Lawrence County, Missouri
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Lawrence County is located in the southwest portion of the U.S. state of Missouri, in the area of the Ozarks. As of the 2020 census, the population was 38,001.[1] Its county seat is Mount Vernon.[2] The county was organized in 1845 and named for James Lawrence, a naval officer from the War of 1812 known for his battle cry, "Don't give up the ship!"[3]
A previous Lawrence County, established in 1815 with its county seat at what is now Davidsonville Historic State Park in Arkansas, covered much of what is now southern Missouri and the northern third of Arkansas. When the Arkansas Territory was created from Missouri Territory in 1819, some of that earlier county became organized as Lawrence County, Arkansas.[4]
Just before that, in 1818, Missouri divided its part of the old Lawrence County into Wayne County and Madison County; with population increases, those counties were later divided into others, including the present Lawrence County.
Racial history
Following the Reconstruction era, southwestern Missouri became increasingly hostile to African Americans, and whites attacked blacks in Lawrence and other counties, seeking to expel them from the region. An African-American man was lynched in Verona, Missouri on January 26, 1894; his name was not recorded.[5] On August 19, 1901, three men were lynched by a white mob in the county seat, Pierce City, in Lawrence County. The mob also burned down some black homes, and drove roughly 30 families, a total of 300 African Americans, out of the city altogether. Whites took over their properties and the African Americans were never compensated for losses.[6]
As a result of such incidents, many African Americans left Southwest Missouri in the early 20th century.[7][8] The extrajudicial murders were part of a pattern of discrimination, repeated violence and intimidation of African Americans in southwest Missouri from 1894 to 1909.[7] Whites in Greene conducted a mass lynching of three African-Americans in 1906 in the courthouse square.[7][8]
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of Script error: No such module "convert"., of which Script error: No such module "convert". is land and Script error: No such module "convert". (0.3%) is water.[9] Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge is located in Lawrence County.
Adjacent counties
- Dade County (north)
- Greene County (northeast)
- Christian County (southeast)
- Stone County (southeast)
- Barry County (south)
- Newton County (southwest)
- Jasper County (west)
Major highways
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Demographics
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| Census | Pop. | Template:Sronly | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1850 | 4,859 | — | |
| 1860 | 8,840 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 1870 | 12,977 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 1880 | 17,583 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 1890 | 26,228 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 1900 | 31,662 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 1910 | 26,583 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 1920 | 24,211 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 1930 | 23,774 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 1940 | 24,637 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 1950 | 23,420 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 1960 | 23,260 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 1970 | 24,585 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 1980 | 28,973 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 1990 | 30,236 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 2000 | 35,204 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 2010 | 38,634 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| 2020 | 38,001 | Script error: No such module "String".% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[10] 1790-1960[11] 1900-1990[12] 1990-2000[13] 2010[14] | |||
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2020 census
As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 38,001, and the median age was 40.0 years. 25.2% of residents were under the age of 18 and 19.0% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 99.6 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 96.4 males age 18 and over.[15]
There were 14,599 households in the county, of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 23.7% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[15]
There were 16,219 housing units, of which 10.0% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 71.6% were owner-occupied and 28.4% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.4% and the rental vacancy rate was 8.4%.[15]
28.5% of residents lived in urban areas, while 71.5% lived in rural areas.[16]
Racial and ethnic composition
The racial makeup of the county was 87.2% White, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 3.6% from some other race, and 7.2% from two or more races, with 7.9% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino of any race.[17]
| Race | Num. | Perc. |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 32,401 | 85.26% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 134 | 0.35% |
| Native American (NH) | 333 | 0.9% |
| Asian (NH) | 171 | 0.45% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 40 | 0.11% |
| Other/Mixed (NH) | 1,935 | 5.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 2,987 | 7.86% |
2000 census
As of the 2000 census[19] of 2000, there were 35,204 people, 13,568 households, and 9,728 families residing in the county. The population density was Script error: No such module "convert".. There were 14,789 housing units at an average density of Script error: No such module "convert".. The racial makeup of the county was 95.68% White, 0.27% Black or African American, 0.76% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.67% from other races, and 1.37% from two or more races. Approximately 3.39% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 13,568 households, out of which 33.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.90% were married couples living together, 9.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.30% were non-families. 24.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.20% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 26.90% from 25 to 44, 22.40% from 45 to 64, and 15.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 97.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $31,239, and the median income for a family was $36,846. Males had a median income of $27,309 versus $18,990 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,399. About 11.00% of families and 14.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.50% of those under age 18 and 11.80% of those age 65 or over.
