Howell County, Missouri

Howell County is a county located in the southern portion of Missouri. As of the 2010 census, the population was 40,400.[1] The largest city and county seat is West Plains.[2] The county was officially organized on March 2, 1851, and is named after Josiah Howell, a pioneer settler in the Howell Valley.

Howell County
U.S. county
Howell County Courthouse in West Plains
Location within the U.S. state of Missouri
Missouri's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 36°46′N 91°53′W
Country United States
State Missouri
FoundedMarch 2, 1857
Named forJosiah Howell, pioneer settler
SeatWest Plains
Largest cityWest Plains
Area
 • Total928 sq mi (2,400 km2)
 • Land927 sq mi (2,400 km2)
 • Water1.1 sq mi (3 km2)  0.1%
Population
 (2010)
 • Total40,400
 • Estimate 
(2018)
40,076
 • Density44/sq mi (17/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district8th
Websitewww.howellcounty.net

Howell County comprises the West Plains, MO Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Howell County was organized on March 2, 1857, from Oregon County, and is named for Josiah Howell, who made the first settlement in Howell Valley.

The first Circuit Court met in a log cabin one mile east of West Plains, according to an 1876 account. A small, wooden courthouse was built on the square in West Plains in 1859. It was damaged during the Civil War in 1862. The county was reorganized three years later, but all of the county records were destroyed in an 1866 fire. A second courthouse was built in West Plains in 1869. It was a small, three-room, frame building, about 24 by 30 feet.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 928 square miles (2,400 km2), of which 927 square miles (2,400 km2) is land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km2) (0.1%) is water.[3] It is the third-largest county in Missouri by land area and fourth-largest by total area.

Adjacent counties

Major highways

National protected area

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18603,169—
18704,21833.1%
18808,814109.0%
189018,618111.2%
190021,83417.3%
191021,065−3.5%
192021,1020.2%
193019,672−6.8%
194022,27013.2%
195022,7252.0%
196022,027−3.1%
197023,5216.8%
198028,80722.5%
199031,4479.2%
200037,23818.4%
201040,4008.5%
2018 (est.)40,076[4]−0.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[5]
1790-1960[6] 1900-1990[7]
1990-2000[8] 2010-2015[1]

As of the census[9] of 2000, there were 37,238 people, 14,762 households, and 10,613 families residing in the county. The population density was 40 people per square mile (16/km2). There were 16,340 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile (7/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.41% White, 0.31% Black or African American, 0.97% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.28% from other races, and 1.63% from two or more races. Approximately 1.21% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Among the major first ancestries reported in Howell County were 28.3% American, 16.4% German, 12.2% Irish, and 12.1% English.

There were 14,762 households, out of which 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 23.30% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.5 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,761, and the median income for a family was $38,047. Males had a median income of $22,960 versus $16,968 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,184. About 14.00% of families and 18.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.3% of those under age 18 and 14.0% of those age 65 or over.

Religion

According to the Association of Religion Data Archives County Membership Report (2000), Howell County is a part of the Bible Belt with evangelical Protestantism being the majority religion. The most predominant denominations among residents in Howell County who adhere to a religion are Southern Baptists (47.70%), Churches of Christ (8.81%), and Roman Catholics (6.99%).

Education

Of adults 25 years of age and older in Howell County, 73.4% possesses a high school diploma or higher while 10.9% holds a bachelor's degree or higher as their highest educational attainment.

Public schools

Private schools

Alternative and vocational schools
  • Ozark Horizon State School - West Plains - (K-12) - A school for handicapped students and those with other special needs.
  • South Central Career Center - West Plains - (09-12) - Vocational/technical

Colleges and universities

Public libraries
  • Mountain View Public Library[10]
  • West Plains Public Library[11]
  • Willow Springs Public Library[12]

Politics

Local
Howell County, Missouri
Elected countywide officials
Assessor Daniel Franks Republican
Circuit Clerk Cindy Weeks Republican
County Clerk Dennis K. Von Allmen Republican
Collector Larry Spence Republican
Commissioner
(Presiding)		 Mark B. Collins Republican
Commissioner
(District 1)		 Bill Lovelace Republican
Commissioner
(District 2)		 Billy D. Sexton Republican
Coroner James T. "Tim" Cherry Republican
Prosecuting Attorney Michael P. Hutchings Republican
Public Administrator Charm L. Eagleman Republican
Recorder Sharon Trowbridge Republican
Sheriff James M. "Mike" Shannon Republican
Surveyor Ralph Riggs Republican
Treasurer Ernestine Doss Republican

The Republican Party predominantly controls politics at the local level in Howell County. Republicans hold all elected positions in the county. District 2 (Southern) Commissioner Billy Sexton took office as a Democrat but announced in 2014 he was changing parties and sought re-election as a Republican.[13]

