Education, Employment and Housing

Cedar County, MO has five public school districts, including Stockton R-I and El Dorado Springs R-II, serving around 2,100 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 92%, but only about 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the state average. Schools score between 60-75% in proficiency on standardized assessments. Adult education and vocational training are available, and safety initiatives include school resource officers and security protocols. Programs offered include dual-credit courses, FFA, and career tech options, supporting varied student interests and pathways.

As of 2022, Cedar County, MO, had an employment rate of roughly 52%, with about 4,340 residents employed. Major industries include health care & social assistance (17%), retail trade (13%), and manufacturing (12%). Leading occupation types are office & administrative support (15%), sales (11%), and production (10%). About 80% of workers commute outside their home city, with an average drive time of 25 minutes; many travel to neighboring counties such as Polk and Vernon for work. Self-employment accounts for approximately 16% of the workforce.

Cedar County, MO, has a homeownership rate of about 73%, with median home values around $110,000 as of 2023. Rental rates average $700 monthly, and single-family homes dominate the market, with some mobile homes and apartments. Property values have seen modest growth of approximately 3% year-over-year. Notable neighborhoods include Stockton and El Dorado Springs, offering quiet, rural living. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.7% of home value.

Elections

Cedar County, MO, has roughly 8,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include general, primary, and local municipal contests. In the 2020 presidential election, Cedar County voted 80% Republican and 18% Democrat. Key polling locations include the Cedar County Courthouse in Stockton and precinct sites in El Dorado Springs. Voter issues often focus on agriculture, taxes, and school funding. The Cedar County Clerk’s Office administers elections, ensuring compliance with Missouri’s laws. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with Republicans holding most local offices. Turnout for major elections averages 55–65% of registered voters.

County Crime & Safety

Cedar County, MO, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported 105 total crimes, including 15 violent crimes and 90 property crimes, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol data. The violent crime rate is about 2.6 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stands at 15.5 per 1,000. Law enforcement agencies encourage prompt reporting via the local sheriff’s office or 911. Despite occasional burglary or theft incidents, Cedar County is generally considered safe, with crime rates lower than Missouri’s average of 25 crimes per 1,000 residents.

Demographics

As of 2022, Cedar County, Missouri, had a population of approximately 14,088. The median age is about 43.7 years, with 21% under 18 and 23% aged 65 or older. The gender split is nearly even, at 50.5% female and 49.5% male. Racially, the county is predominantly White (93.7%), with small populations of Hispanic or Latino (2.5%), two or more races (2%), and less than 1% each Black, Asian, and Native American residents.