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Barton County, Missouri

Coordinates: 37°30′N 94°20′W / 37.50°N 94.34°W / 37.50; -94.34
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Barton County
Barton County Courthouse in Lamar
Barton County Courthouse in Lamar
Map of Missouri highlighting Barton County
Location within the U.S. state of Missouri
Map of the United States highlighting Missouri
Missouri's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 37°30′N 94°20′W / 37.5°N 94.34°W / 37.5; -94.34
Country United States
State Missouri
FoundedDecember 12, 1855
Named forDavid Barton
SeatLamar
Largest cityLamar
Area
 • Total
597 sq mi (1,550 km2)
 • Land592 sq mi (1,530 km2)
 • Water4.8 sq mi (12 km2)  0.8%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
11,637
 • Density19/sq mi (7.5/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district4th
Websitewww.bartoncounty.com

Barton County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the population was 11,637.[1] Its county seat is Lamar.[2] The county was organized in 1855 and named after U.S. Senator David Barton from Missouri.[3]

President Harry S. Truman was born in Barton County in 1884. The female bandit, Little Britches, was born in Barton County in 1879.[4]

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 597 square miles (1,550 km2), of which 592 square miles (1,530 km2) is land and 4.8 square miles (12 km2) (0.8%) is water.[5]

Adjacent counties

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Major highways

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Airport

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Lamar Municipal Airport (LLU) serves the county and surrounding communities.

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note
18601,817
18704,285135.8%
188010,332141.1%
189018,50479.1%
190018,253−1.4%
191016,747−8.3%
192016,8790.8%
193014,560−13.7%
194014,148−2.8%
195012,678−10.4%
196011,113−12.3%
197010,431−6.1%
198011,2928.3%
199011,3120.2%
200012,54110.9%
201012,402−1.1%
202011,637−6.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[6]
1790-1960[7] 1900-1990[8]
1990-2000[9] 2010-2015[1]

As of the census[11] of 2000, there were 12,541 people, 4,895 households, and 3,441 families residing in the county. The population density was 21 people per square mile (8.1 people/km2). There were 5,409 housing units at an average density of 9 units per square mile (3.5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.93% White, 0.29% Black or African American, 0.83% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.14% from other races, and 1.44% from two or more races. 0.95% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,895 households, out of which 34.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.10% were married couples living together, 8.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.70% were non-families. 26.40% 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 2.53 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.50% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 26.10% from 25 to 44, 21.70% from 45 to 64, and 16.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $29,275, and the median income for a family was $35,638. Males had a median income of $25,254 versus $19,663 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,987. About 11.00% of families and 13.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.90% of those under age 18 and 16.80% of those age 65 or over.

Religion

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According to the Association of Religion Data Archives County Membership Report (2010), Barton County is regarded as a part of the Bible Belt, with evangelical Protestantism being the most predominant religion. The most predominant denominations among residents in Barton County who adhere to a religion are Southern Baptists (29.18%), United Methodists (26.59%), and Christian Churches and Churches of Christ (12.96%).

2020 Census

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Barton County Racial Composition[12]
Race Num. Perc.
White (NH) 10,367 89%
Black or African American (NH) 27 0.23%
Native American (NH) 145 1.24%
Asian (NH) 37 0.32%
Pacific Islander (NH) 2 0.02%
Other/Mixed (NH) 793 6.81%
Hispanic or Latino 266 2.3%

Education

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School districts covering portions of the county, including those with administrative offices and/or schools in other counties, include:[13]

Public schools

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  • Liberal R-II School District - Liberal
    • Liberal Elementary School (PK-05)
    • Liberal Middle School (06-08)
    • Liberal High School (09-12)
  • Lamar R-I School District - Lamar
    • Lamar East Primary School (K-02)
    • Lamar Elementary School (03-05)
    • Lamar Middle School (06-08)
    • Lamar High School (09-12)
  • Golden City R-III School District - Golden City
    • Golden City Elementary School (PK-06)
    • Golden City High School (07-12)

Public libraries

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  • Barton County Library[14]
  • Sheldon City Library[15]

Communities

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Cities

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Villages

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Census-designated place

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Other unincorporated places

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Townships

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Barton County is divided into fifteen townships:

Notable people

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Birthplace of Harry S. Truman in Lamar

Politics

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Local

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Republicans control politics at the local level in Barton County, holding all of the elected positions in the county.

