Elections

Stoddard County, Missouri, had about 18,500 registered voters as of 2022. The county conducts local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 81% voted Republican, 17% Democrat. There are approximately 13 polling locations, including county schools and community centers. Key issues include agriculture, school funding, and healthcare. Election administration is handled by the County Clerk. Major parties are Republican and Democrat, with Republicans overwhelmingly dominant in recent cycles. Voter turnout typically ranges from 55% to 65% in general elections.

Education, Employment and Housing

Stoddard County, MO, has 17 public schools, including 5 high schools, serving roughly 3,800 students. Around 14% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. The county’s average high school graduation rate is about 92%. Schools offer vocational programs and dual-credit college courses. Safety scores average 7/10, with a focus on anti-bullying measures. Adult education is available through regional centers and online programs. Test scores rank slightly below Missouri’s state averages, but community involvement in education remains strong.

As of 2022, Stoddard County, MO, had an employment rate of about 54.8%. Major industries include Manufacturing (19.5%), Health Care & Social Assistance (19.1%), and Retail Trade (11.2%). The most common occupations are Production (13.6%), Office & Administrative Support (11.4%), and Sales (10.5%). Around 81.2% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21.1 minutes; over 62% work within Stoddard County, while others commute to nearby counties like Cape Girardeau and Dunklin for employment.

Stoddard County, MO has a homeownership rate of about 71%, with a median property value around $117,000 (2022). The median gross rent is approximately $690 per month. Market trends show modest annual appreciation, averaging 3–4%. Housing types primarily consist of single-family homes, with some mobile homes and few apartments. Key neighborhoods include Dexter, Bloomfield, and Advance. Property tax rates are low, averaging 0.75% of assessed value, resulting in median annual property taxes of roughly $870, making the area affordable for both homeowners and renters.

County Crime & Safety

Stoddard County, MO, reported a crime rate of approximately 2,125 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2022, lower than the Missouri state average. Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, accounted for about 18% of reported cases, with the remainder being property crimes such as burglary and theft. The Stoddard County Sheriff’s Office encourages public reporting through tip hotlines and online forms. Overall, the county maintains a moderate safety profile, with consistent law enforcement efforts contributing to a steady decline in crime rates over the past five years.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Stoddard County, MO, had a population of 28,672. The median age is 42.2 years, with 20% under 18 and 20% aged 65 or older. The gender split is roughly 49% male and 51% female. Racially, the county is predominantly White (94.1%), with African Americans making up 2.1%, and Hispanics or Latinos 1.8%. Other races and multiracial residents account for the remainder.