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Harrison County, Missouri

Coordinates: 40°21′N 93°59′W / 40.35°N 93.98°W / 40.35; -93.98
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Harrison County
County
Harrison County Courthouse in Bethany
Harrison County Courthouse in Bethany
Map of Missouri highlighting Harrison County
Location within the U.S. state of Missouri
Map of the United States highlighting Missouri
Missouri's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 40°21′N 93°59′W / 40.35°N 93.98°W / 40.35; -93.98
Country United States
State Missouri
FoundedFebruary 14, 1845
Named forAlbert G. Harrison
SeatBethany
Largest cityBethany
Area
 • Total
726 sq mi (1,880 km2)
 • Land723 sq mi (1,870 km2)
 • Water3.9 sq mi (10 km2)  0.5%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
8,157 Decrease
 • Density11/sq mi (4/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district6th

Harrison County is a county located in the northwest portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,157.[1] It's county seat is Bethany.[2] The county was organized February 14, 1845, and named for U.S. Representative Albert G. Harrison of Missouri.[3]

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 726 square miles (1,880 km2), of which 723 square miles (1,870 km2) is land and 3.9 square miles (10 km2) (0.5%) is water.[4]

Adjacent counties

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Major highways

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Transit

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18502,447—
186010,601333.2%
187014,63538.1%
188020,30438.7%
189021,0333.6%
190024,39816.0%
191020,466−16.1%
192019,719−3.6%
193017,233−12.6%
194016,525−4.1%
195014,107−14.6%
196011,603−17.8%
197010,257−11.6%
19809,890−3.6%
19908,469−14.4%
20008,8504.5%
20108,9571.2%
20208,157−8.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[5]
1790-1960[6] 1900-1990[7]
1990-2000[8] 2010-2015[1]

As of the 2010 census, there were 8,957 people, 3,669 households and 2,461 families residing in the county. The population density was 12 people per square mile (4.6 people/km2). There were 4,407 housing units at an average density of 6 units per square mile (2.3/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.55% White, 0.36% Native American, 0.33% Black or African American, 0.20% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.52% from other races and 0.93% from two or more races. Approximately 1.57% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,669 households, out of which 29.79% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.51% were married couples living together, 8.29% had a female householder with no husband present and 32.92% were non-families. 28.26% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.31% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.80% under the age of 18, 7.18% from 18 to 24, 20.88% from 25 to 44, 26.44% from 45 to 64 and 20.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.6 years. For every 100 females there were 98.47 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.79 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,000 and the median income for a family was $47,788. Males had a median income of $33,105 versus $25,388 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,967. About 10.3% of families and 15.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.9% of those under age 18 and 13.8% of those age 65 or over.

Religion

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According to the Association of Religion Data Archives County Membership Report (2010), evangelical Protestantism is the most common religion among adherents in Harrison County, although 37.69% of the population does not claim any religion. The most predominant denominations among residents in Harrison County who adhere to a religion are Southern Baptists (44.11%), United Methodists (10.77%) and Disciples of Christ (10.76%).

2020 Census

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Harrison County Racial Composition[10]
Race Num. Perc.
White (NH) 7,618 93.4%
Black or African American (NH) 32 0.4%
Native American (NH) 30 0.37%
Asian (NH) 23 0.28%
Pacific Islander (NH) 3 0.04%
Other/Mixed (NH) 283 3.47%
Hispanic or Latino 168 2.1%

Education

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Public schools

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Private schools

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Public libraries

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  • Bethany Public Library[11]

Communities

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Cities

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Villages

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Unincorporated communities

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Townships

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Source[12]

  • Adams
  • Bethany
  • Butler
  • Clay
  • Colfax
  • Cypress
  • Dallas
  • Fox Creek
  • Grant
  • Hamilton
  • Jefferson
  • Lincoln
  • Madison
  • Marion
  • Sherman
  • Sugar Creek
  • Trail Creek
  • Union
  • Washington
  • White Oak

Notable people

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Politics

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Local

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The Republican Party controls politics at the local level in Harrison County. Republicans hold all of the elected positions in the county.

Harrison County, Missouri
Elected countywide officials
Assessor Lila Mae Craig Republican
Circuit Clerk C. Sherece Eivins Republican
County Clerk Greta Bottcher Republican
Collector Cheryl Coleman Republican
Commissioner
(Presiding)		 Jack W. Hodge Republican
Commissioner
(District 1)		 Rick J. Smith Republican
Commissioner
(District 2)		 Jim Holcomb Republican
Coroner Zach Wilson Republican
Prosecuting Attorney Alex VanZandt Republican
Public Administrator Kimberly King Republican
Recorder C. Sherece Eivins Republican
Sheriff Trevor Place Republican
Surveyor Edgar Lawrence Republican
Treasurer Cheryl Coleman Republican

State

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Past gubernatorial elections results
Year Republican Democratic Third Parties
2020 82.61% 3,139 15.84% 602 1.55% 59
2016 67.50% 2,473 29.50% 1,081 3.00 110
2012 56.78% 2,072 39.82% 1,453 3.40% 124
2008 54.06% 2,090 43.87% 1,696 2.07% 80
2004 63.53% 2,556 35.22% 1,417 1.25% 50
2000 60.16% 2,307 37.29% 1,430 2.55% 98
1996 39.36% 1,472 58.82% 2,200 1.82% 68

All of Harrison County is a part of Missouri's 2nd District in the Missouri House of Representatives and is currently represented by J. Eggleston (R-Maysville). Eggleston was reelected to a fourth term in 2020.

