Wright County, Missouri

Wright County is a county located in the southern portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2010 census, the population was 18,815.[1] Its county seat is Hartville.[2] The county was officially organized on January 29, 1841, and is named after Silas Wright (D-New York), a former Congressman, U.S. Senator and Governor of New York.[3] As of 2020, Wright County is the median population center of the 48 mainland states of the United States.

Wright County
U.S. county
Wright County Courthouse in Hartville
Location within the U.S. state of Missouri
Missouri's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 37°16′N 92°28′W
Country United States
State Missouri
FoundedJanuary 29, 1841
Named forSilas Wright
SeatHartville
Largest cityMountain Grove
Area
 • Total683 sq mi (1,770 km2)
 • Land682 sq mi (1,770 km2)
 • Water1.4 sq mi (4 km2)  0.2%
Population
 (2010)
 • Total18,815
 • Estimate 
(2018)
18,378
 • Density28/sq mi (11/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district8th
Websitewww.wrightcountymo.com


History

Wright County is bordered by Laclede County on the north, Texas County on the east, Douglas County on the south, and Webster County on the west. It is in the part of the state considered Southwest Missouri. Formed from part of Pulaski County on January 29, 1841, Wright County was named in honor of Silas Wright, a prominent New York Democrat. The county seat of Hartville was named after pioneer settler Isaac Hart.[4] Wright County lost part of its land in 1845 to Texas County, in 1849 to Laclede, and in 1855 a big chunk to Webster.

It appears there were no Native American settlements early in the area, although the wandering Delawares, Shawnees, and Piankashaws did come through. Early white settlers were in the county in 1836 and were probably hunters. Earliest known settlers (by 1840) were Samuel Thompson, Robert Moore, John W. Burns, Jeff and Robert Montgomery, Benjamin Stephens, James Young, William Franklin, Isham Pool, and the Tuckers, according to Goodspeed.

The county has been devastated several times by storms. A tornado that swept through Southwest Missouri that devastated Webster County on April 18, 1880. A flood occurred April 22–23, 1885. Another tornado on May 8, 1888, did considerable damage, as did a hailstorm near the same time that reportedly left hail 3-4 inches deep and in drifts 5–8 feet high, after falling for two hours. Goodspeed gives great accounts of these storms, as well as others.

A good-sized portion of the county is located in the Mark Twain National Forest. The Gasconade River and its tributaries flow through the county, as well allowing for great recreational opportunities.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 683 square miles (1,770 km2), of which 682 square miles (1,770 km2) is land and 1.4 square miles (3.6 km2) (0.2%) is water.[5]

Wright County lies within the Salem Plateau region of the Ozarks. The bulk of the county is drained by the north flowing Gasconade River and its tributary streams. The southern edge of the county is drained by the south flowing headwaters of North Fork River. The terrain is moderately hilly.[6]

Adjacent counties

Major highways

National protected area

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18503,387—
18604,50833.1%
18705,68426.1%
18809,71270.9%
189014,48449.1%
190017,51921.0%
191018,3154.5%
192017,733−3.2%
193016,741−5.6%
194017,9677.3%
195015,834−11.9%
196014,183−10.4%
197013,667−3.6%
198016,18818.4%
199016,7583.5%
200017,9557.1%
201018,8154.8%
Est. 201818,378[7]−2.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1790-1960[9] 1900-1990[10]
1990-2000[11] 2010-2015[1]

As of the census[12] of 2000, there were 17,955 people, 7,081 households, and 5,020 families residing in the county. The population density was 26 people per square mile (10/km²). There were 7,957 housing units at an average density of 12 per square mile (4/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.61% White, 0.28% Black or African American, 0.66% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.27% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. Approximately 0.77% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 7,081 households out of which 33.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% were married couples living together, 8.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.10% were non-families. 26.30% 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 2.50 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the county, the population was spread out with 27.20% under the age of 18, 8.20% from 18 to 24, 25.30% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 16.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $30,685, and the median income for a family was $37,139. Males had a median income of $24,876 versus $17,608 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,319. About 17.30% of families and 21.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.10% of those under age 18 and 17.60% of those age 65 or over.

Religion

According to the Association of Religion Data Archives County Membership Report (2000), Wright County is a part of the Bible Belt with evangelical Protestantism being the majority religion. The most predominant denominations among residents in Wright County who adhere to a religion are Southern Baptists (49.92%), National Association of Free Will Baptists (19.84%), and Pentecostals (7.55%).

Education

Of adults 25 years of age and older in Wright County, 71.1% possesses a high school diploma or higher while 9.8% holds a bachelor's degree or higher as their highest educational attainment.

