Howell County, Missouri | |
|---|---|
 Howell County Courthouse in West Plains | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofMissouri | |
 Missouri's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:36°46′N91°53′W / 36.77°N 91.89°W /36.77; -91.89 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Missouri |
| Founded | March 2, 1857 |
| Named after | Josiah Howell |
| Seat | West Plains |
| Largest city | West Plains |
| Area | |
• Total | 928 sq mi (2,400 km2) |
| • Land | 927 sq mi (2,400 km2) |
| • Water | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km2) 0.1% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 39,750 |
| • Density | 42.9/sq mi (16.6/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Congressional district | 8th |
| Website | howellcounty |
Howell County is in southernMissouri. As of the 2020 census, the population was 39,750.[1] The largest city andcounty seat isWest Plains.[2] The county was officially organized on March 2, 1857, and is named after Josiah Howell, a pioneer settler in the Howell Valley.
Howell County comprises the West Plains, MO,Micropolitan Statistical Area.
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Howell County was organized on March 2, 1857, fromOregon County, and is named for Josiah Howell, who made the first settlement in Howell Valley.
The firstcircuit court met in a log cabin one mile east of West Plains, according to an 1876 account. A small, wooden courthouse was built on the square in West Plains in 1859. It was damaged during the Civil War in 1862. The county was reorganized three years later, but all of the county records were destroyed in an 1866 fire. A second courthouse was built in West Plains in 1869. It was a small, three-room, frame building, about 24 by 30 feet.
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 928 square miles (2,400 km2), of which 927 square miles (2,400 km2) is land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km2) (0.1%) is water.[3] It is the third-largest county in Missouri by land area and fourth-largest by total area.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1860 | 3,169 | — | |
| 1870 | 4,218 | 33.1% | |
| 1880 | 8,814 | 109.0% | |
| 1890 | 18,618 | 111.2% | |
| 1900 | 21,834 | 17.3% | |
| 1910 | 21,065 | −3.5% | |
| 1920 | 21,102 | 0.2% | |
| 1930 | 19,672 | −6.8% | |
| 1940 | 22,270 | 13.2% | |
| 1950 | 22,725 | 2.0% | |
| 1960 | 22,027 | −3.1% | |
| 1970 | 23,521 | 6.8% | |
| 1980 | 28,807 | 22.5% | |
| 1990 | 31,447 | 9.2% | |
| 2000 | 37,238 | 18.4% | |
| 2010 | 40,400 | 8.5% | |
| 2020 | 39,750 | −1.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[4] 1790-1960[5] 1900-1990[6] 1990-2000[7] 2010[8] | |||
As of thecensus[9] of 2000, there were 37,238 people, 14,762 households, and 10,613 families residing in the county. Thepopulation density was 40 people per square mile (15 people/km2). There were 16,340 housing units at an average density of 18 units per square mile (6.9/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.41%White, 0.31%Black orAfrican American, 0.97%Native American, 0.36%Asian, 0.04%Pacific Islander, 0.28% fromother races, and 1.63% from two or more races. Approximately 1.21% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race. Among the major first ancestries reported in Howell County were 28.3%American, 16.4%German, 12.2%Irish, and 12.1%English.
There were 14,762 households, out of which 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% weremarried couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% 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 2.94.
In the county, the population consisted of 26.0% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 23.30% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.5 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $31,761, and the median income for a family was $38,047. Males had a median income of $22,960 versus $16,968 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $17,184. About 14.00% of families and 18.7% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 26.3% of those under age 18 and 14.0% of those age 65 or over.
