Stoddard County, Missouri | |
|---|---|
 The Stoddard County Courthouse in Bloomfield | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofMissouri | |
| Coordinates:36°52′N89°57′W / 36.86°N 89.95°W /36.86; -89.95 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Missouri |
| Founded | January 2, 1835 |
| Named after | Amos Stoddard |
| Seat | Bloomfield |
| Largest city | Dexter |
| Area | |
• Total | 829 sq mi (2,150 km2) |
| • Land | 823 sq mi (2,130 km2) |
| • Water | 5.8 sq mi (15 km2) 0.7% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 28,672 |
| • Density | 34.8/sq mi (13.5/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Congressional district | 8th |
Stoddard County is acounty located in the southeastern portion of theU.S. state ofMissouri. As of the2020 census, the population was 28,672.[1] Thecounty seat isBloomfield.[2] The county was officially organized on January 2, 1835, and is named forAmos Stoddard, the first Americancommandant (an early term for "governor") ofUpper Louisiana.[3]
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 829 square miles (2,150 km2), of which 823 square miles (2,130 km2) is land and 5.8 square miles (15 km2) (0.7%) is water.[4][5]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1840 | 3,153 | — | |
| 1850 | 4,277 | 35.6% | |
| 1860 | 7,877 | 84.2% | |
| 1870 | 8,535 | 8.4% | |
| 1880 | 13,431 | 57.4% | |
| 1890 | 17,327 | 29.0% | |
| 1900 | 24,669 | 42.4% | |
| 1910 | 27,807 | 12.7% | |
| 1920 | 29,755 | 7.0% | |
| 1930 | 27,452 | −7.7% | |
| 1940 | 33,009 | 20.2% | |
| 1950 | 33,463 | 1.4% | |
| 1960 | 29,490 | −11.9% | |
| 1970 | 25,771 | −12.6% | |
| 1980 | 29,009 | 12.6% | |
| 1990 | 28,895 | −0.4% | |
| 2000 | 29,705 | 2.8% | |
| 2010 | 29,968 | 0.9% | |
| 2020 | 28,672 | −4.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[6] 1790-1960[7] 1900-1990[8] 1990-2000[9] 2010-2020[10] 2020[1] | |||
As of the2020 census, the county had a population of 28,672. The median age was 42.2 years, 22.5% of residents were under the age of 18, and 20.5% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 96.0 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 93.4 males age 18 and over.[11]
33.6% of residents lived in urban areas, while 66.4% lived in rural areas.[12]
There were 11,917 households in the county, of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 26.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[11]
There were 13,402 housing units, of which 11.1% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 68.9% were owner-occupied and 31.1% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.0% and the rental vacancy rate was 9.2%.[11]
As of the2000 census[13], there were 29,705 people, 12,064 households, and 8,480 families residing in the county. Thepopulation density was 36 people per square mile (14 people/km2). There were 13,221 housing units at an average density of 16 units per square mile (6.2/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.34%White, 0.91%Black orAfrican American, 0.40%Native American, 0.09%Asian, 0.01%Pacific Islander, 0.24% fromother races, and 1.01% from two or more races. Approximately 0.78% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race. 38.4% were ofAmerican, 15.4%German, 12.4%Irish and 8.5%English ancestry.
There were 12,064 households, out of which 30.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.40% weremarried couples living together, 9.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.70% were non-families. 26.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.88.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.90% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 26.30% from 25 to 44, 24.10% from 45 to 64, and 17.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 92.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $33,120, and the median income for a family was $41,072. Males had a median income of $26,514 versus $17,778 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $18,003. About 12.80% of families and 16.50% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 20.20% of those under age 18 and 17.60% of those age 65 or over.
The 2020 census reported that the county was 93.6% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0.7% from some other race, and 4.0% from two or more races, with Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprising 2.0% of the population.[14]
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[15] | Pop 1990[16] | Pop 2000[17] | Pop 2010[18] | Pop 2020[19] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 28,158 | 28,249 | 28,772 | 28,931 | 26,610 | 97.07% | 97.76% | 96.86% | 96.54% | 92.81% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 638 | 408 | 268 | 274 | 298 | 2.20% | 1.41% | 0.90% | 0.91% | 1.04% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 51 | 58 | 111 | 91 | 67 | 0.18% | 0.20% | 0.37% | 0.30% | 0.23% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 23 | 41 | 28 | 51 | 90 | 0.08% | 0.14% | 0.09% | 0.17% | 0.31% |
| Native Hawaiian orPacific Islander alone (NH) | x[20] | x[21] | 3 | 2 | 2 | x | x | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 6 | 7 | 11 | 3 | 33 | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.04% | 0.01% | 0.12% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x[22] | x[23] | 281 | 260 | 1,006 | x | x | 0.95% | 0.87% | 3.51% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 133 | 132 | 231 | 356 | 566 | 0.46% | 0.46% | 0.78% | 1.19% | 1.97% |
| Total | 29,009 | 28,895 | 29,705 | 29,968 | 28,672 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
According to the Association of Religion Data Archives County Membership Report (2000), Stoddard County is a part of theBible Belt with evangelical Protestantism being the majority religion. The most predominant denominations among residents in Stoddard County who adhere to a religion areSouthern Baptists (41.4%),Methodists (12.9%), andPentecostal (8.3%).[24]
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TheRepublican Party predominately controls politics at the local level in Stoddard County. Republicans hold ten of the elected positions in the county. In the 2016 election, Sheriff Carl Hefner, who originally ran as a Democrat, switched parties and ran as a Republican.