State
Past Gubernatorial Elections Results
Year Republican Democratic Third Parties
2016 70.65% 12,266 25.68% 4,459 3.67% 637
2012 54.23% 8,849 42.59% 6,950 3.19% 520
2008 45.33% 7,659 52.11% 8,804 2.56% 432
2004 64.89% 10,595 33.48% 5,466 1.63% 267
2000 53.51% 7,537 44.77% 6,306 1.72% 242
1996 51.71% 7,030 44.78% 6,087 3.51% 477
1992 48.26% 6,401 51.74% 6,862 0.00% 0
1988 71.70% 8,321 27.69% 3,214 0.61% 71
1984 70.90% 8,476 29.10% 3,479 0.00% 0
1980 59.53% 6,956 40.32% 4,711 0.15% 18
1976 57.07% 5,673 42.77% 4,251 0.16% 16
1972 61.53% 6,296 38.40% 3,929 0.07% 7
1968 48.33% 4,605 51.67% 4,923 0.00% 0
1964 47.58% 4,453 52.42% 4,905 0.00% 0
1960 64.55% 6,166 35.45% 3,386 0.00% 0

In the Missouri House of Representatives, Howell County is divided into two legislative districts, both of which are represented by Republicans.

Missouri House of Representatives — Missouri House of Representatives — District 154 — Howell County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Shaun Rhoads 11,563 74.93% -25.07
Independent Terry Hampton 3,868 25.07% +25.07
Missouri House of Representatives — District 154 — Howell County (2014)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Shaun Rhoads 5,933 100.00% +31.47
Missouri House of Representatives — District 154 — Howell County (2012)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Shaun Rhoads 9,950 68.53%
Democratic R.A. Pendergrass 4,570 31.47%
Missouri House of Representatives — District 142 — Howell County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Robert Ross 1,196 82.43% -17.57
Democratic Bobby Johnston, Jr. 255 17.57% +17.57
Missouri House of Representatives — District 142 — Howell County (2014)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Robert Ross 589 100.00%
Missouri House of Representatives — District 142 — Howell County (2012)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Robert Ross 1,173 100.00%

All of Howell County is a part of Missouri's 33rd District in the Missouri Senate and is currently represented by Mike Cunningham of Rogersville.

Missouri Senate — District 33 — Howell County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Mike Cunningham 14,995 100.00%
Missouri Senate — District 33 — Howell County (2012)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Mike Cunningham 13,700 100.00%

Federal

Missouri's two U.S. Senators are Claire McCaskill of Kirkwood and Roy Blunt of Strafford.

U.S. Senate — Missouri — Howell County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Roy Blunt 12,070 69.61% +18.26
Democratic Jason Kander 4,375 25.23% -15.97
Libertarian Jonathan Dine 433 2.50% -4.95
Green Johnathan McFarland 218 1.26% +1.26
Constitution Fred Ryman 243 1.40% +1.40
U.S. Senate — Missouri — Howell County (2012)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Todd Akin 8,340 51.35%
Democratic Claire McCaskill 6,692 41.20%
Libertarian Jonathan Dine 1,210 7.45%

All of Howell County is included in Missouri's 8th Congressional District and is currently represented by Jason T. Smith of Salem in the U.S. House of Representatives. Smith won a special election on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, to complete the remaining term of former U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson of 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 — Missouri's 8th Congressional District — Howell County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Jason T. Smith 13,655 80.64% +19.51
Democratic Dave Cowell 2,776 16.38% +5.05
Libertarian Jonathan Shell 505 2.98% +1.45
U.S. House of Representatives — Missouri's 8th Congressional District — Howell County (2014)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Jason T. Smith 4,742 61.13% -7.91
Democratic Barbara Stocker 879 11.33% -7.36
Libertarian Rick Vandeven 119 1.53% -0.39
Constitution Doug Enyart 163 2.10% -8.25
Independent Terry Hampton 1,854 23.90% +23.90
U.S. House of Representatives — Missouri's 8th Congressional District — Special Election — Howell County (2013)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Jason T. Smith 2,268 69.04% -8.16
Democratic Steven Hodges 614 18.69% +0.75
Libertarian Bill Slantz 63 1.92% -2.94
Constitution Doug Enyart 340 10.35% +10.35
U.S. House of Representatives — Missouri's 8th Congressional District — Howell County (2012)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Jo Ann Emerson 12,456 77.20%
Democratic Jack Rushin 2,895 17.94%
Libertarian Rick Vandeven 784 4.86%