Barton County, Missouri
Elected countywide officials
Assessor Richard A. Johnson Republican
Circuit Clerk Melinda Maberry Republican
County Clerk Kristina Crockett Republican
Collector Brittanica Born Republican
Commissioner
(Presiding)
Mike Davis Republican
Commissioner
(District 1)
Ben Reed Republican
Commissioner
(District 2)
Jeff Tucker Republican
Coroner Sarah Rutledge Republican
Prosecuting Attorney Mike Smalley Republican
Public Administrator Julie Hagen Republican
Recorder Lisa Cunningham Republican
Sheriff John Simpson Republican
Treasurer Brittanica Born Republican

State

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Past Gubernatorial Elections Results
Year Republican Democratic Third Parties
2020 84.78% 5,114 13.53% 816 1.69% 102
2016 77.18% 4,553 20.39% 1,203 2.42% 143
2012 63.78% 3,644 33.26% 1,900 2.96% 169
2008 62.17% 3,661 35.47% 2,089 2.36% 139
2004 79.43% 4,743 19.49% 1,164 1.07% 64
2000 70.15% 3,764 28.61% 1,535 1.25% 67
1996 57.60% 2,911 39.77% 2,010 2.63% 133
1992 64.77% 3,330 35.23% 1,811 0.00% 0

All of Barton County is a part of Missouri's 127th Legislative District in the Missouri House of Representatives and is represented by Ann Kelley (R-Lamar).

Missouri House of Representatives — District 127 — Barton County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Ann Kelley 5,514 100.00% +17.60
Missouri House of Representatives — District 127 — Barton County (2018)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Ann Kelley 4,086 82.40% −4.86
Democratic Teri Hanna 873 17.60% +4.85

All of Barton County is a part of Missouri's 31st Senatorial District in the Missouri Senate and is represented by Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville).

Missouri Senate — District 31 — Barton County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Rick Brattin 5,067 85.85% +6.59
Democratic Raymond Kinney 835 14.15% +14.15
Missouri Senate — District 31 — Barton County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Ed Emery 4,581 79.26% +5.72
Independent Tim Wells 773 13.37%
Libertarian Lora Young 426 7.37% +7.37

Federal

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All of Barton County is included in Missouri's 4th Congressional District and is represented by Vicky Hartzler (R-Harrisonville) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Hartzler was elected to a sixth term in 2020 over Democratic challenger Lindsey Simmons.

U.S. House of Representatives — Missouri's 4th Congressional District — Barton County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Vicky Hartzler 5,053 85.07% +0.80
Democratic Lindsey Simmons 758 12.76% −0.70
Libertarian Steven K. Koonse 129 2.17% −0.10
U.S. House of Representatives — Missouri's 4th Congressional District — Barton County (2018)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Vicky J. Hartzler 4,196 84.27% +0.36
Democratic Renee Hoagenson 670 13.46% +0.56
Libertarian Mark Bliss 113 2.27% −0.92

Barton County, along with the rest of the state of Missouri, is represented in the U.S. Senate by Josh Hawley (R-Columbia) and Eric Schmitt.

U.S. Senate – Class I – Barton County (2018)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Josh Hawley 4,064 80.94% +18.63
Democratic Claire McCaskill 783 15.60% −16.02
Independent Craig O'Dear 97 1.93%
Libertarian Japheth Campbell 48 0.96% −5.11
Green Jo Crain 29 0.58% +0.58

Blunt was elected to a second term in 2016 over then-Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander.

U.S. Senate — Class III — Barton County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Roy Blunt 4,479 75.77% +13.46
Democratic Jason Kander 1,231 20.83% −10.79
Libertarian Jonathan Dine 93 1.57% −4.50
Green Johnathan McFarland 47 0.80% +0.80
Constitution Fred Ryman 61 1.03% +1.03

Political culture

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United States presidential election results for Barton County, Missouri[16]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 5,159 85.77% 820 13.63% 36 0.60%
2020 5,168 85.04% 844 13.89% 65 1.07%
2016 4,959 83.50% 795 13.39% 185 3.12%
2012 4,418 76.89% 1,230 21.41% 98 1.71%
2008 4,414 74.21% 1,455 24.46% 79 1.33%
2004 4,572 76.31% 1,373 22.92% 46 0.77%
2000 3,836 71.49% 1,424 26.54% 106 1.98%
1996 2,812 55.74% 1,625 32.21% 608 12.05%
1992 2,775 53.43% 1,433 27.59% 986 18.98%
1988 3,339 67.35% 1,603 32.33% 16 0.32%
1984 3,996 74.78% 1,348 25.22% 0 0.00%
1980 3,337 61.82% 1,901 35.22% 160 2.96%
1976 2,708 53.34% 2,326 45.81% 43 0.85%
1972 4,026 77.93% 1,140 22.07% 0 0.00%
1968 2,928 55.68% 1,832 34.84% 499 9.49%
1964 2,332 42.36% 3,173 57.64% 0 0.00%
1960 3,703 60.51% 2,417 39.49% 0 0.00%
1956 3,547 55.18% 2,881 44.82% 0 0.00%
1952 4,056 60.17% 2,661 39.47% 24 0.36%
1948 2,577 46.08% 3,008 53.79% 7 0.13%
1944 3,356 55.32% 2,688 44.31% 23 0.38%
1940 3,737 51.09% 3,539 48.38% 39 0.53%
1936 3,164 43.65% 4,048 55.84% 37 0.51%
1932 2,092 34.27% 3,897 63.84% 115 1.88%
1928 3,662 61.19% 2,275 38.01% 48 0.80%
1924 2,952 48.59% 2,682 44.15% 441 7.26%
1920 3,480 51.07% 3,040 44.61% 294 4.31%
1916 1,597 39.77% 2,217 55.20% 202 5.03%
1912 1,010 26.57% 1,791 47.12% 1,000 26.31%
1908 1,673 43.36% 1,913 49.59% 272 7.05%
1904 1,843 46.13% 1,811 45.33% 341 8.54%
1900 1,780 41.15% 2,349 54.30% 197 4.55%
1896 1,496 33.92% 2,824 64.02% 91 2.06%
1892 1,335 33.47% 1,620 40.61% 1,034 25.92%
1888 1,543 39.02% 1,883 47.62% 528 13.35%

