Vernon County is a county located in the western region of the U.S. state of Missouri, on the border with Kansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 19,707.[1] Its county seat is Nevada.[2] The county was organized on February 27, 1855, considerably later than counties in the eastern part of the state.[3] It was named for Colonel Miles Vernon (1786–1867), a state senator and veteran of the Battle of New Orleans.[4] This area was part of the large historic territory of the Osage Nation of Native Americans.
Vernon County | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 37°51′N 94°20′W / 37.85°N 94.34°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Missouri |
Founded | February 27, 1855 |
Named for | Colonel Miles Vernon, state senator, and veteran of the Battle of New Orleans |
Seat | Nevada |
Largest city | Nevada |
Area | |
• Total | 837 sq mi (2,170 km2) |
• Land | 826 sq mi (2,140 km2) |
• Water | 10 sq mi (30 km2) 1.2% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 19,707 |
• Density | 24/sq mi (9.1/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
Congressional district | 4th |
Website | www |
History
editThe county was developed by European Americans for agriculture and is still mostly rural.
Vernon County suffered considerable damage during the American Civil War. Guerrillas and insurgents had waged raids against Union troops and carried out personal vendettas in the county. On May 23, 1863, Union Army soldiers burned the county seat of Nevada, along with the courthouse, in retaliation. The present courthouse was completed in 1907.[5]
Vernon County was one of four Missouri counties that were wholly depopulated by Union General Thomas Ewing Jr.'s General Order No. 11 (1863), which ordered the people evacuated to end support for Confederate guerrillas operating in the area. Most of the residents were not allowed to return to their homes until after the Civil War ended in May 1865.
Geography
editAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 837 square miles (2,170 km2), of which 826 square miles (2,140 km2) is land and 10 square miles (26 km2) (1.2%) is water.[6]
Adjacent counties
edit- Bates County (north)
- St. Clair County (northeast)
- Cedar County (east)
- Barton County (south)
- Crawford County, Kansas (southwest)
- Bourbon County, Kansas (west)
- Linn County, Kansas (northwest)
Major highways
editTransit
editDemographics
editCensus | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1860 | 4,850 | — | |
1870 | 11,247 | 131.9% | |
1880 | 19,369 | 72.2% | |
1890 | 31,505 | 62.7% | |
1900 | 31,619 | 0.4% | |
1910 | 28,827 | −8.8% | |
1920 | 26,069 | −9.6% | |
1930 | 25,031 | −4.0% | |
1940 | 25,586 | 2.2% | |
1950 | 22,685 | −11.3% | |
1960 | 20,540 | −9.5% | |
1970 | 19,065 | −7.2% | |
1980 | 19,806 | 3.9% | |
1990 | 19,041 | −3.9% | |
2000 | 20,454 | 7.4% | |
2010 | 21,159 | 3.4% | |
2020 | 19,707 | −6.9% | |
U.S. Decennial Census[7] 1790-1960[8] 1900-1990[9] 1990-2000[10] 2010[11] |
As of the census[12] of 2000, there were 20,454 people, 7,966 households, and 5,432 families residing in the county. The population density was 24 people per square mile (9.3 people/km2). There were 8,872 housing units at an average density of 11 units per square mile (4.2/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.99% White, 0.61% Black or African American, 0.79% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.31% from other races, and 0.95% from two or more races. Approximately 0.84% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 7,966 households, out of which 32.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.30% were married couples living together, 9.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.80% were non-families. 28.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44, and the average family size was 2.97.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.60% under 18, 9.20% from 18 to 24, 25.40% from 25 to 44, 22.50% from 45 to 64, and 16.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,021, and the median income for a family was $37,714. Males had a median income of $28,182 versus $19,026 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,047. About 10.10% of families and 14.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.30% of those under age 18 and 13.30% of those age 65 or over.
2020 Census
editRace | Num. | Perc. |
---|---|---|
White (NH) | 17,966 | 91.2% |
Black or African American (NH) | 110 | 0.56% |
Native American (NH) | 131 | 0.66% |
Asian (NH) | 103 | 0.52% |
Pacific Islander (NH) | 18 | 0.1% |
Other/Mixed (NH) | 953 | 4.83% |
Hispanic or Latino | 426 | 2.16% |
Education
editPublic schools
edit- Bronaugh R-VII School District – Bronaugh
- Bronaugh Elementary School (PK-06)
- Bronaugh High School (07-12)
- Nevada R-V School District – Nevada
- Bryan Elementary School (PK-01)
- Benton Elementary School (02)
- Truman Elementary School (03-05)
- Nevada Middle School (06-08)
- Nevada High School (09-12)
/ Northeast Vernon County R-I School District – Walker
- Northeast Vernon County Elementary School (PK-06)
- Northeast Vernon County High School (07-12)
- Sheldon R-VIII School District – Sheldon
- Sheldon Elementary School (PK-06)
- Sheldon High School (07-12)
Private schools
edit- Nevada Seventh-day Adventist Christian School – Nevada (02-07) – Seventh-day Adventist
- St. Mary Elementary School – Nevada (Early Childhood) – Roman Catholic
Colleges and universities
edit- Cottey College – Nevada A private, four-year college for women.