Public schools

Private schools
  • Mountain Grove Christian Academy - Mountain Grove - (PK-12) - Non-denominational Christian
  • Liberty Faith Christian Academy - Norwood - (K-12) - Non-denominational Christian

Alternative and vocational schools
  • Ozark Mountain Technical Center - Mountain Grove - (09-12) - Vocational/Technical
  • Ozark Regional Juvenile Detention Center - Mountain Grove - (05-12) - Juvenile Hall
  • Skyview State School - Mountain Grove - (K-12) - A school for handicapped students and those with other special needs.

Public libraries
  • Wright County Library[13]

Politics

Local
Wright County, Missouri
Elected countywide officials
Assessor Brenda Day Republican
Circuit Clerk Joe Chadwell Republican
County Clerk Nelda Masner Republican
Collector Cindy Cottengim Republican
Commissioner
(Presiding)		 Zach Williams Republican
Commissioner
(District 1)		 Tommy Gaddis Republican
Commissioner
(District 2)		 Mike Sherman Republican
Coroner Ben Hurtt Republican
Prosecuting Attorney Jason W. MacPherson Republican
Public Administrator John T. Miller Republican
Recorder Kathy Garrison Republican
Sheriff Glenn Adler Republican
Surveyor W. Andrew Daniel Republican
Treasurer Naomi Gray Republican

The Republican Party completely controls politics at the local level in Wright County. Republicans hold every elected position in the county.

State

All of Wright County is a part off Missouri's 141st District in the Missouri House of Representatives and is currently represented by Hannah Kelly (R-Mountain Grove).

Missouri House of Representatives — District 141 — Wright County (2016)[14]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Republican Hannah Kelly 6,910 100.00%
Missouri House of Representatives — District 141 — Wright County (2014)[14]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Republican Tony Dugger 3,591 100.00%
Missouri House of Representatives — District 141 — Wright County (2012)[14]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Republican Tony Dugger 6,899 100.00%

All of Wright County is a part of Missouri's 33rd District in the Missouri Senate and is currently represented by State Senator Mike Cunningham (R-Rogersville)

Missouri Senate — District 33 — Wright County (2016)[14]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Republican Mike Cunningham 7,098 100.00%
Missouri Senate — District 33 — Wright County (2012)[14]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Republican Mike Cunningham 6,834 100.00%
Past Gubernatorial Elections Results
Year Republican Democratic Third Parties
2016 73.93% 5,993 23.40% 1,897 2.66% 216
2012 61.13% 4,866 36.16% 2,878 2.71% 216
2008 49.57% 4,198 47.53% 4,025 2.90% 245
2004 71.37% 5,955 27.33% 2,280 1.30% 109
2000 62.56% 4,872 35.73% 2,783 1.71% 133
1996 62.03% 4,310 35.13% 2,441 2.84% 197
1992 56.36% 4,280 43.64% 3,314 0.00% 0
1988 74.68% 4,789 24.92% 1,598 0.41% 26
1984 74.30% 4,928 25.70% 1,705 0.00% 0
1980 60.21% 4,035 39.67% 2,659 0.12% 8
1976 61.66% 3,780 38.29% 2,347 0.05% 3

Federal
U.S. Senate — Missouri — Wright County (2016)[14]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Republican Roy Blunt 5,930 73.29% +17.39
Democratic Jason Kander 1,836 22.69% -13.92
Libertarian Jonathan Dine 176 2.18% -5.31
Green Johnathan McFarland 60 0.74% +0.74
Constitution Fred Ryman 89 1.10% +1.10
U.S. Senate — Missouri — Wright County (2012)[14]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Republican Todd Akin 4,402 55.90%
Democratic Claire McCaskill 2,883 36.61%
Libertarian Jonathan Dine 590 7.49%

Wright 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.

U.S. House of Representatives — District 8 — Wright County (2016)[14]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Republican Jason Smith 6,594 83.19% +5.05
Democratic Dave Cowell 1,150 14.51% -1.28
Libertarian Jonathan Shell 182 2.30% +0.00
U.S. House of Representatives — District 8 — Wright County (2014)[14]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Republican Jason Smith 3,157 78.14% -2.27
Democratic Barbara Stocker 638 15.79% -1.18
Libertarian Rick Vandeven 93 2.30% +1.16
Constitution Doug Enyart 56 1.39% -0.09
Independent Terry Hampton 96 2.38% +2.38
U.S. House of Representatives — District 8 — Special Election – Wright County (2013)[14]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Republican Jason T. Smith 1,412 80.41 +1.34
Democratic Steve Hodges 298 16.97 -0.12
Libertarian Bill Slantz 20 1.14 -2.70
Constitution Doug Enyart 26 1.48 +1.48
U.S. House of Representatives — District 8 — Wright County (2012)[14]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Republican Jo Ann Emerson 6,172 79.07%
Democratic Jack Rushin 1,334 17.09%
Libertarian Rick Vandeven 300 3.84%

