Wright County, Missouri

Wright County, Missouri
Wright County, Missouri
Elected countywide officials
Assessor	Brenda Day
Circuit Clerk	Joe Chadwell
County Clerk	Nelda Masner
Collector	Cindy Cottengim
Commissioner; (Presiding)	Zach Williams
Commissioner; (District 1)	Tommy Gaddis
Commissioner; (District 2)	Mike Sherman
Coroner	Ben Hurtt
Prosecuting Attorney	Jason W. MacPherson
Public Administrator	John T. Miller
Recorder	Kathy Garrison
Sheriff	Glenn Adler
Surveyor	W. Andrew Daniel
Treasurer	Naomi Gray

Wright County
Wright County
County
	Wright County Courthouse in Hartville
	Location within the U.S. state of Missouri
	Missouri's location within the U.S.
	Coordinates: 37°16′N 92°28′W / 37.27°N 92.46°W
Country	United States
State	Missouri
Founded	January 29, 1841
Named for	Silas Wright
Seat	Hartville
Largest city	Mountain Grove
Area
• Total	683 sq mi (1,770 km2)
• Land	682 sq mi (1,770 km2)
• Water	1.4 sq mi (4 km2) 0.2%
Population (2020)
• Total	18,188
• Density	27/sq mi (10/km2)
Time zone	UTC−6 (Central)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district	8th
Website	www.wrightcountymo.com

Wright County is a county located in the southern portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,188.^[1] Its county seat is Hartville.^[2] The county was officially organized on January 29, 1841, and is named after Silas Wright (D-New York), a former Congressman, U.S. Senator and Governor of New York.^[3]

As of the 2020 United States Census, the U.S. Census Bureau recognized the mean center of the United States population to be within the county, near the community of Hartville.^[4]

History

Wright County is bordered by Laclede County on the north, Texas County on the east, Douglas County on the south, and Webster County on the west. It is in the part of the state considered Southwest Missouri. Formed from part of Pulaski County on January 29, 1841, Wright County was named in honor of Silas Wright, a prominent New York Democrat. The county seat of Hartville was named after pioneer settler Isaac Hart.^[5] Wright County lost part of its land in 1845 to Texas County, in 1849 to Laclede, and in 1855 a big chunk to Webster.

It appears there were no Native American settlements early in the area, although the wandering Delawares, Shawnees, and Piankashaws did come through. Early white settlers were in the county in 1836 and were probably hunters. Earliest known settlers (by 1840) were Samuel Thompson, Robert Moore, John W. Burns, Jeff and Robert Montgomery, Benjamin Stephens, James Young, William Franklin, Isham Pool, and the Tuckers, according to Goodspeed.^{[citation needed]}

The county has been devastated several times by storms. A tornado that swept through Southwest Missouri that devastated Webster County on April 18, 1880. A flood occurred April 22–23, 1885. Another tornado on May 8, 1888, did considerable damage, as did a hailstorm near the same time that reportedly left hail 3-4 inches deep and in drifts 5–8 feet high, after falling for two hours. Goodspeed gives great accounts of these storms, as well as others.^{[citation needed]}

A good-sized portion of the county is located in the Mark Twain National Forest. The Gasconade River and its tributaries flow through the county, as well allowing for great recreational opportunities.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 683 square miles (1,770 km²), of which 682 square miles (1,770 km²) is land and 1.4 square miles (3.6 km²) (0.2%) is water.^[6]

Wright County lies within the Salem Plateau region of the Ozarks. The bulk of the county is drained by the north flowing Gasconade River and its tributary streams. The southern edge of the county is drained by the south flowing headwaters of North Fork River. The terrain is moderately hilly.^[7]

Adjacent counties

Laclede County (north)
Webster County (west)
Douglas County (south)
Texas County (east)

Major highways

National protected area

Mark Twain National Forest (part)