Public libraries
edit- Nevada Public Library[14]
Communities
editTownships
edit- Bacon Township
- Badger Township
- Blue Mound Township
- Center Township
- Clear Creek Township
- Coal Township
- Deerfield Township
- Dover Township
- Drywood Township
- Harrison Township
- Henry Township
- Lake Township
- Metz Township
- Montevallo Township
- Moundville Township
- Osage Township
- Richland Township
- Virgil Township
- Walker Township
- Washington Township
Cities
edit- Bronaugh
- Nevada (county seat)
- Schell City
- Sheldon
Villages
editUnincorporated communities
editFormer settlements
editPolitics
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Local
editThe Republican Party predominantly controls politics at the local level in Vernon County despite the Democratic Party's historical control. Republicans hold all but three of the elected positions in the county.
Vernon County, Missouri | |||
---|---|---|---|
Elected countywide officials | |||
Assessor | Lena Kleeman | Republican | |
Circuit Clerk | Carrie Poe | Republican | |
County Clerk | Adrienne Lee[15] | Republican | |
Collector | Brent Banes | Republican | |
Commissioner (Presiding) | Joe Wilson[15] | Republican | |
Commissioner (District 1) | Cindy Thompson | Republican | |
Commissioner (District 2) | Everett Wolf[16] | Republican | |
Coroner | David L. Ferry | Democratic | |
Prosecuting Attorney | Brandy McInroy[17] | Republican | |
Public Administrator | Kelsey Westerhold | Republican | |
Recorder | Shelly Baldwin | Republican | |
Sheriff | Jason Mosher[17] | Republican | |
Treasurer | Brent Banes | Republican |
State
editYear | Republican | Democratic | Third Parties |
---|---|---|---|
2020 | 77.01% 7,022 | 20.72% 1,889 | 2.27% 207 |
2016 | 66.67% 5,699 | 30.66% 2,621 | 2.67% 228 |
2012 | 52.26% 4,424 | 44.40% 3,759 | 3.34% 283 |
2008 | 46.54% 4,095 | 51.05% 4,491 | 2.41% 212 |
2004 | 66.76% 5,989 | 31.97% 2,868 | 1.27% 114 |
2000 | 52.49% 4,370 | 45.20% 3,763 | 2.30% 192 |
1996 | 39.90% 3,039 | 57.27% 4,362 | 2.84% 216 |
All of Vernon County is a part of Missouri's 126th District in the Missouri House of Representatives and is represented by Patricia Pike (R-Adrian).
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Patricia Pike | 7,836 | 100.00% | +46.45 |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Patricia Pike | 2,960 | 53.55% | −46.45 | |
Democratic | Sam Foursha | 2,398 | 43.38% | +43.38 | |
Constitution | William M. Gilmore | 170 | 3.07% | +3.07 |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Randy Pike | 7,309 | 100.00% |
All of Vernon County is a part of Missouri's 31st District in the Missouri Senate and is currently represented by Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville).
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Ed Emery | 5,492 | 65.69% | −2.73 | |
Independent | Tim Wells | 2,320 | 27.75% | +27.75 | |
Libertarian | Lora Young | 548 | 6.56% | +6.56 |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Ed Emery | 5,698 | 68.42% | ||
Democratic | Charlie A. Burton | 2,630 | 31.58% |
Federal
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Roy Blunt | 5,448 | 63.71% | +14.48 | |
Democratic | Jason Kander | 2,700 | 31.58% | −13.38 | |
Libertarian | Jonathan Dine | 231 | 2.70% | −3.11 | |
Green | Johnathan McFarland | 91 | 1.06% | +1.06 | |
Constitution | Fred Ryman | 81 | 0.95% | +0.95 |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Todd Akin | 4,171 | 49.23% | ||
Democratic | Claire McCaskill | 3,810 | 44.96% | ||
Libertarian | Jonathan Dine | 492 | 5.81% |
All of Vernon County is included in Missouri's 4th Congressional District and is currently represented by Vicky Hartzler (R-Harrisonville) in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Vicky Hartzler | 6,526 | 77.00% | +4.66 | |
Democratic | Gordon Christensen | 1,676 | 19.78% | −3.76 | |
Libertarian | Mark Bliss | 273 | 3.22% | −0.90 |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Vicky Hartzler | 3,970 | 72.34% | +5.41 | |
