%+1.27
Constitution Fred Ryman570.91%+0.91

Political culture [12] [13]

United States presidential election results for Cedar County, Missouri [14]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.%No.%No.%
2024 6,06484.36%1,06014.75%640.89%
2020 5,78882.17%1,14516.25%1111.58%
2016 5,02179.36%1,01115.98%2954.66%
2012 4,37672.39%1,53725.43%1322.18%
2008 4,19466.01%2,06032.42%1001.57%
2004 4,23868.32%1,91030.79%550.89%
2000 3,53062.33%1,97934.95%1542.72%
1996 2,48447.57%2,02738.82%71113.62%
1992 2,08539.05%2,06438.66%1,19022.29%
1988 2,96662.52%1,77437.39%40.08%
1984 3,53971.08%1,44028.92%00.00%
1980 3,46965.66%1,70332.24%1112.10%
1976 2,75255.43%2,19244.15%210.42%
1972 3,52075.34%1,15224.66%00.00%
1968 2,94064.08%1,21826.55%4309.37%
1964 2,47852.44%2,24747.56%00.00%
1960 3,73070.68%1,54729.32%00.00%
1956 3,27665.57%1,72034.43%00.00%
1952 3,81471.71%1,48327.88%220.41%
1948 2,92858.56%2,06241.24%100.20%
1944 3,57670.69%1,47829.22%50.10%
1940 4,06866.99%1,97332.49%320.53%
1936 3,53558.80%2,44340.64%340.57%
1932 2,51546.47%2,83452.37%631.16%
1928 3,34065.75%1,72834.02%120.24%
1924 2,80255.83%2,00739.99%2104.18%
1920 3,48863.48%1,93635.23%711.29%
1916 1,87455.28%1,41041.59%1063.13%
1912 1,24236.06%1,39240.42%81023.52%
1908 1,93354.87%1,48342.09%1073.04%
1904 1,88552.90%1,53343.03%1454.07%
1900 1,84548.53%1,82047.87%1373.60%
1896 1,88143.78%2,40055.87%150.35%
1892 1,35441.50%1,24638.19%66320.32%
1888 1,42443.07%1,43443.38%44813.55%
1884 1,44947.98%1,56351.75%80.26%
1880 92644.43%90043.19%25812.38%
1876 92150.47%90449.53%00.00%
1872 77250.96%74349.04%00.00%
1868 63068.18%29431.82%00.00%
1864 297100.00%00.00%00.00%
1860 40.46%32437.20%54362.34%
1856 00.00%39170.58%16329.42%
1852 6528.63%16271.37%00.00%
1848 11629.97%27170.03%00.00%

At the presidential level, Cedar County has been solidly Republican for much of its history. Cedar County strongly favored Donald Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024. 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

2020

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)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Democratic Joe Biden43463.92%
Democratic Bernie Sanders19428.57%
Democratic Tulsi Gabbard101.47%
Democratic Others/Uncommitted416.04%

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)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Donald Trump1,50398.24%
Republican Bill Weld30.20%
Republican Others/Uncommitted241.57%

2016

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)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Ted Cruz1,40744.55%
Republican Donald Trump1,35542.91%
Republican John Kasich1825.76%
Republican Marco Rubio1023.23%
Republican Others/Uncommitted1123.55%

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)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Democratic Bernie Sanders36151.13%
Democratic Hillary Clinton33247.03%
Democratic Others/Uncommitted131.84%

2012

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

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)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Mike Huckabee1,05146.02%
Republican John McCain70931.04%
Republican Mitt Romney40317.64%
Republican Ron Paul632.76%
Republican Others/Uncommitted582.55%

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)
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Democratic Hillary Clinton91060.30%
Democratic Barack Obama49833.00%
Democratic Others/Uncommitted1016.69%

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "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. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  10. "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Cedar County, Missouri".
  11. Breeding, Marshall. "Cedar County Library District". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  12. Dublin, Michael (2002). United States Presidential Elections, 1788-1860 : The Official Results by County and State. Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland and Company. ISBN   9780786410170.
  13. "Our Campaigns Home Page". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  14. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 24, 2018.

37°43′N93°52′W / 37.72°N 93.86°W / 37.72; -93.86