Demographics

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1850	3,387	—
1860	4,508	33.1%
1870	5,684	26.1%
1880	9,712	70.9%
1890	14,484	49.1%
1900	17,519	21.0%
1910	18,315	4.5%
1920	17,733	−3.2%
1930	16,741	−5.6%
1940	17,967	7.3%
1950	15,834	−11.9%
1960	14,183	−10.4%
1970	13,667	−3.6%
1980	16,188	18.4%
1990	16,758	3.5%
2000	17,955	7.1%
2010	18,815	4.8%
2020	18,188	−3.3%
U.S. Decennial Census^[8] 1790-1960^[9] 1900-1990^[10] 1990-2000^[11] 2010^[12]

As of the census^[13] of 2000, there were 17,955 people, 7,081 households, and 5,020 families residing in the county. The population density was 26 people per square mile (10 people/km²). There were 7,957 housing units at an average density of 12 units per square mile (4.6/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.61% White, 0.28% Black or African American, 0.66% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.27% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. Approximately 0.77% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 7,081 households, out of which 33.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% were married couples living together, 8.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.10% were non-families. 26.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.20% under the age of 18, 8.20% from 18 to 24, 25.30% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 16.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $30,685, and the median income for a family was $37,139. Males had a median income of $24,876 versus $17,608 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,319. About 17.30% of families and 21.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.10% of those under age 18 and 17.60% of those age 65 or over.

Religion

According to the Association of Religion Data Archives County Membership Report (2000), Wright County is a part of the Bible Belt with evangelical Protestantism being the majority religion. The most predominant denominations among residents in Wright County who adhere to a religion are Southern Baptists (49.92%), National Association of Free Will Baptists (19.84%), and Pentecostals (7.55%).

2020 Census

Wright County Racial Composition^[14]
Race	Num.	Perc.
White (NH)	16,654	91.57%
Black or African American (NH)	111	0.6%
Native American (NH)	73	0.4%
Asian (NH)	48	0.26%
Pacific Islander (NH)	5	0.03%
Other/Mixed (NH)	927	5.1%
Hispanic or Latino	370	2%

Education

Of adults 25 years of age and older in Wright County, 71.1% possesses a high school diploma or higher while 9.8% holds a bachelor's degree or higher as their highest educational attainment.

Public schools

Hartville R-II School District - Hartville
- Grovespring Elementary School - Grovespring - (K-06)
- Hartville Elementary School (PK-06)
- Hartville High School (07-12)
Mansfield R-IV School District - Mansfield
- Wilder Elementary School (PK-05)
- Mansfield Jr. High School (06-08)
- Mansfield High School (09-12)
Mountain Grove R-III School District - Mountain Grove
- Mountain Grove Elementary School (K-04)
- Mountain Grove Middle School (05-08)
- Mountain Grove High School (09-12)
Norwood R-I School District - Norwood
- Norwood Elementary School (PK-04)
- Norwood Middle School (05-08)
- Norwood High School (09-12)
Manes R-V School District - Manes
- Manes Elementary School (K-08)

Private schools

Mountain Grove Christian Academy - Mountain Grove - (PK-12) - Non-denominational Christian
Liberty Faith Christian Academy - Norwood - (K-12) - Non-denominational Christian

Alternative and vocational schools

Ozark Mountain Technical Center - Mountain Grove - (09-12) - Vocational/Technical
Ozark Regional Juvenile Detention Center - Mountain Grove - (05-12) - Juvenile Hall
Skyview State School - Mountain Grove - (K-12) - A school for handicapped students and those with other special needs.

Public libraries

Wright County Library^[15]

Politics

Local

The Republican Party completely controls politics at the local level in Wright County. Republicans hold every elected position in the county.

State

All of Wright County is a part of the Missouri 141st District in the Missouri House of Representatives and is currently represented by Hannah Kelly (R-Mountain Grove).

