Elections

Gentry County, MO, had approximately 4,900 registered voters as of 2022. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections; in the 2020 presidential race, 83% voted Republican and 16% Democratic. Polling locations include the Albany Community Center and King City School. Recent local issues include rural road funding and school bonds. Elections are overseen by the Gentry County Clerk. The area leans heavily Republican, with the GOP holding all county offices. Voter turnout typically ranges from 55% to 75% in major elections.

County Crime & Safety

Gentry County, MO, reports a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county recorded 48 total crimes, including 6 violent crimes and 42 property crimes, translating to a crime rate of approximately 9.2 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement emphasizes community policing, contributing to a safer environment. Crime statistics are regularly reported by the Gentry County Sheriff’s Office and submitted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Overall, residents experience a higher-than-average sense of safety, with consistent monitoring helping maintain low crime rates.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Gentry County, Missouri, had a population of 6,162. The median age was 42.8 years, with 21.1% under 18 and 22.6% aged 65 and over. The gender distribution was approximately 50.2% male and 49.8% female. Racially, the county was 95.9% White, 0.5% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.7% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprised 1.6% of the population.

Education, Employment and Housing

Gentry County, MO has 5 public schools, including 2 high schools. About 89% of adults hold a high school diploma, and 18% have a bachelor’s degree or higher (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023). Average school test scores are 56% (far below the Missouri average of 84%). School safety incidents are low, with minimal reported cases annually. Educational programs focus on vocational training and technology. Adult education is available through local community partnerships, supporting continuing education for workforce advancement.

As of 2022, Gentry County, MO had an employment rate of 55.2%. The leading industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (19.2%), Retail Trade (15%), and Educational Services (10.4%). Most workers are employed in Management, Business, Science, and Arts occupations (30.4%), followed by Sales and Office (22.1%). About 75% of residents commute to work by car, with an average commute time of 23.5 minutes. The majority work within the county, but approximately 29% commute to neighboring counties for employment.

Gentry County, MO, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values around $110,000 in 2023 and median monthly rents near $650. The market shows stable prices with modest annual growth (2–3%). Housing largely consists of single-family homes, with some multi-family units in towns like Albany. Notable neighborhoods include Albany, Stanberry, and King City, each offering quiet, rural settings. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.93% of property value, resulting in typical annual taxes of roughly $1,000. The area remains attractive for affordable, small-town living.