Wright County Public RecordsMissouri

As of the 2020 Census, Wright County, Missouri, had a population of 18,188. The median age was 41.3 years, with 20.5% under 18 and 20% aged 65 or older. The gender split was roughly equal—50.2% male and 49.8% female. The county was predominantly White (94.5%), with small populations of Hispanic or Latino (2.3%), two or more races (2.1%), Native American (1.2%), and African American (0.4%).

Wright County, MO, had 12,431 registered voters as of 2022. Overseen by the Wright County Clerk’s Office, residents participate in municipal, state, and federal elections at 14 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, 81% voted Republican and 18% Democrat. Key issues include school funding and road maintenance. Voter turnout typically ranges from 60-75% in general elections. The two main parties are Republican and Democrat, with Republicans dominating local offices. Absentee and in-person voting are available, and election results are posted on the county website.

Wright County, MO, has a crime rate lower than the national average, with a reported violent crime rate of approximately 2.7 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 13.6 per 1,000 residents (2022 data). The county reported around 55 violent crimes and 270 property crimes that year. Law enforcement actively encourages community crime reporting, and proactive policing strategies contribute to overall safety. However, theft and burglary remain concerns in some areas, and residents are advised to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity promptly.

Wright County, MO has 13 public schools, including 3 high schools, serving approximately 3,200 students. Around 11% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the state average. The student-teacher ratio in the county is 13:1, with standardized test scores averaging 56% proficiency in math and 54% in reading. School safety is generally rated as average, with few serious incidents reported. Educational programs include career and technical education, though advanced placement offerings are limited. Adult education is available through the South Central Career Center in nearby West Plains.

As of 2022, Wright County, MO had an employment rate of approximately 54% among residents aged 16+. Major industries include health care & social assistance (20%), retail trade (13%), and manufacturing (11%). Top occupation types are production, transportation, and material moving (25%), followed by sales and office roles (19%). The average commute time is 29 minutes, with over 80% driving alone and the majority working outside the county, primarily in nearby Greene and Webster counties. Unemployment rate stood at about 4.2%.

Wright County, MO, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values around $150,000 as of 2024. Median gross rent is approximately $660 monthly. The housing market remains stable, with modest value increases of around 2% per year. Single-family homes dominate, while mobile homes make up roughly 20% of housing. Key neighborhoods include Mountain Grove and Hartville. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.7% of assessed value; an average homeowner pays about $1,050 annually. The county offers affordable options for both buyers and renters in rural or small-town settings.