According to the Association of Religion Data Archives County Membership Report (2000), Howell County is a part of theBible Belt with evangelical Protestantism being the majority religion. The most predominant denominations among residents in Howell County who adhere to a religion areSouthern Baptists (47.70%),Churches of Christ (8.81%), andRoman Catholics (6.99%).
| Race | Num. | Perc. |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 35,972 | 90.5% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 180 | 0.45% |
| Native American (NH) | 265 | 0.67% |
| Asian (NH) | 217 | 0.55% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 17 | 0.04% |
| Other/Mixed (NH) | 2,203 | 5.54% |
| Hispanic orLatino | 896 | 2.25% |
Of adults 25 years of age and older in Howell County, 73.4% possesses ahigh school diploma or higher while 10.9% holds abachelor's degree or higher as their highest educational attainment.
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| Howell County, Missouri | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Elected countywide officials | |||
| Assessor | Daniel Franks | Republican | |
| Circuit Clerk | Cindy Weeks | Republican | |
| County Clerk | Dennis K. Von Allmen | Republican | |
| Collector | Larry Spence | Republican | |
| Commissioner (presiding) | Mark B. Collins | Republican | |
| Commissioner (district 1) | Bill Lovelace | Republican | |
| Commissioner (district 2) | Billy D. Sexton | Republican | |
| Coroner | James T. "Tim" Cherry | Republican | |
| Prosecuting Attorney | Michael P. Hutchings | Republican | |
| Public Administrator | Charm L. Eagleman | Republican | |
| Recorder | Sharon Trowbridge | Republican | |
| Sheriff | Matt Roberts | Republican | |
| Surveyor | Ralph Riggs | Republican | |
| Treasurer | Ernestine Doss | Republican | |
TheRepublican Party predominantly controls politics at the local level in Howell County. Republicans hold all elected positions in the county. District 2 (Southern) Commissioner Billy Sexton took office as a Democrat but announced in 2014 he was changing parties and sought re-election as a Republican.[14]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third Parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 81.42%15,231 | 16.67%3,118 | 1.91%358 |
| 2020 | 81.04%14,947 | 17.40%3,210 | 1.56%287 |
| 2016 | 70.65%12,266 | 25.68%4,459 | 3.67%637 |
| 2012 | 54.23%8,849 | 42.59%6,950 | 3.19%520 |
| 2008 | 45.33%7,659 | 52.11%8,804 | 2.56%432 |
| 2004 | 64.89%10,595 | 33.48%5,466 | 1.63%267 |
| 2000 | 53.51%7,537 | 44.77%6,306 | 1.72%242 |
| 1996 | 51.71%7,030 | 44.78%6,087 | 3.51%477 |
| 1992 | 48.26%6,401 | 51.74%6,862 | 0.00%0 |
| 1988 | 71.70%8,321 | 27.69%3,214 | 0.61%71 |
| 1984 | 70.90%8,476 | 29.10%3,479 | 0.00%0 |
| 1980 | 59.53%6,956 | 40.32%4,711 | 0.15%18 |
| 1976 | 57.07%5,673 | 42.77%4,251 | 0.16%16 |
| 1972 | 61.53%6,296 | 38.40%3,929 | 0.07%7 |
| 1968 | 48.33%4,605 | 51.67%4,923 | 0.00%0 |
| 1964 | 47.58%4,453 | 52.42%4,905 | 0.00%0 |
| 1960 | 64.55%6,166 | 35.45%3,386 | 0.00%0 |
In theMissouri House of Representatives, Howell County is divided into two legislative districts, both of which are represented byRepublicans.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Shaun Rhoads | 11,563 | 74.93% | −25.07 | |
| Independent | Terry Hampton | 3,868 | 25.07% | +25.07 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Shaun Rhoads | 5,933 | 100.00% | +31.47 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Shaun Rhoads | 9,950 | 68.53% | ||
| Democratic | R.A. Pendergrass | 4,570 | 31.47% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Robert Ross | 1,196 | 82.43% | −17.57 | |
