Ray County Public RecordsMissouri

Ray County, MO, has a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the county reported a total crime rate of about 1,150 incidents per 100,000 residents, with property crimes (890/100,000) outnumbering violent crimes (260/100,000). Crime rates in Ray County are lower than the Missouri state average. Law enforcement agencies actively encourage community reporting, which has led to a 10% increase in solved cases over the past year. Safety initiatives and local policing have contributed to a steady decline in overall crime rates since 2020.

Ray County, Missouri, has approximately 18,000 residents and about 13,000 registered voters. The county conducts primary, general, and municipal elections, with polling locations including the county courthouse and local schools. In the 2020 general election, turnout was 72%, with Republicans receiving 76% of the vote and Democrats 22%. Key issues include local taxes and county infrastructure. Elections are overseen by the Ray County Clerk’s Office. Two main parties, Republican and Democrat, dominate the political scene. For the latest polling sites and results, residents consult the county’s official website or contact the clerk’s office directly.

As of 2023, Ray County, MO, has an estimated population of about 22,600. The median age is approximately 41 years. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.2% male and 49.8% female residents. Racially, the population is predominantly White (over 94%), with small minorities of Black or African American (2%), two or more races (2%), and Hispanic or Latino origin (2%). Asians and other racial groups each comprise less than 1% of the population.

Ray County, MO, serves students through six public school districts with around 10 elementary, 3 middle, and 3 high schools. The average high school graduation rate is approximately 92%. About 15% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is prioritized, with most districts reporting minimal incidents annually. Programs include gifted education, vocational training, and extracurricular activities. ACT scores average 19.3, slightly below the national mean. Adult education is available via local community colleges.

As of 2022, Ray County, MO, had an unemployment rate of approximately 2.7%. Top employment sectors include educational services, health care, and social assistance (22%), manufacturing (15%), and retail trade (11%). The leading occupations are in management, business, science, and arts (28%), followed by sales and office (22%). About 81% of workers commute outside the county, with a mean travel time of 28 minutes, commonly to Kansas City and neighboring counties.

Ray County, MO, features a homeownership rate of around 77%, with a median home value of approximately $178,000 and median gross rent near $730. Housing types predominantly include single-family homes, with some rural properties and limited multifamily units. Notable neighborhoods are Richmond, Lawson, and Orrick. The property market has recently experienced steady growth, with values increasing about 6% year-over-year. Property taxes average 1.09% of assessed value, translating to roughly $1,900 annually on a median-priced home. The area balances affordability with a strong sense of community and access to Kansas City’s broader metropolitan region.