Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Dade County, Missouri, had a population of approximately 7,569. The median age is around 46.8 years. About 50.2% are male and 49.8% are female. The racial makeup is predominantly White (94.6%), with small percentages of Hispanic or Latino (1.6%), multiracial (2.4%), Black or African American (0.5%), and other races. The population under 18 comprises 20.6%, while those 65 and older represent 23.9%.
County Crime & Safety
Dade County, MO, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported 58 total crimes, including 8 violent crimes (0 murders) and 50 property crimes. The crime rate stands at approximately 8.3 per 1,000 residents, significantly below the U.S. average of 22. State and local law enforcement provide regular reporting, and most incidents involve theft and minor assaults. Overall, Dade County is considered safer than 72% of U.S. counties, making it a secure place to live and work.
Education, Employment and Housing
Dade County, MO, features 5 public schools, including Dadeville and Greenfield high schools. About 86% of residents hold a high school diploma, and roughly 12% have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school scores hover around the Missouri state average, with a graduation rate near 90%. Adult education options are limited locally but available in nearby counties. School safety reports indicate low to moderate incidents, and schools offer standard extracurricular and vocational programs to support student growth.
As of the latest data, Dade County, MO, has an employment rate of around 53.7% for residents aged 16 and over. The leading industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (18.5%), Manufacturing (15.4%), and Retail Trade (11.2%). Most workers are employed in management, sales, and production occupations. About 84.2% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 29.6 minutes. The majority work outside the county, mainly traveling to nearby Jasper and Greene counties for employment opportunities.
Dade County, MO, has a homeownership rate of approximately 77%, with rentals comprising 23% of housing. Median home values are around $122,000, rising 4% year-over-year, while median rents average $700 monthly. Housing stock consists mostly of single-family homes, with some mobile homes and a few multi-family units. Notable neighborhoods include Greenfield and Lockwood, offering rural living. Property tax rates are low, averaging $6.80 per $1,000 of assessed value, making the area affordable for homeowners compared to state and national averages.
Elections
Dade County, MO has approximately 5,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county administers general, primary, and special elections, with around 65% turnout in presidential cycles. Polling locations include the Dade County Courthouse and community centers in towns like Greenfield and Lockwood. Local issues often include school funding and agricultural policies. The Dade County Clerk oversees election administration, ensuring compliance. In recent elections, Republican candidates have received about 75% of the vote, with Democrats trailing. The county has two major parties represented and minimal third-party activity. Voter registration is available year-round at the courthouse and online.
Popular names
- Jacob Jones
- James Smith
- Jerry Wagner
- David Smith
- Jennifer Moore
- Kerry Greenlee
- Adam Wilson
- Amanda Brown
- Andrea Hare
- Brenda Long
- Caleb Robinson
- Calvin Wilkins
- Caran Stockton
- Cathy Cantrell
- Charles Crouch
- Christina Volinski
- Christopher Stephens
- Christy Webb
- Cleo Vaughn
- Cody Killingsworth
- Cori Austin
- Dale Burnett
- Darren Sayers
- Diane Woodruff
- Donald Russell
- Dustin Jones
- Elizabeth Landers
- Fulton Gass
- Gary Smith
- Gene Baker
- Georgine Ward
- Gerald Goodman
- Ginger Matthews
- Hailey Woods
- Irene Deeter
- James Dunfield
- James Gass
- Jamie Eggerman
- Janet Stephens
- Janice Mustin
- Jerry Chambers
- Jerry Marshall
- Jess Myers
- Jessica Brown
- Joseph Miller
- Julie Hummel
- Julie Smith
- Karan Davis
- Kevan Marshall
- Kirk Brown
- Krystal Bough
- Linda Schilling
- Linda Thieman
- Logan Baker
- Luke Richter
- Mark Eisensee
- Mary Lowry
- Matthew Garrett
- Michael Bennett
- Michael Brown
Other Counties in Missouri
- Adair
- Andrew
- Atchison
- Audrain
- Barry
- Barton
- Bates
- Benton
- Bollinger
- Boone
- Buchanan
- Butler
- Caldwell
- Callaway
- Camden
- Cape Girardeau
- Carroll
- Carter
- Cass
- Cedar
- Chariton
- Christian
- Clark
- Clay
- Clinton
- Cole
- Cooper
- Crawford
- Dallas
- Daviess
- Dekalb
- Dent
- Douglas
- Dunklin
- Franklin
- Gasconade
- Gentry
- Greene
- Grundy
- Harrison
- Henry
- Hickory
- Holt
- Howard
- Howell
- Iron
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Johnson