| Democratic | Bobby Johnston, Jr. | 255 | 17.57% | +17.57 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Robert Ross | 589 | 100.00% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Robert Ross | 1,173 | 100.00% | ||
All of Howell County is a part of Missouri's 33rd District in theMissouri Senate and is currently represented by Mike Cunningham ofRogersville.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Cunningham | 14,995 | 100.00% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Cunningham | 13,700 | 100.00% | ||
Missouri's twoU.S. senators areRepublicansJosh Hawley andEric Schmitt.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Roy Blunt | 12,070 | 69.61% | +18.26 | |
| Democratic | Jason Kander | 4,375 | 25.23% | −15.97 | |
| Libertarian | Jonathan Dine | 433 | 2.50% | −4.95 | |
| Green | Johnathan McFarland | 218 | 1.26% | +1.26 | |
| Constitution | Fred Ryman | 243 | 1.40% | +1.40 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Todd Akin | 8,340 | 51.35% | ||
| Democratic | Claire McCaskill | 6,692 | 41.20% | ||
| Libertarian | Jonathan Dine | 1,210 | 7.45% | ||
All of Howell County is included inMissouri's 8th congressional district and is currently represented byJason T. Smith ofSalem in theU.S. House of Representatives. Smith won a special election on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, to complete the remaining term of formerU.S. RepresentativeJo Ann Emerson ofCape 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.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jason T. Smith | 13,655 | 80.64% | +19.51 | |
| Democratic | Dave Cowell | 2,776 | 16.38% | +5.05 | |
| Libertarian | Jonathan Shell | 505 | 2.98% | +1.45 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jason T. Smith | 4,742 | 61.13% | −7.91 | |
| Democratic | Barbara Stocker | 879 | 11.33% | −7.36 | |
| Libertarian | Rick Vandeven | 119 | 1.53% | −0.39 | |
| Constitution | Doug Enyart | 163 | 2.10% | −8.25 | |
| Independent | Terry Hampton | 1,854 | 23.90% | +23.90 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jason T. Smith | 2,268 | 69.04% | −8.16 | |
| Democratic | Steven Hodges | 614 | 18.69% | +0.75 | |
| Libertarian | Bill Slantz | 63 | 1.92% | −2.94 | |
| Constitution | Doug Enyart | 340 | 10.35% | +10.35 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jo Ann Emerson | 12,456 | 77.20% | ||
| Democratic | Jack Rushin | 2,895 | 17.94% | ||
| Libertarian | Rick Vandeven | 784 | 4.86% | ||
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1888 | 1,370 | 42.71% | 1,506 | 46.95% | 332 | 10.35% |
| 1892 | 1,484 | 41.93% | 1,642 | 46.40% | 413 | 11.67% |
| 1896 | 1,892 | 44.02% | 2,373 | 55.21% | 33 | 0.77% |
| 1900 | 2,059 | 48.84% | 1,975 | 46.85% | 182 | 4.32% |
| 1904 | 2,089 | 53.39% | 1,605 | 41.02% | 219 | 5.60% |
| 1908 | 2,164 | 51.09% | 1,827 | 43.13% | 245 | 5.78% |
| 1912 | 1,465 | 34.12% | 1,565 | 36.45% | 1,264 | 29.44% |
| 1916 | 2,132 | 50.22% | 1,861 | 43.84% | 252 | 5.94% |
| 1920 | 4,344 | 63.24% | 2,323 | 33.82% | 202 | 2.94% |
| 1924 | 3,130 | 48.21% | 2,681 | 41.29% | 682 | 10.50% |
| 1928 | 4,869 | 65.26% | 2,543 | 34.08% | 49 | 0.66% |
| 1932 | 3,660 | 42.86% | 4,775 | 55.91% | 105 | 1.23% |
| 1936 | 5,297 | 52.63% | 4,725 | 46.95% | 42 | 0.42% |
| 1940 | 6,158 | 59.23% | 4,218 | 40.57% | 21 | 0.20% |
| 1944 | 5,151 | 62.93% | 3,020 | 36.90% | 14 | 0.17% |
| 1948 | 4,427 | 54.93% | 3,599 | 44.65% | 34 | 0.42% |
| 1952 | 6,608 | 66.19% | 3,349 | 33.55% | 26 | 0.26% |
| 1956 | 5,473 | 64.09% | 3,066 | 35.91% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 7,095 | 72.18% | 2,734 | 27.82% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1964 | 4,632 | 48.25% | 4,968 | 51.75% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1968 | 5,631 | 57.24% | 2,763 | 28.08% | 1,444 | 14.68% |
