Elections
Pike County, MO, has approximately 12,500 registered voters as of 2022. Voters participate in municipal, state, and federal elections, with turnout in the 2020 general election around 65%. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with Republicans securing 72% in the last presidential race. The county is administered by the Pike County Clerk, who oversees 12 polling locations. Common ballot issues include local taxes and school boards. Voter registration, precinct assignments, and election logistics are managed at the county clerk’s office in Bowling Green, ensuring secure and accessible voting for all eligible residents.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Pike County, Missouri, had a population of 17,587. The median age was 41.1 years, with 51% female and 49% male. The racial composition was 86.6% White, 10.1% Black or African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Asian, and 1.1% reporting two or more races. The county's population is relatively older, with about 20% aged 65 or older, and has a low percentage of non-White residents compared to both state and national averages.
County Crime & Safety
Pike County, MO, experiences a crime rate higher than the national average, with recent statistics indicating approximately 31.5 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Property crime rates are notably elevated, making up around 85% of total incidents, while violent crime rates remain lower but still notable at 5.2 per 1,000 people. The Pike County Sheriff’s Office regularly publishes reports and encourages community collaboration to improve safety. Overall, residents face a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim of crime, emphasizing the importance of local vigilance and preventive measures.
Education, Employment and Housing
Pike County, MO, features 8 public schools, including 2 high schools. Approximately 88% of adults have a high school diploma, while around 14% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school test scores are below the Missouri state average, with a GreatSchools rating close to 5/10. The area prioritizes school safety with standard protocols and offers programs like vocational training and dual-credit courses for college-bound students. Adult education opportunities are available through local community colleges and adult learning centers.
As of 2022, Pike County, MO, had an employment rate of about 56%. The largest industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (17.5%), Manufacturing (16.4%), and Retail Trade (12%). Leading occupations are Production (13.6%), Office & Administrative Support (13%), and Sales (10%). Around 82% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes; about 45% work outside the county, mainly in Lincoln and Ralls counties. These figures reflect a diverse employment base with a significant portion of residents commuting for work.
Pike County, MO, has a homeownership rate of around 73%, with median home values near $128,000 and median gross rents around $670 monthly. The local property market has seen modest growth, with values increasing about 2% annually. Housing types include primarily single-family homes, with some apartments in towns like Bowling Green. Neighborhoods range from rural farmland areas to small-town communities. Property taxes average 0.86% of assessed value, equating to about $1,100 per year for a median-priced home. The area remains affordable compared to statewide and national averages.
Popular names
- Mary Brown
- James Turner
- Jerome Morris
- Margaret Morgan
- Amanda Johnson
- Amy Smith
- Donald Perkins
- James Henderson
- Jerry Yoder
- John Miederhoff
- John Smith
- John Thomas
- Larry Stewart
- Margaret Murphy
- Patricia Chandler
- Robert Jones
- Stephen Carnahan
- Alan Crow
- Amanda Elliott
- Amanda Smith
- Ashley Niffen
- Audrey Reeder
- Austin Rule
- Brenda Campbell
- Brian Ray
- Byron Guertzgen
- Caleb Caldwell
- Celeste Tucker
- Charles Hughart
- Charles Martin
- Charles Turnbaugh
- Chris Smith
- Christopher Miller
- Cody Smith
- Dalton Stewart
- David Williams
- Donna Brown
- Dorothy Brown
- Dylan Turner
- Gerald Smith
- James Carnahan
- James Elliott
- James Graham
- James Hays
- James Stribling
- James Waddell
- Jennifer Calvin
- Jeremy Baker
- Jerome Moore
- Jerry Bailey
- Jessica Reed
- Jimmy Johnson
- John Heinrich
- Justin Caldwell
- Justin House
- Kevin Hill
- Krystal Borrowman
- Larry Grote
- Laura Waite
- Lloyd Turner
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
- Harrison
- Henry
- Hickory
- Holt
- Howard
- Howell
- Iron
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Johnson