Dent County Public RecordsMissouri

Dent County, MO, hosts 8 public schools, including Salem High School. Approximately 79% of adults hold a high school diploma, while only 13% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is 6/10. School safety and extracurriculars are prioritized, with programs in STEM and vocational training. Adult education is supported through partnerships with local colleges and technical centers, providing GED and workforce development courses.

As of 2022, Dent County, MO, had an employment rate of approximately 53.4%. Key industries include health care and social assistance (19.1%), retail trade (13.3%), and manufacturing (13.2%). The most common occupation types are production, transportation, and material moving (23.2%) and sales and office (18.2%). The median commute time is 21.1 minutes, with over 80% of workers commuting by car. Most employees work within the county, though a portion commutes to neighboring counties such as Phelps and Crawford.

Dent County, MO has a homeownership rate of about 74%, higher than the national average, with a median home value around $149,000 in 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $675 per month. The county features mostly single-family homes, some manufactured housing, and few apartment complexes, spread across rural communities and neighborhoods in Salem, the county seat. Property values have experienced modest increases of about 3% annually. Property tax rates average 0.71% of assessed home value, making taxes relatively low. The housing market is generally affordable, attracting families, retirees, and those seeking small-town living.

As of 2023, Dent County, MO, has an estimated population of about 14,350. The median age is approximately 43 years. Females make up around 50.5% and males 49.5%. The county is predominantly White (95.8%), with small percentages identifying as two or more races (2.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%), African American (0.3%), and Native American (0.7%). The population is largely rural, with a declining trend over the past decade.

Dent County, Missouri, had 10,326 registered voters as of 2023. The county holds general, primary, and municipal elections, with 14 polling locations, including the Dent County Courthouse. In the 2020 presidential election, 78% voted Republican, 19% Democratic. Local issues include school funding and road improvements. The County Clerk’s office administers elections, ensuring compliance and accessibility. Voter turnout typically ranges from 55% to 68%. The dominant political party is Republican, reflecting consistent results since 2000. Third-party candidates rarely receive more than 2% of vote shares.

Dent County, MO, reports a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. According to recent statistics, the violent crime rate stands at approximately 3.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime is about 17.4 per 1,000 residents. Crime reporting is handled by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. The area’s safety rating is above average for rural Missouri, but residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially concerning property crimes. Community policing and neighborhood watch programs contribute to the overall decline in reported incidents in recent years.