Elections
Boone County, MO had 124,090 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections; 2020 turnout was 77%. Major parties are Democratic and Republican. Recent results show Democratic wins in Columbia but Republican strength in rural areas. The Boone County Clerk administers elections, with 29 polling locations. Key issues include healthcare, education, and infrastructure. In 2022, 61% voted for Medicaid expansion. Voter registration and information are available at vote.boonemo.org.
County Crime & Safety
Boone County, MO, reported a crime rate of approximately 33.4 per 1,000 residents in 2023, higher than the national average. Violent crime, including assault and robbery, accounted for about 3.4 per 1,000 people, while property crimes such as theft and burglary made up the majority at 30 per 1,000. The Boone County Sheriff’s Office and Columbia Police Department emphasize community reporting and prevention initiatives. There were 1,950 reported property crimes and 220 violent crimes last year, with overall statistics showing a minor decline compared to 2022.
Demographics
As of 2023, Boone County, Missouri, has approximately 186,000 residents. The median age is about 31 years, reflecting a significant student population due to the University of Missouri. Gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The racial and ethnic makeup is 78% White, 8.6% Black or African American, 5.5% Asian, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 4.1% identifying as two or more races.
Education, Employment and Housing
Boone County, MO hosts 38 public schools, including 4 high schools, and several private institutions. Around 46.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, exceeding the national average. Columbia Public Schools, the largest district, boasts an average graduation rate of 90% and average ACT scores of 21.2. Adult education is supported through programs at Moberly Area Community College and the University of Missouri. School safety initiatives feature resource officers and mental health services. Diverse educational programs include STEM, Advanced Placement, and gifted curricula across the district.
Boone County, MO, has an employment rate of 62.1%, with over 95,000 residents in the labor force. Health care and social assistance (19%), educational services (15%), and retail trade (12%) are the leading industries. Top occupations include office/administrative support (15%) and management roles (12%). Nearly 82% commute by car, with an average commute time of 18 minutes. About 72% work within Boone County, primarily in Columbia, the county seat.
Boone County, MO, has a homeownership rate of around 56%, with median home values near $255,000 and median rents about $1,100/month as of 2024. Housing types range from single-family homes to apartments, especially in Columbia neighborhoods like Old Southwest and East Campus. The area has seen a steady 4-6% annual property value increase. Property tax rates average 1.13%, resulting in about $2,880 yearly on a median-priced home. The market remains competitive, with newer developments in southern and eastern Boone County, offering diverse options for buyers and renters alike.
Popular names
- John Smith
- Joshua Smith
- Maria Martinez
- James Johnson
- Michael Williams
- Robert Smith
- James Smith
- Mary Brown
- John Williams
- Mary Smith
- Jerry Robinson
- Michael Smith
- Ryan Smith
- David Jones
- Jennifer Johnson
- Maria Lopez
- Michael Jones
- Robert Johnson
- Emily Smith
- James Brown
- James Williams
- John Jones
- Michael Hall
- Rebecca Smith
- Scott Smith
- Ashley Williams
- Cheryl Johnson
- David Smith
- David Williams
- James Lee
- Jessica Smith
- Michael Hill
- Sarah Jones
- Thomas Smith
- Amber Smith
- Amy Smith
- Jennifer Smith
- Maria Herrera
- Maria Marquez
- Matthew Smith
- Michael Johnson
- Michael Martin
- Nancy Smith
- Robert Brown
- Robert Young
- Sarah Smith
- Ashley Smith
- Brian Smith
- Christopher Miller
- David Thomas
- Elizabeth Smith
- James Wilson
- John Brown
- John White
- Joseph Brown
- Lisa Smith
- Mary Davis
- William Nichols
- Aaron Williams
- Angela Williams
Other Counties in Missouri
- Adair
- Andrew
- Atchison
- Audrain
- Barry
- Barton
- Bates
- Benton
- Bollinger
- Buchanan
- Butler
- Caldwell
- Callaway
- Camden
- Cape Girardeau
- Carroll
- Carter
- Cass
- Cedar
- Chariton
- Christian
- Clark
- Clay
- Clinton
- Cole
- Cooper
- Crawford
- Dade
- Dallas
- Daviess
- Dekalb
- Dent
- Douglas
- Dunklin
- Franklin
- Gasconade
- Gentry
- Greene
- Grundy
- Harrison
- Henry
- Hickory
- Holt
- Howard
- Howell
- Iron
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Johnson