Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Harrison County, Missouri, had a population of 8,157. The median age was about 43.7 years, with 21.1% under 18 and 22.4% aged 65 or older. The population was 51.3% female and 48.7% male. Racially, the county was 96.9% White, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race, reflecting limited diversity in the region.
Education, Employment and Housing
Harrison County, MO, is served primarily by South Harrison R-II School District, which includes one elementary and one high school. Around 84% of residents hold a high school diploma, but only about 14% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. School proficiency scores hover near the state average, with recent data showing a 45–50% proficiency in reading and math. The county offers limited adult education programs. School safety measures meet Missouri standards, with a low incidence of reported violence. Extra-curricular and vocational programs are available, supporting college and career readiness for students.
As of 2022, Harrison County, MO, had an employment rate of approximately 55%, with a labor force of around 3,450. Top industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (22%), Retail Trade (13%), and Manufacturing (12%). Leading occupation types are Management, Sales, and Office Support roles. About 80% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 18 minutes. The majority (over 75%) are employed within Harrison County, while some commute to neighboring counties such as Gentry and Mercer for work.
Harrison County, MO, has a homeownership rate of around 73%, with the median home value near $102,000 in 2023. The average monthly rent is approximately $600. The county is known for its single-family homes, with some mobile homes and rentals. Property values have increased modestly, about 3% year-over-year. Key neighborhoods include Bethany and Eagleville, offering quiet, rural living. Property tax rates average 0.85% of assessed home value, below the national average, making the area relatively affordable for residents seeking stable housing options.
County Crime & Safety
Harrison County, MO, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 180 total offenses, with property crimes such as theft and burglary comprising nearly 75% of cases. Violent crimes, including assault, totaled under 15 incidents. The crime rate per 1,000 residents stands at 12.7, noticeably below the Missouri average of 31.7. Local law enforcement encourages community reporting and actively monitors public safety, resulting in a clearance rate of 42% for all reported crimes.
Elections
As of 2024, Harrison County, MO has approximately 5,000 registered voters. The county conducts elections for local, state, and federal offices, including primaries and general elections. In the 2020 presidential race, 82% voted Republican, 16% Democrat. Key polling locations include Bethany Community Gym and Ridgeway City Hall. Issues often center on agriculture, education, and infrastructure. The Harrison County Clerk’s office administers elections, with Republican and Democratic parties represented on the election board. Voter turnout averages 60%, reflecting strong civic engagement in this rural county.
Popular names
- Destinie Seeley
- Maria Castillo
- Alex Foster
- Bobby Carver
- Brian Willis
- David Crabtree
- Debra Daly
- Jean Thrailkill
- June Ruff
- Karrie Simpson
- Maria Cabrera
- Matthew Laytham
- Olin Slaughter
- Rolanda Dale
- Ronald Gibson
- Tyler King
- William Thomas
- Adam Ratliff
- Alexis Allen
- Alicia Barnhouse
- Amanda Peery
- Austin Vail
- Benton Crabtree
- Beverly Richardson
- Brandon York
- Brandy Graham
- Brian Lurten
- Bridgette Hamilton
- Callie Gardner
- Carl Slaughter
- Carolyn Montgomery
- Cassi Nible
- Cecil Cracraft
- Cecil Richardson
- Charles Bloss
- Charlie Tanner
- Cody Sittner
- Corey Mcquinn
- Craig Foster
- Crystal Graham
- Dale Stallsworth
- Daniel Pyle
- Darlene Palmer
- David Akins
- David Landes
- Dennis Lisle
- Diane Jackson
- Donald Graham
- Eli Gingerich
- Gaige Blake
- Gary Anderson
- Gary Marsh
- Gary Miles
- Gary Odell
- Gary Turner
- George Craig
- Gilbert Nunn
- Haley Pruitt
- Harold Kern
- Heath Ledgerwood
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
- Dade
- Dallas
- Daviess
- Dekalb
- Dent
- Douglas
- Dunklin
- Franklin
- Gasconade
- Gentry
- Greene
- Grundy
- Henry
- Hickory
- Holt
- Howard
- Howell
- Iron
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Johnson