Phelps County Public RecordsMissouri

Phelps County, MO has a population of approximately 44,600 (2022 estimate). The median age is around 36 years. About 51% are male and 49% female. Racial composition is predominantly White (85%), with Black or African American (3%), Asian (3%), and Hispanic or Latino residents (4%). Other races and mixed backgrounds make up the remainder. The county's age distribution shows 21% under 18, 63% ages 18–64, and 16% age 65 and over.

Phelps County, MO, had 29,434 registered voters in 2022. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with recent turnout rates around 55%. In the 2020 presidential election, 73% voted Republican, 25% Democratic. There are 17 polling locations, including Courthouse and school sites. Key issues include infrastructure and education funding. Elections are administered by the County Clerk’s office. Both Republican and Democratic parties are active locally, though Republicans dominate.

Phelps County, MO has 24 public schools, including 5 high schools, serving approximately 7,000 students. The high school graduation rate is 92%, and about 22% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is prioritized, with each district implementing security measures and reporting below-average incident rates. Educational programs include STEM initiatives and vocational training, with Rolla Public Schools rated 7/10 on GreatSchools. Adult education is available through the Rolla Technical Center, supporting GED and career advancement.

As of 2023, Phelps County, MO, has an unemployment rate of approximately 3.1%. The leading industry is educational services, health care & social assistance (27.5%), followed by manufacturing (15.8%) and retail trade (12.1%). The most common occupations are management, business, science, and arts (33%), and sales & office (21%). Roughly 74% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 19.6 minutes. Most residents work within the county, with Rolla being the primary employment location.

Phelps County, MO has a median home value of about $163,000 and a homeownership rate near 62%. Average rent is roughly $840 per month. The housing market has seen property values rise around 7% year-over-year. Most homes are single-family residences, with some apartment complexes concentrated in Rolla and St. James. Notable neighborhoods include Ber Juan and Silverstone. Property tax rates average $7.25 per $1,000 of assessed value. The area offers suburban and rural housing options with a mix of established and newer developments.

Phelps County, MO, experienced a crime rate of 22.3 per 1,000 residents in 2023, slightly below the state average. Violent crime accounted for 3.4 per 1,000, while property crime stood at 18.9 per 1,000. The sheriff’s department reported 165 violent crimes and 919 property crimes last year. Crime reporting is facilitated by local law enforcement and supported by community watch programs, resulting in a clearance rate of 31%. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, as theft and burglary remain the most common offenses reported.