Education
Public schools
- Aurora R-VIII School District – Aurora
- Pate Early Childhood Center (PK-02)
- Robinson Elementary School (03-04)
- Robinson Intermediate School (05-06)
- Aurora Junior High School (07-08)
- Aurora High School (09-12)
- Marionville R-IX School District – Marionville
- Marionville Elementary School (PK-05)
- Marionville Middle School (06-08)
- Marionville High School (09-12)
- Miller R-II School District – Miller
- Central Elementary School (K-06)
- Miller High School (07-12)
- Mt. Vernon R-V School District – Mt. Vernon
- Mt. Vernon Elementary School (PK-02)
- Mt. Vernon Intermediate School (03-05)
- Mt. Vernon Middle School (06-08)
- Mt. Vernon High School (09-12)
- Pierce City R-VI School District – Pierce City
- Central Elementary School (PK-05)
- Pierce City Middle School (06-08)
- Pierce City High School (09-12)
- Verona R-VII School District – Verona
- Verona Elementary School (PK-06)
- Verona High School (07-12)
Private schools
- Aurora Christian Academy – Aurora (K-12) – Baptist (Special Education Emphasis)
- Harvest Christian Academy – Aurora (K-12) – Nondenominational Christian
- Round Grove Christian Academy – Miller (PK-09) – Baptist
- Trinity Lutheran School – Freistatt (PK-08) – Lutheran
- St. Mary’s Catholic School – Pierce City (PK-08) – Roman Catholic
Public libraries
- Barry-Lawrence Regional Library[20]
Communities
Cities
- Aurora
- Marionville
- Miller
- Monett
- Mount Vernon (county seat)
- Pierce City
- Stotts City
- Verona
Villages
Census-designated place
Other unincorporated places
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Politics
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Local
The Republican Party completely controls politics at the local level in Lawrence County. Republicans hold all elected positions in the county.
Template:Missouri county elected officials
State
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third Parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 79.21% 14,345 | 18.77% 3,399 | 2.02% 365 |
| 2020 | 79.58% 14,176 | 17.88% 3,185 | 2.54% 452 |
| 2016 | 69.34% 11,565 | 26.87% 4,482 | 3.79% 632 |
| 2012 | 57.51% 9,022 | 39.91% 6,261 | 2.58% 405 |
| 2008 | 49.15% 8,118 | 47.94% 7,918 | 2.91% 482 |
| 2004 | 70.22% 11,069 | 28.55% 4,500 | 1.23% 194 |
| 2000 | 58.24% 7,447 | 39.93% 5,106 | 1.82% 233 |
| 1996 | 54.20% 6,695 | 42.13% 5,204 | 3.68% 454 |
Lawrence County is divided into two legislative districts in the Missouri House of Representatives, both of which are held by Republicans.
- District 157 — Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove). Consists of most of the entire county.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | <templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" />±%Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
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| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Mike Moon | 11,632 | 74.17% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Stephanie Davis | 4,050 | 25.83% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Mike Moon | 6,407 | 76.11% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Vince Jennings | 2,011 | 23.89% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
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| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | <templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" />±%Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Don Ruzicka | 13,426 | 100.00% | ||
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- District 158 — Scott Fitzpatrick (R-Shell Knob). Consists of a part of the southwest corner of the county, including about half of Pierce City.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | <templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" />±%Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
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| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Scott Fitzpatrick | 434 | 100.00% | ||
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| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Scott Fitzpatrick | 246 | 100.00% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
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| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Scott Fitzpatrick | 373 | 83.45% | ||
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Sue Beck | 74 | 16.55% | ||
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All of Lawrence County is a part of Missouri's 29th District in the Missouri Senate and is currently represented by David Sater (R-Cassville.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | <templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" />±%Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | David Sater | 14,298 | 100.00% | ||
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| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | <templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" />±%Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
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| Script error: No such module "Political party". | David Sater | 13,580 | 100.00% | ||
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Federal
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | <templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" />±%Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Roy Blunt | 11,525 | 69.04% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Jason Kander | 4,336 | 25.98% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Jonathan Dine | 440 | 2.64% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Johnathan McFarland | 192 | 1.15% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Fred Ryman | 199 | 1.19% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
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| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | <templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" />±%Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
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| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Todd Akin | 8,510 | 54.58% | ||
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Claire McCaskill | 5,830 | 37.39% | ||
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Jonathan Dine | 1,252 | 8.03% | ||
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All of Lawrence County is included in Missouri's 7th Congressional District and is currently represented by Billy Long (R-Springfield) in the U.S. House of Representatives.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | <templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" />±%Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Billy Long | 11,622 | 70.77% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Genevieve Williams | 3,813 | 23.22% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Benjamin T. Brixey | 987 | 6.01% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
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| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | <templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" />±%Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Billy Long | 5,078 | 58.54% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Jim Evans | 2,583 | 29.77% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Kevin Craig | 1,014 | 11.69% | Script error: No such module "String". | |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Billy Long | 9,956 | 64.76% | ||
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Jim Evans | 4,397 | 28.60% | ||
| Script error: No such module "Political party". | Kevin Craig | 1,020 | 6.64% | ||
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Political culture
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Missouri presidential preference primary (2008)
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See also
- List of counties in Missouri
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Lawrence County, Missouri
References
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- ↑ "Lynching in Missouri", Saline County, Missouri/MOGenWeb Project, 1996-2018; accessed April 12, 2018
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- ↑ a b c Kimberly Harper, White Man's Heaven: The Lynching and Expulsion of Blacks in the Southern Ozarks, 1894-1909, University of Arkansas Press, 2012
- ↑ a b Lynching in America/ Supplement: Lynchings by County, 3rd edition Template:Webarchive, Montgomery, Alabama: Equal Justice Initiative, 2015, p. 7
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Further reading
- Spilman, John F. "History of Sylvan School, Lawrence County, Missouri." Missouri Historical Review 50 (October 1955): 30-43. online formed 1q852; now part of Pierce City schools.
External links
- Digitized 1930 Plat Book of Lawrence County from University of Missouri Special Collections and Archives, Plat Books of Missouri Counties Collection, Plat Book of Lawrence County, Missouri
- https://web.archive.org/web/20110811072206/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/29/29109.html
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