Scott County Public RecordsMissouri

Scott County, MO has around 20 public and private schools, including 4 high schools. About 85% of adults hold a high school diploma, while roughly 13% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores in public schools are near the state mean. The district maintains a student-teacher ratio of about 13:1 and implements safety programs, resulting in below-average major incident rates. Schools offer vocational, college prep, and adult education programs.

As of 2022, Scott County, MO, had an employment rate of approximately 56.7% for residents aged 16 and over. The leading industries are manufacturing (22.8%), health care and social assistance (18.4%), and retail trade (11.2%). The most common occupation types are production (16.3%), office/administrative support (13.2%), and sales (9.5%). About 81% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 20.2 minutes. Most employment is located within Scott County, though some residents commute to Cape Girardeau and other nearby areas.

Scott County, MO, has a homeownership rate of about 69%, with median home values around $135,000 in 2024. Median monthly rent is approximately $800. The housing market has seen steady appreciation, with home values rising about 5% year-over-year. Single-family homes dominate, though there are some apartments and mobile homes. Notable neighborhoods include Sikeston and Benton. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.72% of a property's assessed value, making homeownership more affordable compared to national averages.

Scott County, MO, experiences a crime rate higher than the national average. According to recent statistics, the county’s overall crime rate is 31.5 per 1,000 residents. Violent crime stands at 3.9 per 1,000, while property crime is 27.6 per 1,000. Law enforcement agencies encourage prompt reporting of incidents, with 911 being the primary contact for emergencies. Although crime has slightly decreased in recent years, residents are advised to remain vigilant and utilize local safety resources to help reduce risks.

As of the 2020 Census, Scott County, MO, had a population of 38,059. The racial makeup is 82.8% White, 14% Black or African American, 1.1% two or more races, and 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. The median age is 40.2 years, with 23.7% under 18 and 17.6% aged 65 or older. The population is 48.8% male and 51.2% female, reflecting a slightly higher female presence.

Scott County, Missouri, had about 25,700 registered voters as of 2022. The county holds general, primary, and local elections, with typical turnout rates around 55% in presidential years. In the 2020 presidential election, 79% voted Republican, 20% Democrat. Major polling locations include the Benton Courthouse and area schools. Common issues on ballots include school levies and local taxes. Elections are managed by the Scott County Clerk’s office, and the county is predominantly Republican, with party affiliation reflected in elected officials and voting trends.