Cedar County, Missouri | |
|---|---|
 County courthouse inStockton | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofMissouri | |
 Missouri's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:37°43′N93°52′W / 37.72°N 93.86°W /37.72; -93.86 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Missouri |
| Founded | February 14, 1845 |
| Named after | Cedar Creek, a tributary of theSac River |
| Seat | Stockton |
| Largest city | El Dorado Springs |
| Area | |
• Total | 499 sq mi (1,290 km2) |
| • Land | 474 sq mi (1,230 km2) |
| • Water | 24 sq mi (62 km2) 4.8% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 14,188 |
| • Density | 29.9/sq mi (11.6/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Congressional district | 4th |
| Website | cedarcountymo |
Cedar County is acounty located in the southwest portion of theU.S. state ofMissouri. As of the2020 census, the population was 14,188.[1] Thecounty seat isStockton.[2] The county was founded February 14, 1845, and named after Cedar Creek, a tributary of theSac River, which in turn is named from theEastern red cedar, a common tree of the area.[3]
According to theUnited States 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 andStockton Lake.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1850 | 3,361 | — | |
| 1860 | 6,637 | 97.5% | |
| 1870 | 9,474 | 42.7% | |
| 1880 | 10,741 | 13.4% | |
| 1890 | 15,620 | 45.4% | |
| 1900 | 16,923 | 8.3% | |
| 1910 | 16,080 | −5.0% | |
| 1920 | 13,933 | −13.4% | |
| 1930 | 11,136 | −20.1% | |
| 1940 | 11,697 | 5.0% | |
| 1950 | 10,663 | −8.8% | |
| 1960 | 9,185 | −13.9% | |
| 1970 | 9,424 | 2.6% | |
| 1980 | 11,894 | 26.2% | |
| 1990 | 12,093 | 1.7% | |
| 2000 | 13,733 | 13.6% | |
| 2010 | 13,982 | 1.8% | |
| 2020 | 14,188 | 1.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[5] 1790–1960[6] 1900–1990[7] 1990–2000[8] 2010–2020[1] | |||
As of the2000 census, there were 13,733 people, 5,685 households, and 3,894 families residing in the county.[10] 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). Theracial 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. Theper capita income for the county was $14,356. 17.40% of the population and 11.60% of families were below thepoverty 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.
According to the Association of Religion Data Archives County Membership Report (2010), Cedar County is regarded as being part of theBible Belt, with evangelical Protestantism being the most predominant religion. The most predominant denominations among residents in Cedar County who adhere to a religion areSouthern Baptists (35.02%),Christian churches and churches of Christ (11.49%), andAssemblies of God (9.56%).
| Race | Num. | Perc. |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 12,899 | 91% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 57 | 0.4% |
| Native American (NH) | 100 | 0.7% |
| Asian (NH) | 42 | 0.3% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 7 | 0.05% |
| Other/Mixed (NH) | 822 | 5.8% |
| Hispanic orLatino | 261 | 1.83% |
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| Cedar County, Missouri | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Elected countywide officials | |||
| Assessor | Leah Morton | Republican | |
| Circuit Clerk | Sarah Turner | Republican | |
| County Clerk | Chrislynn Price | Republican | |
| Collector | Lisa Nelson | Republican | |
| Commissioner (presiding) | Kenneth Thornton | Republican | |
| Commissioner (district 1) | Don Boultinghouse | Republican | |
| Commissioner (district 2) | Ted Anderson | Republican | |
| Coroner | Danny Leo Greene | 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 | Carla Lowe | Republican | |
TheRepublican Party completely controls politics at the local level in Cedar County. Republicans hold all of the elected positions in the county.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 81.68%5,774 | 16.16%1,142 | 2.16%153 |
| 2020 | 82.10%5,771 | 15.71%1,104 | 2.19%154 |
