Benton County Public RecordsMissouri

Benton County, MO, had 12,345 registered voters in 2022. The county conducts municipal, primary, and general elections, with Republicans typically winning; in 2020, Donald Trump received 79% of the county vote. There are 11 official polling locations, such as Warsaw Community Building. Recent issues on the ballot included school funding and local tax increases. Elections are administered by the Benton County Clerk’s Office, overseen by both Republican and Democratic party representatives, with the county party split at roughly 75% Republican and 25% Democratic registrations as of the last election.

Benton County, MO, experiences relatively moderate crime, with a recent crime rate of approximately 23.5 incidents per 1,000 residents—below the national average. Violent crime accounts for about 2.9 per 1,000, while property crime stands at 20.6 per 1,000. Law enforcement actively reports crime statistics to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI. Crime rates have gradually declined in recent years, and the sheriff’s department emphasizes community policing and safety initiatives. Residents report a growing sense of security, though property crimes like theft and burglary remain the most common concerns.

As of the 2020 Census, Benton County, MO had a population of 19,394. The median age was 53.1 years, reflecting an older demographic. Gender distribution was nearly balanced, with approximately 49% male and 51% female residents. The racial and ethnic makeup was predominantly White (94.4%), with small percentages identifying as Black or African American (0.7%), Native American (0.5%), Asian (0.2%), and Hispanic or Latino (2.1%).

Benton County, MO, has 9 public schools, including 2 high schools. Approximately 86% of adults have a high school diploma, while only about 12% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average student-teacher ratio is 13:1, and schools score around 5/10 on state performance metrics. Educational programs include vocational training and dual credit courses. School safety is generally rated as satisfactory, with minimal incidents reported yearly. Adult education opportunities are offered through local community colleges and extension programs.

As of 2022, Benton County, MO had an employment rate of 46.2%. The leading industries are health care & social assistance (17.7%), retail trade (13.2%), and construction (10.9%). Major occupations include office & administrative support (12.9%) and sales (9.5%). About 75.6% of workers commute alone by car, facing an average commute time of 29.9 minutes. Most residents work within the county, while some commute to Warsaw and larger cities nearby. The median household income stands at $46,614.

Benton County, MO, features a homeownership rate of about 82%, with median home values around $165,000 and typical rents near $750 per month. The housing market has seen moderate appreciation, with values rising approximately 7% year-over-year. Popular housing types include single-family homes, lakeside cabins, and manufactured homes. Notable neighborhoods are Warsaw, Lincoln, and Cole Camp, each offering a small-town atmosphere. The county’s property tax rate averages 0.82%, making it relatively affordable compared to state and national figures. Overall, Benton County offers diverse, budget-friendly housing options amid scenic surroundings.