Education, Employment and Housing

Webster County, MO, has 19 public schools serving K-12 students, including Marshfield and Logan-Rogersville high schools. High school graduation rate averages 92%, but only about 20% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. Schools score around 6/10 on GreatSchools. Adult education is offered through local vocational centers. School safety is prioritized, with most campuses reporting few major incidents annually. Educational programs focus on agriculture, business, and skilled trades to reflect community needs.

As of 2022, Webster County, MO, had an employment rate of about 60%, with a labor force of roughly 20,000. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (14%), Manufacturing (13%), and Retail Trade (13%). Major occupation types include Office & Administrative Support (13%) and Production (11%). Around 82% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 29 minutes; about 46% work outside the county, primarily traveling to Springfield, MO.

Webster County, MO, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values around $210,000 as of 2023. Median monthly rent is approximately $840. Property values have risen roughly 10% over the past year. Housing types are mainly single-family homes, with some apartments and mobile homes. Prominent neighborhoods include Marshfield and Seymour. Property taxes average 0.76% of a home’s assessed value, making taxes relatively affordable compared to the national average.

County Crime & Safety

Webster County, MO, maintains a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s 2022 report, the county saw 389 total offenses, including 23 violent crimes and 366 property crimes. The crime rate stands at approximately 13.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement emphasizes community policing and prompt crime reporting, contributing to stable safety trends. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to maintain low crime levels. Overall, Webster County remains relatively safe, with statistics showing lower crime rates than many urban Missouri counties.

Elections

Webster County, Missouri, had approximately 26,000 registered voters in 2022. The county hosts primary, general, special, and municipal elections, with Republican and Democratic parties actively participating—Republicans dominate, winning 70%+ in recent federal races. Polling locations include city halls and schools across Marshfield, Rogersville, and Seymour. Election issues often concern local taxes, education, and road maintenance. The County Clerk’s office administers elections, ensuring compliance with state laws and accessible early voting. In 2020, turnout was 76%. Voters can register online, by mail, or in person at the courthouse.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Webster County, Missouri, had a population of 39,085. The median age was 38.6 years, with 24% under 18 and 16% aged 65 or older. The gender split was approximately 49% male and 51% female. The county was predominantly White (94.2%), with small percentages of Black or African American (0.7%), Native American (0.7%), Asian (0.7%), and those identifying as Hispanic or Latino (2.4%).