At the presidential level, Barton County is overwhelmingly Republican. Barton County strongly favored Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020. A Democrat hasn't carried the county in a presidential election since Lyndon Johnson in 1964. Like most rural areas throughout Missouri, voters in Barton County generally adhere to socially and culturally conservative principles which tend to influence their Republican leanings.

Missouri presidential preference primaries

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2020

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The 2020 presidential primaries for both the Democratic and Republican parties were held in Missouri on March 10. On the Democratic side, former Vice President Joe Biden (D-Delaware) both won statewide and carried Barton County by a wide margin. Biden went on to defeat President Donald Trump in the general election.

Missouri Democratic Presidential Primary – Barton County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Joe Biden 241 57.25
Democratic Bernie Sanders 146 34.68
Democratic Tulsi Gabbard 7 1.66
Democratic Others/Uncommitted 27 6.41

Incumbent President Donald Trump (R-Florida) faced a primary challenge from former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld, but won both Barton County and statewide by overwhelming margins.

Missouri Republican Presidential Primary – Barton County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Donald Trump 1,286 98.54
Republican Bill Weld 3 0.23
Republican Others/Uncommitted 16 1.23

2016

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The 2016 presidential primaries for both the Republican and Democratic parties were held in Missouri on March 15. Businessman Donald Trump (R-New York) narrowly won the state overall, but Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) carried a majority of the vote in Barton County. Trump went on to win the nomination and the presidency.

Missouri Republican Presidential Primary – Barton County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Ted Cruz 1,560 53.94
Republican Donald Trump 986 34.09
Republican John Kasich 170 5.88
Republican Marco Rubio 102 3.53
Republican Others/Uncommitted 74 2.56

On the Democratic side, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (D-New York) won statewide by a small margin, but Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) narrowly won Barton County.

Missouri Democratic Presidential Primary – Barton County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Bernie Sanders 214 50.24
Democratic Hillary Clinton 205 48.12
Democratic Others/Uncommitted 7 1.64

2012

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The 2012 Missouri Republican Presidential Primary's results were nonbinding on the state's national convention delegates. Voters in Barton County supported former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pennsylvania), who finished first in the state at large, but eventually lost the nomination to former Governor Mitt Romney (R-Massachusetts). Delegates to the congressional district and state conventions were chosen at a county caucus, which selected a delegation favoring Santorum. Incumbent President Barack Obama easily won the Missouri Democratic Primary and renomination. He defeated Romney in the general election.

2008

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In 2008, the Missouri Republican Presidential Primary was closely contested, with Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) prevailing and eventually winning the nomination. However, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee won a clear majority among Barton County Republicans, receiving more votes than any other candidate in either major party.

Missouri Republican Presidential Primary – Barton County (2008)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Mike Huckabee 1,188 55.72
Republican John McCain 525 24.62
Republican Mitt Romney 344 16.14
Republican Ron Paul 45 2.11
Republican Others/Uncommitted 30 1.32

Then-Senator Hillary Clinton (D-New York) carried Barton County in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary. Despite initial reports that Clinton had won Missouri, Barack Obama (D-Illinois), also a Senator at the time, narrowly defeated her statewide and later became that year's Democratic nominee, going on to win the presidency.

Missouri Democratic Presidential Primary – Barton County (2008)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Hillary Clinton 614 63.43
Democratic Barack Obama 318 32.85
Democratic Others/Uncommitted 36 3.72

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "2020 Population and Housing State Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ Eaton, David Wolfe (1916). How Missouri Counties, Towns and Streams Were Named. The State Historical Society of Missouri. pp. 207.
  4. ^ "Cattle Annie & Little Britches, taken from Lee Paul". ranchdivaoutfitters.com. Archived from the original on January 17, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
  5. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
  6. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
  7. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
  8. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
  9. ^ "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 13, 2014.
  10. ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  11. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  12. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Barton County, Missouri".
  13. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Barton County, MO" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved November 22, 2024. - Text list
  14. ^ Breeding, Marshall. "Barton County Library". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  15. ^ Breeding, Marshall. "Sheldon City Library". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  16. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
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37°30′N 94°20′W / 37.50°N 94.34°W / 37.50; -94.34