| Stoddard County, Missouri | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Elected countywide officials | |||
| Assessor | Daniel Creg | Republican | |
| Circuit Clerk | Paula Yancey | Republican | |
| County Clerk | Cecil Weeks | Republican | |
| Commissioner (presiding) | Greg Mathis | Republican | |
| Commissioner (district 1) | Greg Lintz | Republican | |
| Commissioner (district 2) | Carol Jarrell | Republican | |
| Coroner | Brent Stidham | Republican | |
| Prosecuting Attorney | Sawyer Smith | Republican | |
| Public Administrator | Cindy Duckworth | Republican | |
| Recorder | Candy Collier | Republican | |
| Sheriff | Carl Hefner | Republican | |
| Surveyor | Joseph R Pulliam | Republican | |
| Treasurer | Joshua Speakman | Republican | |
Stoddard County is divided among three legislative districts in theMissouri House of Representatives.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Billy Pat Wright* | 5,999 | 71.33 | +8.70 | |
| Democratic | Bill Burlison | 2,411 | 28.67 | −8.70 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ron McCormick | 257 | 59.49 | +59.49 | |
| Democratic | Steve Hodges* | 175 | 40.51 | −59.49 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Kent Hampton | 654 | 63.01 | +63.01 | |
| Democratic | Tom Todd* | 384 | 36.99 | −37.86 | |
All of Stoddard County is a part of Missouri's 25th District in theMissouri Senate and is currently represented byState Senator Rob Mayer (R-Dexter). In 2008, Mayer defeated Democrat M. Shane Stoelting 65.32%-34.68% in the district. The 25th Senatorial District consists ofButler,Dunklin,New Madrid,Pemiscot,Ripley, Stoddard, andWayne counties.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Rob Mayer | 9,894 | 75.51 | ||
| Democratic | M. Shane Stoelting | 3,209 | 24.49 | ||
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third Parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 87.00%11,683 | 11.57%1,554 | 1.43%192 |
| 2020 | 84.50%11,269 | 13.90%1,855 | 1.2%162 |
| 2016 | 73.80%9,792 | 24.00%3,179 | 1.0%127 |
| 2012 | 50.99%6,514 | 46.81%5,980 | 2.19%280 |
| 2008 | 52.85%6,919 | 45.33%5,934 | 1.82%239 |
| 2004 | 61.63%8,152 | 37.35%4,940 | 1.03%136 |
| 2000 | 52.83%6,537 | 45.98%5,689 | 1.19%147 |
| 1996 | 39.80%4,423 | 58.49%6,501 | 1.71%190 |
| 1992 | 46.69%5,487 | 53.31%6,265 | 0.00%0 |
| 1988 | 63.64%6,634 | 36.30%3,784 | 0.06%6 |
| 1984 | 59.47%6,421 | 40.53%4,376 | 0.00%0 |
| 1980 | 53.42%6,093 | 46.54%5,308 | 0.04%5 |
| 1976 | 46.48%4,617 | 53.50%5,315 | 0.02%2 |
Stoddard County is included inMissouri's 8th Congressional District and is currently represented byJason T. Smith (R-Salem) in theU.S. House of Representatives. Smith won a special election on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, to finish out the remaining term ofU.S. RepresentativeJo 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.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jo Ann Emerson | 10,043 | 78.49 | +8.12 | |
| Democratic | Jack Rushin | 2,381 | 18.61 | −7.42 | |
| Libertarian | Rick Vandeven | 372 | 2.91 | +1.60 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jason T. Smith | 1,968 | 67.33 | ||
| Democratic | Steve Hodges | 787 | 26.92 | ||
| Constitution | Doug Enyart | 87 | 2.98 | ||
| Libertarian | Bill Slantz | 41 | 1.40 | ||
| Write-In | Robert W. George | 20 | 0.68 | ||
| Write-In | Thomas Brown | 20 | 0.68 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jason T. Smith | 11,316 | 85.7 | ||
| Democratic | Kathy Ellis | 1,738 | 13.2 | ||
| Libertarian | Tom Schmitz | 155 | 1.2 | ||
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1888 | 1,064 | 35.41% | 1,919 | 63.86% | 22 | 0.73% |
| 1892 | 1,218 | 33.97% | 2,220 | 61.92% | 147 | 4.10% |
| 1896 | 1,584 | 34.64% | 2,968 | 64.90% | 21 | 0.46% |
| 1900 | 1,840 | 39.78% | 2,695 | 58.26% | 91 | 1.97% |
| 1904 | 2,088 | 45.63% | 2,265 | 49.50% | 223 | 4.87% |
| 1908 | 2,025 | 39.87% | 2,736 | 53.87% | 318 | 6.26% |