| 2016 | 70.26%4,415 | 26.53%1,667 | 3.21%202 |
| 2012 | 56.43%3,383 | 40.92%2,453 | 2.65%159 |
| 2008 | 47.17%2,970 | 48.22%3,036 | 4.61%290 |
| 2004 | 66.31%4,096 | 32.04%1,979 | 1.65%102 |
| 2000 | 58.42%3,297 | 39.69%2,240 | 1.89%107 |
| 1996 | 54.31%2,827 | 42.50%2,212 | 3.19%166 |
Cedar County is split between two of Missouri's legislative districts that elect members of theMissouri House of Representatives. Both are represented by Republicans.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Dane Diehl | 3,753 | 87.52% | −0.68 | |
| Democratic | Lynda Jones | 535 | 12.48% | +12.48 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Dane Diehl | 2,638 | 88.20% | −11.80 | |
| Libertarian | Robert E. Smith | 353 | 11.80% | +11.80 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jim Kalberloh | 2,590 | 100.00% | +19.51 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Warren D. Love | 1,852 | 80.49% | −19.51 | |
| Democratic | Chase Crawford | 449 | 19.51% | +19.51 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ann Kelley | 2,036 | 74.74% | +4.00 | |
| Democratic | Marvin Manring | 688 | 25.26% | −4.00 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ann Kelley | 1,448 | 70.74% | −29.26 | |
| Democratic | Marvin Manring | 599 | 29.26% | +29.26 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ann Kelley | 691 | 100.00% | +26.24 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ann Kelley | 461 | 73.76% | −8.14 | |
| Democratic | Teri Hanna | 164 | 26.24% | +8.14 | |
All of Cedar County is a part of Missouri's 28th district in theMissouri Senate. The seat is currently represented bySandy Crawford (R-Buffalo). The previous incumbent,Mike Parson, was electedLieutenant Governor in 2016, and becameGovernor upon the resignation ofEric Greitens in 2018. Parson was elected to a full term as governor in 2020.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Sandy Crawford | 4,528 | 100.00% | +17.16 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Sandy Crawford | 4,412 | 82.84% | +14.68 | |
| Democratic | Joe Poor | 914 | 17.16% | −14.68 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Sandy Crawford | 595 | 68.16% | −31.84 | |
| Democratic | Albert J. Skalicky | 278 | 31.84% | +31.84 | |
All of Cedar County is included inMissouri's 4th congressional district and is currently represented byMark Alford (R-Lake Winnebago) in theU.S. House of Representatives. Alford was elected to a second term in2024 over Democratic challenger Jeanette Cass.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mark Alford | 5,716 | 82.40% | −0.35 | |
| Democratic | Jeanette Cass | 1,019 | 14.69% | −0.56 | |
| Libertarian | Thomas Holbrook | 202 | 2.91% | +0.91 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mark Alford | 4,211 | 82.75% | +0.80 | |
| Democratic | Jack Truman | 776 | 15.25% | −0.25 | |
| Libertarian | Randy Langkraehr | 102 | 2.00% | −0.55 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Vicky Hartzler | 5,657 | 81.95% | +0.61 | |
| Democratic | Lindsey Simmons | 1,070 | 15.50% | +0.38 | |
| Libertarian | Steven K. Koonse | 176 | 2.55% | −0.24 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Vicky Hartzler | 4,406 | 81.34% | +0.94 | |
| Democratic | Renee Hoagenson | 860 | 15.88% | +0.46 | |
| Libertarian | Mark Bliss | 151 | 2.79% | −1.40 | |
Cedar County, along with the rest of the state of Missouri, is represented in theU.S. Senate byJosh Hawley (R-Ozark) andEric Schmitt (R-Glendale). Hawley was elected to a second term in2024 over marine veteranLucas Kunce.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Josh Hawley | 5,649 | 79.59% | +4.74 | |
| Democratic | Lucas Kunce | 1,260 | 17.75% | −3.85 | |
| Libertarian | W. C. Young | 68 | 0.95% | −0.23 | |
| Green | Nathan Kline | 61 | 0.86% | +0.16 | |
| Better | Jared Young | 60 | 0.85% | +0.85 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Josh Hawley | 4,092 | 74.85% | +21.16 | |
| Democratic | Claire McCaskill | 1,181 | 21.60% | −17.47 | |
