County Crime & Safety

Clinton County, MO, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 250 total crimes, of which around 20 were violent offenses and 230 were property crimes. The overall crime rate stands at roughly 1,350 incidents per 100,000 residents, below the Missouri state average of 3,200 per 100,000. Most reported incidents are theft and burglary. Local law enforcement encourages community reporting and offers online and anonymous tip options, contributing to a proactive approach to safety.

Education, Employment and Housing

Clinton County, MO, has approximately 13 public and private schools, including Plattsburg High School and Clinton County R-III School District. About 90% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 19% possess a bachelor's degree or higher. Average public school test scores in the county are around 47% proficiency in math and reading. School safety measures are actively prioritized, and adult education options are available through nearby vocational and community colleges. The county emphasizes STEM, arts, and vocational programs to support diverse learning needs.

As of 2022, Clinton County, MO, had an employment rate of approximately 65%. Leading industries include health care and social assistance (13.9%), retail trade (12.4%), and manufacturing (11.7%). The most common occupations are office and administrative support (14%), sales (10%), and management (9.8%). Around 83% of employed residents commute out of the county for work, with an average commute time of 29.7 minutes, mainly traveling to Kansas City and surrounding metro areas. Remote work accounts for about 8% of the workforce.

Clinton County, MO, features a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $225,000 as of 2024. Rental units comprise roughly 23% of the market, with median rents near $1,000/month. Housing types mainly include single-family homes, supplemented by a few multifamily and rural properties. Key neighborhoods are Plattsburg, Cameron, and Lathrop. The real estate market has seen a steady annual appreciation rate of approximately 4%. Property taxes average 1.06% of assessed value, equating to about $2,400 per year on a median-priced home.

Elections

Clinton County, MO, had 15,267 registered voters as of 2022. The county holds general, primary, and special elections, with the 2020 presidential turnout at 77% (approximately 11,755 voters). Polling occurs at 12 locations, including Plattsburg, Cameron, and Gower. Results heavily favor Republicans—Trump received 75% of the vote in 2020. Administrative duties fall to the County Clerk’s Office. Key issues include local taxes and school board seats. Both Democratic and Republican parties operate in the county, though the GOP maintains a significant advantage.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Clinton County, Missouri, had a population of 21,184. The median age is approximately 40 years. The gender distribution is 50.3% male and 49.7% female. Racially, the county is predominantly White (94.2%), with smaller populations of Black or African American (0.9%), Native American (0.5%), Asian (0.4%), and individuals of two or more races (3.1%). Hispanic or Latino residents comprise about 2.1% of the population.