Missouri House of Representatives — District 141 — Wright County (2016)^[16]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Hannah Kelly	6,910	100.00%

Missouri House of Representatives — District 141 — Wright County (2014)^[16]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Tony Dugger	3,591	100.00%

Missouri House of Representatives — District 141 — Wright County (2012)^[16]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Tony Dugger	6,899	100.00%

All of Wright County is a part of Missouri's 33rd District in the Missouri Senate and is currently represented by State Senator Mike Cunningham (R-Rogersville)

Missouri Senate — District 33 — Wright County (2016)^[16]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Mike Cunningham	7,098	100.00%

Missouri Senate — District 33 — Wright County (2012)^[16]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Mike Cunningham	6,834	100.00%

Past Gubernatorial Elections Results
Year	Republican	Democratic	Third Parties
2020	84.63% 7,343	13.61% 1,181	1.76% 153
2016	73.93% 5,993	23.40% 1,897	2.66% 216
2012	61.13% 4,866	36.16% 2,878	2.71% 216
2008	49.57% 4,198	47.53% 4,025	2.90% 245
2004	71.37% 5,955	27.33% 2,280	1.30% 109
2000	62.56% 4,872	35.73% 2,783	1.71% 133
1996	62.03% 4,310	35.13% 2,441	2.84% 197
1992	56.36% 4,280	43.64% 3,314	0.00% 0
1988	74.68% 4,789	24.92% 1,598	0.41% 26
1984	74.30% 4,928	25.70% 1,705	0.00% 0
1980	60.21% 4,035	39.67% 2,659	0.12% 8
1976	61.66% 3,780	38.29% 2,347	0.05% 3

Federal

U.S. Senate — Missouri — Wright County (2016)^[16]
	Candidate	Votes	%	±%
Republican	Roy Blunt	5,930	73.29%	+17.39
Democratic	Jason Kander	1,836	22.69%	−13.92
Libertarian	Jonathan Dine	176	2.18%	−5.31
Green	Johnathan McFarland	60	0.74%	+0.74
Constitution	Fred Ryman	89	1.10%	+1.10

U.S. Senate — Missouri — Wright County (2012)^[16]
	Candidate	Votes	%
Republican	Todd Akin	4,402	55.90%
Democratic	Claire McCaskill	2,883	36.61%
Libertarian	Jonathan Dine	590	7.49%

Wright County is included in Missouri's 8th Congressional District and is currently represented by Jason T. Smith (R-Salem) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Smith won a special election on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, to finish out the remaining term of U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (R-Cape Girardeau). Emerson announced her resignation a month after being reelected with over 70 percent of the vote in the district. She resigned to become CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative.

U.S. House of Representatives — District 8 — Wright County (2016)^[16]
	Candidate	Votes	%	±%
Republican	Jason Smith	6,594	83.19%	+5.05
Democratic	Dave Cowell	1,150	14.51%	−1.28
Libertarian	Jonathan Shell	182	2.30%	+0.00

U.S. House of Representatives — District 8 — Wright County (2014)^[16]
	Candidate	Votes	%	±%
Republican	Jason Smith	3,157	78.14%	−2.27
Democratic	Barbara Stocker	638	15.79%	−1.18
Libertarian	Rick Vandeven	93	2.30%	+1.16
Constitution	Doug Enyart	56	1.39%	−0.09
Independent	Terry Hampton	96	2.38%	+2.38

U.S. House of Representatives — District 8 — Special Election – Wright County (2013)^[16]
	Candidate	Votes	%	±%
Republican	Jason T. Smith	1,412	80.41	+1.34
Democratic	Steve Hodges	298	16.97	−0.12
Libertarian	Bill Slantz	20	1.14	−2.70
Constitution	Doug Enyart	26	1.48	+1.48

U.S. House of Representatives — District 8 — Wright County (2012)^[16]
	Candidate	Votes	%
Republican	Jo Ann Emerson	6,172	79.07%
Democratic	Jack Rushin	1,334	17.09%
Libertarian	Rick Vandeven	300	3.84%