| 1972 | 7,253 | 72.18% | 2,795 | 27.82% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1976 | 4,692 | 46.76% | 5,265 | 52.47% | 78 | 0.78% |
| 1980 | 7,149 | 60.06% | 4,472 | 37.57% | 282 | 2.37% |
| 1984 | 8,204 | 68.53% | 3,767 | 31.47% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1988 | 7,277 | 62.49% | 4,324 | 37.13% | 44 | 0.38% |
| 1992 | 5,360 | 39.60% | 5,492 | 40.57% | 2,685 | 19.83% |
| 1996 | 5,991 | 44.30% | 5,261 | 38.90% | 2,272 | 16.80% |
| 2000 | 9,018 | 64.07% | 4,641 | 32.97% | 416 | 2.96% |
| 2004 | 11,097 | 67.75% | 5,118 | 31.25% | 164 | 1.00% |
| 2008 | 10,982 | 64.49% | 5,736 | 33.68% | 311 | 1.83% |
| 2012 | 11,544 | 70.62% | 4,395 | 26.89% | 407 | 2.49% |
| 2016 | 13,893 | 79.59% | 2,881 | 16.51% | 681 | 3.90% |
| 2020 | 15,181 | 81.29% | 3,218 | 17.23% | 277 | 1.48% |
| 2024 | 15,733 | 82.71% | 3,073 | 16.16% | 215 | 1.13% |
Howell County is, like severalrural counties located in the Ozarks, conservative and stronglyRepublican at the presidential level.Bill Clinton of neighboringArkansas was the lastDemocratic presidential nominee to win Howell County in 1992; he lost the county during his 1996 reelection bid and since then, voters in Howell County have decisively backed Republicans. Controversy occurred during thecourse of the 2008 presidential campaign over a billboard displayed nearWest Plains that depicted a picture of then-Democratic presidential nomineeBarack Obama in a turban. Some were offended by the billboard and deemed it racist.[16]
Like most rural areas throughout Southeast Missouri, voters in Howell County generally adhere to socially and culturallyconservative principles which tend to influence their Republican leanings. In 2004, Missourians voted ona constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union between a man and a woman—it overwhelmingly won in Howell County with 83.36 percent of the vote. The initiative passed the state with 71 percent of support from voters. In 2006, Missourians voted ona constitutional amendment to fund and legalize embryonic stem cell research in the state—it failed in Howell County with 57.97 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 approveembryonic stem cell research. Despite Howell County's longstanding tradition of supporting socially conservative platforms, voters in the county have a penchant for advancingpopulist causes like increasing theminimum 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 Howell County with 67.79 percent of the vote. The proposition strongly passed every single county in Missouri with 78.99 percent voting in favor. (During the same election, voters in five other states also strongly approved increases in the minimum wage.)
In the 2008 Missouri Presidential Primary, voters in Howell County from both political parties supported candidates who finished in second place in the state at large and nationally. FormerGovernorMike Huckabee (R-Arkansas) received more votes, a total of 2,882, than any candidate from either party in Howell County during the 2008 Missouri Presidential Preference Primary.
Places adjacent to Howell County, Missouri | ||||||||||||||||
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Municipalities and communities ofHowell County, Missouri,United States | ||
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| Cities |  | |
| Townships | ||
| CDPs | ||
| Other unincorporated communities | ||
| Ghost towns | ||
| International | |
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| National | |
| Geographic | |
| Other | |