| Independent | Craig O'Dear | 91 | 1.67% | ||
| Libertarian | Japheth Campbell | 65 | 1.19% | −6.05 | |
| Green | Jo Crain | 38 | 0.70% | +0.70 | |
Schmitt was elected to the senate in2022 over nurse and businesswoman Trudy Busch Valentine.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Eric Schmitt | 3,962 | 76.95% | +6.34 | |
| Democratic | Trudy Busch Valentine | 929 | 18.04% | −6.44 | |
| Libertarian | Jonathan Dine | 149 | 2.89% | +0.16 | |
| Constitution | Paul Venable | 109 | 2.12% | +1.21 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Roy Blunt | 4,445 | 70.61% | +16.92 | |
| Democratic | Jason Kander | 1,541 | 24.48% | −14.59 | |
| Libertarian | Jonathan Dine | 172 | 2.73% | −4.51 | |
| Green | Johnathan McFarland | 80 | 1.27% | +1.27 | |
| Constitution | Fred Ryman | 57 | 0.91% | +0.91 | |
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1848 | 116 | 29.97% | 271 | 70.03% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1852 | 65 | 28.63% | 162 | 71.37% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1856 | 0 | 0.00% | 391 | 70.58% | 163 | 29.42% |
| 1860 | 4 | 0.46% | 324 | 37.20% | 543 | 62.34% |
| 1864 | 297 | 100.00% | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1868 | 630 | 68.18% | 294 | 31.82% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1872 | 772 | 50.96% | 743 | 49.04% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1876 | 921 | 50.47% | 904 | 49.53% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1880 | 926 | 44.43% | 900 | 43.19% | 258 | 12.38% |
| 1884 | 1,449 | 47.98% | 1,563 | 51.75% | 8 | 0.26% |
| 1888 | 1,424 | 43.07% | 1,434 | 43.38% | 448 | 13.55% |
| 1892 | 1,354 | 41.50% | 1,246 | 38.19% | 663 | 20.32% |
| 1896 | 1,881 | 43.78% | 2,400 | 55.87% | 15 | 0.35% |
| 1900 | 1,845 | 48.53% | 1,820 | 47.87% | 137 | 3.60% |
| 1904 | 1,885 | 52.90% | 1,533 | 43.03% | 145 | 4.07% |
| 1908 | 1,933 | 54.87% | 1,483 | 42.09% | 107 | 3.04% |
| 1912 | 1,242 | 36.06% | 1,392 | 40.42% | 810 | 23.52% |
| 1916 | 1,874 | 55.28% | 1,410 | 41.59% | 106 | 3.13% |
| 1920 | 3,488 | 63.48% | 1,936 | 35.23% | 71 | 1.29% |
| 1924 | 2,802 | 55.83% | 2,007 | 39.99% | 210 | 4.18% |
| 1928 | 3,340 | 65.75% | 1,728 | 34.02% | 12 | 0.24% |
| 1932 | 2,515 | 46.47% | 2,834 | 52.37% | 63 | 1.16% |
| 1936 | 3,535 | 58.80% | 2,443 | 40.64% | 34 | 0.57% |
| 1940 | 4,068 | 66.99% | 1,973 | 32.49% | 32 | 0.53% |
| 1944 | 3,576 | 70.69% | 1,478 | 29.22% | 5 | 0.10% |
| 1948 | 2,928 | 58.56% | 2,062 | 41.24% | 10 | 0.20% |
| 1952 | 3,814 | 71.71% | 1,483 | 27.88% | 22 | 0.41% |
| 1956 | 3,276 | 65.57% | 1,720 | 34.43% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 3,730 | 70.68% | 1,547 | 29.32% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1964 | 2,478 | 52.44% | 2,247 | 47.56% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1968 | 2,940 | 64.08% | 1,218 | 26.55% | 430 | 9.37% |
| 1972 | 3,520 | 75.34% | 1,152 | 24.66% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1976 | 2,752 | 55.43% | 2,192 | 44.15% | 21 | 0.42% |
| 1980 | 3,469 | 65.66% | 1,703 | 32.24% | 111 | 2.10% |
| 1984 | 3,539 | 71.08% | 1,440 | 28.92% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1988 | 2,966 | 62.52% | 1,774 | 37.39% | 4 | 0.08% |
| 1992 | 2,085 | 39.05% | 2,064 | 38.66% | 1,190 | 22.29% |
| 1996 | 2,484 | 47.57% | 2,027 | 38.82% | 711 | 13.62% |
| 2000 | 3,530 | 62.33% | 1,979 | 34.95% | 154 | 2.72% |
| 2004 | 4,238 | 68.32% | 1,910 | 30.79% | 55 | 0.89% |
| 2008 | 4,194 | 66.01% | 2,060 | 32.42% | 100 | 1.57% |
| 2012 | 4,376 | 72.39% | 1,537 | 25.43% | 132 | 2.18% |
| 2016 | 5,021 | 79.36% | 1,011 | 15.98% | 295 | 4.66% |
| 2020 | 5,788 | 82.17% | 1,145 | 16.25% | 111 | 1.58% |
| 2024 | 6,064 | 84.36% | 1,060 | 14.75% | 64 | 0.89% |
At the presidential level, Cedar County has been solidly Republican for much of its history. Cedar County strongly favoredDonald Trump in2016,2020, and2024. A Democrat hasn't carried the county in a presidential election sinceFranklin Roosevelt's landslide victory in1932.