Democratic | Nate Irvin | 1,292 | 23.54% | −5.66 | |
Libertarian | Herschel L. Young | 226 | 4.12% | +1.01 |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Vicky Hartzler | 5,597 | 66.93% | ||
Democratic | Teresa Hensley | 2,442 | 29.20% | ||
Libertarian | Thomas Holbrook | 260 | 3.11% | ||
Constitution | Greg Cowan | 64 | 0.76% |
Political culture
editLike many neighboring counties, Vernon County has become increasingly Republican over the past few presidential elections. The last time a Democratic candidate has carried this county was in 1996 by Bill Clinton.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2024 | 7,112 | 79.01% | 1,774 | 19.71% | 115 | 1.28% |
2020 | 7,155 | 77.90% | 1,903 | 20.72% | 127 | 1.38% |
2016 | 6,533 | 75.69% | 1,707 | 19.78% | 391 | 4.53% |
2012 | 5,758 | 67.57% | 2,580 | 30.28% | 183 | 2.15% |
2008 | 5,334 | 60.08% | 3,381 | 38.08% | 163 | 1.84% |
2004 | 5,732 | 63.75% | 3,206 | 35.65% | 54 | 0.60% |
2000 | 4,985 | 59.29% | 3,156 | 37.54% | 267 | 3.18% |
1996 | 3,123 | 40.70% | 3,363 | 43.82% | 1,188 | 15.48% |
1992 | 2,851 | 34.34% | 3,546 | 42.71% | 1,906 | 22.96% |
1988 | 4,149 | 54.79% | 3,402 | 44.93% | 21 | 0.28% |
1984 | 5,181 | 63.45% | 2,984 | 36.55% | 0 | 0.00% |
1980 | 4,391 | 51.93% | 3,704 | 43.80% | 361 | 4.27% |
1976 | 3,715 | 42.78% | 4,921 | 56.67% | 48 | 0.55% |
1972 | 4,892 | 61.54% | 3,057 | 38.46% | 0 | 0.00% |
1968 | 3,590 | 45.27% | 3,557 | 44.85% | 783 | 9.87% |
1964 | 3,077 | 34.06% | 5,958 | 65.94% | 0 | 0.00% |
1960 | 5,387 | 56.27% | 4,186 | 43.73% | 0 | 0.00% |
1956 | 5,184 | 53.27% | 4,547 | 46.73% | 0 | 0.00% |
1952 | 5,924 | 56.92% | 4,450 | 42.76% | 34 | 0.33% |
1948 | 3,808 | 41.55% | 5,342 | 58.29% | 14 | 0.15% |
1944 | 5,171 | 51.39% | 4,885 | 48.55% | 6 | 0.06% |
1940 | 5,443 | 46.38% | 6,271 | 53.44% | 21 | 0.18% |
1936 | 4,546 | 39.61% | 6,872 | 59.87% | 60 | 0.52% |
1932 | 2,856 | 29.50% | 6,687 | 69.07% | 138 | 1.43% |
1928 | 5,783 | 60.94% | 3,676 | 38.74% | 31 | 0.33% |
1924 | 3,593 | 38.89% | 4,839 | 52.38% | 807 | 8.73% |
1920 | 4,645 | 45.33% | 5,419 | 52.89% | 182 | 1.78% |
1916 | 2,211 | 35.50% | 3,776 | 60.63% | 241 | 3.87% |
1912 | 1,654 | 26.57% | 3,483 | 55.94% | 1,089 | 17.49% |
1908 | 2,369 | 37.48% | 3,705 | 58.61% | 247 | 3.91% |
1904 | 2,450 | 40.51% | 3,225 | 53.32% | 373 | 6.17% |
1900 | 2,356 | 34.24% | 4,306 | 62.58% | 219 | 3.18% |
1896 | 2,230 | 30.03% | 5,133 | 69.12% | 63 | 0.85% |
1892 | 1,847 | 29.09% | 3,627 | 57.13% | 875 | 13.78% |
1888 | 2,252 | 33.99% | 4,057 | 61.23% | 317 | 4.78% |
Missouri presidential preference primary (2008)
editFormer U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-New York) received more votes, a total of 1,434, than any candidate from either party in Vernon County during the 2008 presidential primary.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Vernon County, Missouri". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ^ History of Vernon county, Missouri. St. Louis: Brown & Co. 1887. pp. 194–196.
- ^ "The Nevada Daily Mail". May 11, 1960. p. 8. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ "History". Archived from the original on April 22, 2009. Retrieved October 14, 2009.
- ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
- ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
- ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
- ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
- ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
- ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 14, 2013.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Vernon County, Missouri".
- ^ Breeding, Marshall. "Nevada Public Library". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
- ^ a b 2022 Election
- ^ 2012 Election
- ^ a b 2014 Election
- ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
External links
edit- Digitized 1930 Plat Book of Vernon County Archived August 16, 2011, at the Wayback Machine from University of Missouri Division of Special Collections, Archives, and Rare Books