| 1912 | 1,363 | 25.94% | 2,603 | 49.54% | 1,288 | 24.51% |
| 1916 | 2,482 | 40.63% | 3,274 | 53.59% | 353 | 5.78% |
| 1920 | 4,641 | 49.16% | 4,428 | 46.90% | 372 | 3.94% |
| 1924 | 3,844 | 44.29% | 4,348 | 50.09% | 488 | 5.62% |
| 1928 | 4,906 | 54.81% | 4,016 | 44.87% | 29 | 0.32% |
| 1932 | 3,234 | 30.84% | 7,139 | 68.09% | 112 | 1.07% |
| 1936 | 4,828 | 42.02% | 6,608 | 57.51% | 55 | 0.48% |
| 1940 | 6,055 | 47.24% | 6,725 | 52.47% | 38 | 0.30% |
| 1944 | 5,079 | 45.81% | 5,982 | 53.96% | 25 | 0.23% |
| 1948 | 3,117 | 30.65% | 7,029 | 69.12% | 23 | 0.23% |
| 1952 | 5,514 | 47.33% | 6,110 | 52.45% | 25 | 0.21% |
| 1956 | 4,832 | 43.14% | 6,369 | 56.86% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 6,366 | 54.49% | 5,317 | 45.51% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1964 | 3,014 | 33.65% | 5,944 | 66.35% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1968 | 3,919 | 44.43% | 3,150 | 35.71% | 1,751 | 19.85% |
| 1972 | 6,282 | 70.44% | 2,636 | 29.56% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1976 | 3,989 | 39.45% | 6,097 | 60.30% | 25 | 0.25% |
| 1980 | 6,199 | 53.85% | 5,128 | 44.54% | 185 | 1.61% |
| 1984 | 6,701 | 60.95% | 4,294 | 39.05% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1988 | 5,822 | 55.25% | 4,701 | 44.61% | 15 | 0.14% |
| 1992 | 4,608 | 37.44% | 5,720 | 46.47% | 1,980 | 16.09% |
| 1996 | 5,020 | 44.92% | 4,883 | 43.69% | 1,273 | 11.39% |
| 2000 | 7,727 | 62.04% | 4,476 | 35.94% | 251 | 2.02% |
| 2004 | 9,242 | 69.74% | 3,946 | 29.78% | 64 | 0.48% |
| 2008 | 9,172 | 69.16% | 3,899 | 29.40% | 191 | 1.44% |
| 2012 | 9,496 | 73.81% | 3,153 | 24.51% | 217 | 1.69% |
| 2016 | 11,079 | 83.36% | 1,876 | 14.11% | 336 | 2.53% |
| 2020 | 11,484 | 85.54% | 1,819 | 13.55% | 123 | 0.92% |
| 2024 | 11,783 | 86.42% | 1,736 | 12.73% | 115 | 0.84% |
At the presidential level, Stoddard County generally tends to lean Republican.John McCain carried Stoddard County overBarack Obama by more than a two-to-one margin in2008.George W. Bush also carried Stoddard County twice in2000 overAl Gore and in2004 overJohn Kerry when he received just under 70 percent of the vote.Bill Clinton did manage to carry Stoddard County in1992 but narrowly lost it in his reelection bid in1996 toBob Dole.
Like most rural areas, voters in Stoddard County generally adhere to socially and culturallyconservative principles which strongly 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 passed Stoddard County with 88.29 percent of the vote. The initiative passed the state with 71 percent of support from voters as Missouri became the first state to bansame-sex marriage. In 2006, Missourians voted ona constitutional amendment to fund and legalize embryonic stem cell research in the state—it failed in Stoddard County with 60.65 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 Stoddard 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 Stoddard County with 72.02 percent of the vote. The proposition strongly passed every single county in Missouri with 75.94 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.
In the 2008 presidential primary, voters in Stoddard County from both political parties supported candidates who finished in second place in the state at large and nationally.
FormerU.S. SenatorHillary Clinton (D-New York) received more votes, a total of 2,225, than any candidate from either party in Stoddard County during the 2008 presidential primaries.
School districts including sections of the county, no matter how slight, even if the relevant schools and/or administration buildings in another county:[27]
Places adjacent to Stoddard County, Missouri | ||||||||||||||||
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Municipalities and communities ofStoddard County, Missouri,United States | ||
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| Townships | ||
| CDP | ||
| Other unincorporated communities | ||
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