Pettis County, Missouri

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,778 km² (686 mi²). 1,774 km² (685 mi²) of it is land and 4 km² (2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.22% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 39,403 people, 15,568 households, and 10,570 families residing in the county. The population density is 22/km² (58/mi²). There are 16,963 housing units at an average density of 10/km² (25/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 92.06% White, 3.04% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.46% from other races, and 1.62% from two or more races. 3.88% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 15,568 households out of which 32.50% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.30% are married couples living together, 10.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.10% are non-families. 27.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.70% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.49 and the average family size is 3.01.

In the county the population is spread out with 26.30% under the age of 18, 9.30% from 18 to 24, 27.90% from 25 to 44, 21.10% from 45 to 64, and 15.40% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 94.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $31,822, and the median income for a family is $38,073. Males have a median income of $29,221 versus $19,554 for females. The per capita income for the county is $16,251. 12.80% of the population and 10.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 16.60% are under the age of 18 and 10.50% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Green Ridge
• Houstonia
• Hughesville
• La Monte
• Sedalia
• Smithton