Political culture
Presidential elections results
Presidential elections results[15]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2016 82.6% 6,707 14.4% 1,170 3.0% 242
2012 73.3% 5,830 24.6% 1,953 2.2% 172
2008 67.9% 5,784 30.0% 2,557 2.0% 173
2004 73.0% 6,090 26.2% 2,188 0.8% 68
2000 68.8% 5,391 28.7% 2,250 2.6% 200
1996 53.7% 3,754 32.6% 2,280 13.7% 961
1992 44.6% 3,427 36.6% 2,814 18.8% 1,443
1988 64.9% 4,151 34.9% 2,232 0.2% 11
1984 70.4% 4,687 29.6% 1,973
1980 66.3% 4,451 32.5% 2,182 1.2% 83
1976 54.9% 3,397 44.9% 2,781 0.2% 13
1972 76.1% 4,350 23.9% 1,368
1968 66.2% 3,576 24.8% 1,337 9.0% 487
1964 51.3% 3,466 48.7% 3,292
1960 72.7% 5,191 27.3% 1,953
1956 65.7% 4,360 34.3% 2,278
1952 72.3% 5,285 27.5% 2,006 0.3% 18
1948 58.5% 3,542 41.4% 2,505 0.2% 11
1944 67.5% 4,413 32.4% 2,116 0.1% 8
1940 65.0% 5,096 34.8% 2,727 0.3% 20
1936 59.2% 4,837 40.3% 3,296 0.5% 41
1932 43.5% 3,023 55.6% 3,862 0.9% 63
1928 69.3% 4,504 30.4% 1,973 0.4% 24
1924 55.0% 3,105 40.8% 2,303 4.1% 233
1920 63.7% 3,661 34.9% 2,008 1.4% 79
1916 56.3% 2,176 41.2% 1,593 2.5% 97
1912 33.0% 1,163 38.5% 1,356 28.6% 1,008
1908 58.2% 2,149 39.8% 1,469 2.0% 74
1904 58.8% 1,972 37.8% 1,266 3.5% 116
1900 52.2% 1,703 46.0% 1,500 1.9% 61
1896 49.6% 1,755 50.2% 1,777 0.2% 8
1892 50.2% 1,454 27.1% 786 22.7% 658
1888 51.0% 1,372 28.6% 771 20.4% 549

Like most counties situated in Southwest Missouri, Wright County is a Republican stronghold in presidential elections. George W. Bush carried Wright County in 2000 and 2004 by more than two-to-one margins, and like many other rural counties throughout Missouri, Wright County strongly favored John McCain over Barack Obama in 2008, Mitt Romney in 2012, and Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton in 2016. No Democratic presidential nominee has won Wright County in over 50 years.

Like most rural areas throughout the Bible Belt in Southwest Missouri, voters in Wright County traditionally adhere to socially and culturally conservative principles which tend to strongly 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 Wright County with 86.28 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 failed in Wright County with 64.84 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 Wright 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 Wright County with 70.99 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)
Wright County, Missouri
2008 Republican primary in Missouri
John McCain746 (23.69%)
Mike Huckabee1,878 (59.64%)
Mitt Romney298 (9.46%)
Ron Paul178 (5.65%)
Wright County, Missouri
2008 Democratic primary in Missouri
Hillary Clinton1,143 (69.48%)
Barack Obama452 (27.48%)
John Edwards (withdrawn)36 (2.19%)

Former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-Arkansas) received more votes, a total of 1,878, than any candidate from either party in Wright County during the 2008 presidential primary. He also received more votes than the total number of votes cast in the entire Democratic Primary in Wright County. Wright County was Huckabee’s strongest county in Missouri.

Communities

Cities

Unincorporated communities

See also

References
  1. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 14, 2013.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  3. Eaton, David Wolfe (1918). How Missouri Counties, Towns and Streams Were Named. The State Historical Society of Missouri. p. 372.
  4. "Wright County Place Names, 1928–1945". The State Historical Society of Missouri. Archived from the original on June 24, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
  5. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
  6.  Ripley, George; Dana, Charles A., eds. (1879). "Wright. III. A S. county of Missouri" . The American Cyclopædia.
  7. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  8. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
  9. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
  10. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
  11. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
  12. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  13. Breeding, Marshall. "Wright County Library". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  14. "Missouri Election Results". Missouri Secretary of State. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
  15. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved 2018-03-27.

Further reading
  • History of Laclede, Camden, Dallas, Webster, Wright, Texas, Pulaski, Phelps, and Dent counties, Missouri (1889) full text

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