Political culture
Presidential elections results
Presidential elections results[14]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2016 79.6% 13,893 16.5% 2,881 3.9% 681
2012 70.6% 11,544 26.9% 4,395 2.5% 407
2008 64.5% 10,982 33.7% 5,736 1.8% 311
2004 67.8% 11,097 31.3% 5,118 1.0% 164
2000 64.1% 9,018 33.0% 4,641 3.0% 416
1996 44.3% 5,991 38.9% 5,261 16.8% 2,272
1992 39.6% 5,360 40.6% 5,492 19.8% 2,685
1988 62.5% 7,277 37.1% 4,324 0.4% 44
1984 68.5% 8,204 31.5% 3,767
1980 60.1% 7,149 37.6% 4,472 2.4% 282
1976 46.8% 4,692 52.5% 5,265 0.8% 78
1972 72.2% 7,253 27.8% 2,795
1968 57.2% 5,631 28.1% 2,763 14.7% 1,444
1964 48.3% 4,632 51.8% 4,968
1960 72.2% 7,095 27.8% 2,734
1956 64.1% 5,473 35.9% 3,066
1952 66.2% 6,608 33.6% 3,349 0.3% 26
1948 54.9% 4,427 44.7% 3,599 0.4% 34
1944 62.9% 5,151 36.9% 3,020 0.2% 14
1940 59.2% 6,158 40.6% 4,218 0.2% 21
1936 52.6% 5,297 47.0% 4,725 0.4% 42
1932 42.9% 3,660 55.9% 4,775 1.2% 105
1928 65.3% 4,869 34.1% 2,543 0.7% 49
1924 48.2% 3,130 41.3% 2,681 10.5% 682
1920 63.2% 4,344 33.8% 2,323 2.9% 202
1916 50.2% 2,132 43.8% 1,861 5.9% 252
1912 34.1% 1,465 36.5% 1,565 29.4% 1,264
1908 51.1% 2,164 43.1% 1,827 5.8% 245
1904 53.4% 2,089 41.0% 1,605 5.6% 219
1900 48.8% 2,059 46.9% 1,975 4.3% 182
1896 44.0% 1,892 55.2% 2,373 0.8% 33
1892 41.9% 1,484 46.4% 1,642 11.7% 413
1888 42.7% 1,370 47.0% 1,506 10.4% 332

Howell County is, like several rural counties located in the Ozarks, conservative and strongly Republican at the presidential level. Bill Clinton of neighboring Arkansas was the last Democratic presidential nominee to win Howell County in 1992; he lost the county during his 1996 reelection bid and since then, voters in Howell County have decisively backed Republicans. Controversy occurred during the course of the 2008 presidential campaign over a billboard displayed near West Plains that depicted a picture of then-Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama in a turban. Some were offended by the billboard and deemed it racist.[15]

Like most rural areas throughout Southeast Missouri, voters in Howell County generally adhere to socially and culturally conservative principles which tend to 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 won in Howell County with 83.36 percent of the vote. The initiative passed the state with 71 percent of support from voters. In 2006, Missourians voted on a constitutional amendment to fund and legalize embryonic stem cell research in the state—it failed in Howell County with 57.97 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 Howell 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 Howell County with 67.79 percent of the vote. The proposition strongly passed every single county in Missouri with 78.99 percent voting in favor. (During the same election, voters in five other states also strongly approved increases in the minimum wage.)

Missouri presidential preference primary (2008)
Howell County, Missouri
2008 Republican primary in Missouri
John McCain1,347 (24.76%)
Mike Huckabee2,882 (52.97%)
Mitt Romney793 (14.57%)
Ron Paul356 (6.54%)
Howell County, Missouri
2008 Democratic primary in Missouri
Hillary Clinton2,307 (64.07%)
Barack Obama1,168 (32.44%)
John Edwards (withdrawn)99 (2.75%)
Uncommitted14 (1.06%)

In the 2008 Missouri Presidential Primary, voters in Howell County from both political parties supported candidates who finished in second place in the state at large and nationally.

  • Former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-Arkansas) received more votes, a total of 2,882, than any candidate from either party in Howell County during the 2008 Missouri Presidential Preference Primary.

Communities

Cities

Census-designated places

Other unincorporated places

See also

References
  1. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on 2011-05-31. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  3. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  4. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  5. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  6. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  7. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  8. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  9. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  10. Breeding, Marshall. "Mountain View Public Library". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  11. Breeding, Marshall. "West Plains Public Library". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  12. Breeding, Marshall. "Willow Springs Public Library". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  13. "Changing political party affiliation". West Plains Daily Quill. Retrieved 2018-10-04.
  14. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved 2018-03-25.
  15. The Washington Post, Retrieved July 27, 2013.

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