Political culture

United States presidential election results for Wright County, Missouri^[17]
Year	Republican		Democratic		Third party(ies)
Year	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2024	7,850	87.42%	1,057	11.77%	73	0.81%
2020	7,453	85.17%	1,168	13.35%	130	1.49%
2016	6,707	82.61%	1,170	14.41%	242	2.98%
2012	5,830	73.29%	1,953	24.55%	172	2.16%
2008	5,784	67.94%	2,557	30.03%	173	2.03%
2004	6,090	72.97%	2,188	26.22%	68	0.81%
2000	5,391	68.75%	2,250	28.70%	200	2.55%
1996	3,754	53.67%	2,280	32.59%	961	13.74%
1992	3,427	44.60%	2,814	36.62%	1,443	18.78%
1988	4,151	64.92%	2,232	34.91%	11	0.17%
1984	4,687	70.38%	1,973	29.62%	0	0.00%
1980	4,451	66.27%	2,182	32.49%	83	1.24%
1976	3,397	54.87%	2,781	44.92%	13	0.21%
1972	4,350	76.08%	1,368	23.92%	0	0.00%
1968	3,576	66.22%	1,337	24.76%	487	9.02%
1964	3,466	51.29%	3,292	48.71%	0	0.00%
1960	5,191	72.66%	1,953	27.34%	0	0.00%
1956	4,360	65.68%	2,278	34.32%	0	0.00%
1952	5,285	72.31%	2,006	27.45%	18	0.25%
1948	3,542	58.47%	2,505	41.35%	11	0.18%
1944	4,413	67.51%	2,116	32.37%	8	0.12%
1940	5,096	64.98%	2,727	34.77%	20	0.26%
1936	4,837	59.18%	3,296	40.32%	41	0.50%
1932	3,023	43.51%	3,862	55.58%	63	0.91%
1928	4,504	69.28%	1,973	30.35%	24	0.37%
1924	3,105	55.04%	2,303	40.83%	233	4.13%
1920	3,661	63.69%	2,008	34.93%	79	1.37%
1916	2,176	56.29%	1,593	41.21%	97	2.51%
1912	1,163	32.97%	1,356	38.45%	1,008	28.58%
1908	2,149	58.21%	1,469	39.79%	74	2.00%
1904	1,972	58.80%	1,266	37.75%	116	3.46%
1900	1,703	52.18%	1,500	45.96%	61	1.87%
1896	1,755	49.58%	1,777	50.20%	8	0.23%
1892	1,454	50.17%	786	27.12%	658	22.71%
1888	1,372	50.97%	771	28.64%	549	20.39%

Like most counties situated in Southwest Missouri, Wright County is a Republican stronghold in presidential elections. George W. Bush carried Wright County in 2000 and 2004 by more than two-to-one margins, and like many other rural counties throughout Missouri, Wright County strongly favored John McCain over Barack Obama in 2008, Mitt Romney in 2012, and Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton in 2016. No Democratic presidential nominee has won Wright County in more than 80 years.

Like most rural areas throughout the Bible Belt in Southwest Missouri, voters in Wright County traditionally adhere to socially and culturally conservative principles which tend to strongly influence their Republican leanings. In 2004, Missourians voted on a constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union between a man and a woman—it overwhelmingly passed Wright County with 86.28 percent of the vote. The initiative passed the state with 71 percent of support from voters as Missouri became the first state to ban same-sex marriage. In 2006, Missourians voted on a constitutional amendment to fund and legalize embryonic stem cell research in the state—it failed in Wright County with 64.84 percent voting against the measure. The initiative narrowly passed the state with 51 percent of support from voters as Missouri became one of the first states in the nation to approve embryonic stem cell research. Despite Wright County's longstanding tradition of supporting socially conservative platforms, voters in the county have a penchant for advancing populist causes like increasing the minimum wage. In 2006, Missourians voted on a proposition (Proposition B) to increase the minimum wage in the state to $6.50 an hour—it passed Wright County with 70.99 percent of the vote. The proposition strongly passed every single county in Missouri with 78.99 percent voting in favor as the minimum wage was increased to $6.50 an hour in the state. During the same election, voters in five other states also strongly approved increases in the minimum wage.

Missouri presidential preference primary (2008)

Former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-Arkansas) received more votes, a total of 1,878, than any candidate from either party in Wright County during the 2008 presidential primary. He also received more votes than the total number of votes cast in the entire Democratic Primary in Wright County. Wright County was Huckabee's strongest county in Missouri.