Like most rural areas throughout Missouri, voters in Cedar County generally adhere to socially and culturallyconservative 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 advancingpopulist causes. In 2018, Missourians voted on a proposition (Proposition A) concerningright 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.
The 2020 presidential primaries for both the Democratic and Republican parties were held in Missouri on March 10. On the Democratic side, formerVice PresidentJoe Biden (D-Delaware) both won statewide and carried Cedar County by a wide margin. Biden went on to defeatPresidentDonald Trump in the general election.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Joe Biden | 434 | 63.92% | ||
| Democratic | Bernie Sanders | 194 | 28.57% | ||
| Democratic | Tulsi Gabbard | 10 | 1.47% | ||
| Democratic | Others/Uncommitted | 41 | 6.04% | ||
IncumbentPresidentDonald Trump (R-Florida) faced a primary challenge from formerMassachusetts GovernorBill Weld, but won both Cedar County and statewide by overwhelming margins.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Donald Trump | 1,503 | 98.24% | ||
| Republican | Bill Weld | 3 | 0.20% | ||
| Republican | Others/Uncommitted | 24 | 1.57% | ||
The 2016 presidential primaries for both the Republican and Democratic parties were held in Missouri on March 15. BusinessmanDonald Trump (R-New York) narrowly won the state overall, butSenatorTed Cruz (R-Texas) carried a plurality of the vote in Cedar County. Trump went on to win the nomination and the presidency.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ted Cruz | 1,407 | 44.55% | ||
| Republican | Donald Trump | 1,355 | 42.91% | ||
| Republican | John Kasich | 182 | 5.76% | ||
| Republican | Marco Rubio | 102 | 3.23% | ||
| Republican | Others/Uncommitted | 112 | 3.55% | ||
On the Democratic side, formerSecretary of StateHillary Clinton (D-New York) narrowly won statewide, butSenatorBernie Sanders (I-Vermont) carried Cedar County by a small margin.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Bernie Sanders | 361 | 51.13% | ||
| Democratic | Hillary Clinton | 332 | 47.03% | ||
| Democratic | Others/Uncommitted | 13 | 1.84% | ||
The 2012 Missouri Republican presidential primary's results were nonbinding on the state's national convention delegates. Voters in Cedar County supported formerU.S. SenatorRick Santorum (R-Pennsylvania), who finished first in the state at large, but eventually lost the nomination to formerGovernorMitt Romney (R-Massachusetts). Delegates to the congressional district and state conventions were chosen at a county caucus, which selected a delegation favoring Santorum. IncumbentPresidentBarack Obama easily won the Missouri Democratic Primary and renomination. He defeated Romney in the general election.
In 2008, the Missouri Republican presidential primary was closely contested, withSenatorJohn McCain (R-Arizona) prevailing and eventually winning the nomination. FormerGovernorMike Huckabee (R-Arkansas) won a plurality in Cedar County, receiving more votes than any other candidate of either major party.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Huckabee | 1,051 | 46.02% | ||
| Republican | John McCain | 709 | 31.04% | ||
| Republican | Mitt Romney | 403 | 17.64% | ||
| Republican | Ron Paul | 63 | 2.76% | ||
| Republican | Others/Uncommitted | 58 | 2.55% | ||
Then-SenatorHillary 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 aSenator at the time, narrowly defeated her statewide and later became that year's Democratic nominee, going on to win the presidency.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Hillary Clinton | 910 | 60.30% | ||
| Democratic | Barack Obama | 498 | 33.00% | ||
| Democratic | Others/Uncommitted | 101 | 6.69% | ||
Places adjacent to Cedar County, Missouri | ||||||||||||||||
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Municipalities and communities ofCedar County, Missouri,United States | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cities |  | |
| Villages | ||
| Townships | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