Missouri House of Representatives – District 2 – Harrison County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican J. Eggleston 3,253 86.82% −13.18
Democratic Mindi Smith 494 13.18% +13.18
Missouri House of Representatives – District 2 – Harrison County (2018)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican J. Eggleston 2,520 100.00% ±0.00

All of Harrison County is a part of Missouri's 12th District in the Missouri Senate and is currently represented by Dan Hegeman (R-Cosby). Hegeman won a second term in 2018.

Missouri Senate – District 12 – Harrison County (2018)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Dan Hegeman 2,328 82.52% −17.48
Democratic Terry Richard 493 17.48% +17.48%
Missouri Senate — District 12 — Harrison County (2014)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Dan Hegeman 2,051 100.00

Federal

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All of Harrison County is included in Missouri's 6th Congressional District and is currently represented by Sam Graves (R-Tarkio) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Graves was elected to an eleventh term in 2020 over Democratic challenger Gena Ross.

U.S. House of Representatives – Missouri’s 6th Congressional District – Harrison County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Sam Graves 3,250 85.80% +3.41
Democratic Gena L. Ross 496 13.09% −1.90
Libertarian Jim Higgins 42 1.11% −1.51
U.S. House of Representatives – Missouri's 6th Congressional District – Harrison County (2018)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Sam Graves 2,358 82.39% +1.55
Democratic Henry Robert Martin 429 14.99% −0.90
Libertarian Dan Hogan 75 2.62% +0.39

Harrison 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 (R-Clayton).

U.S. Senate – Class I – Harrison County (2018)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Josh Hawley 2,155 74.93% +26.73
Democratic Claire McCaskill 611 21.25% −21.81
Independent Craig O'Dear 61 2.12%
Libertarian Japheth Campbell 37 1.29% −7.44
Green Jo Crain 12 0.42% +0.42

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

U.S. Senate — Class III — Harrison County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Roy Blunt 2,415 65.89% +17.69
Democratic Jason Kander 1,053 28.73% −14.33
Libertarian Jonathan Dine 88 2.40% −6.33
Green Johnathan McFarland 37 1.01% +1.01
Constitution Fred Ryman 72 1.96% +1.96

Political culture

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United States presidential election results for Harrison County, Missouri[13]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 3,293 85.64% 534 13.89% 18 0.47%
2020 3,198 83.59% 597 15.60% 31 0.81%
2016 2,965 80.37% 574 15.56% 150 4.07%
2012 2,624 71.01% 984 26.63% 87 2.35%
2008 2,512 64.16% 1,287 32.87% 116 2.96%
2004 2,729 67.42% 1,279 31.60% 40 0.99%
2000 2,552 63.94% 1,328 33.27% 111 2.78%
1996 1,737 44.77% 1,628 41.96% 515 13.27%
1992 1,563 37.02% 1,590 37.66% 1,069 25.32%
1988 2,271 55.89% 1,776 43.71% 16 0.39%
1984 2,844 63.30% 1,649 36.70% 0 0.00%
1980 2,734 58.73% 1,732 37.21% 189 4.06%
1976 2,478 51.49% 2,304 47.87% 31 0.64%
1972 3,574 72.10% 1,383 27.90% 0 0.00%
1968 3,092 59.55% 1,688 32.51% 412 7.94%
1964 2,516 47.44% 2,787 52.56% 0 0.00%
1960 4,166 65.44% 2,200 34.56% 0 0.00%
1956 4,141 62.19% 2,518 37.81% 0 0.00%
1952 5,191 69.54% 2,261 30.29% 13 0.17%
1948 3,646 55.98% 2,854 43.82% 13 0.20%
1944 4,330 62.18% 2,623 37.67% 11 0.16%
1940 5,304 61.42% 3,325 38.50% 7 0.08%
1936 4,888 55.22% 3,942 44.53% 22 0.25%
1932 2,476 42.09% 3,376 57.39% 31 0.53%
1928 4,818 67.36% 2,319 32.42% 16 0.22%
1924 4,247 58.18% 2,792 38.25% 261 3.58%
1920 5,151 66.55% 2,502 32.33% 87 1.12%
1916 2,741 53.86% 2,205 43.33% 143 2.81%
1912 2,081 40.49% 1,985 38.62% 1,074 20.89%
1908 2,842 58.41% 1,938 39.83% 86 1.77%
1904 3,014 62.96% 1,596 33.34% 177 3.70%
1900 3,083 56.26% 2,209 40.31% 188 3.43%
1896 2,956 53.00% 2,582 46.30% 39 0.70%
1892 2,474 52.83% 1,630 34.81% 579 12.36%
1888 2,418 56.22% 1,722 40.04% 161 3.74%

At the presidential level, Harrison County is reliably Republican. Donald Trump carried the county easily in 2016 and 2020. Bill Clinton was the last Democratic presidential nominee to carry Harrison County in 1992. The last Democrat to win support from a majority of Harrison County voters was Lyndon Johnson in 1964.

Like most rural areas throughout northwest Missouri, voters in Harrison 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 Harrison County with 81% of the vote. The initiative passed the state with 71% 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 Harrison County with 56% voting against the measure. The initiative narrowly passed the state with 51% of support from voters as Missouri became one of the first states in the nation to approve embryonic stem cell research. Despite Harrison 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 Harrison County with 61% of the vote. The proposition strongly passed every single county in Missouri with 79% voting in favor. (During the same election, voters in five other states also strongly approved increases in the minimum wage.) In 2018, Missourians voted on a proposition (Proposition A) concerning right to work, the outcome of which ultimately reversed the right to work legislation passed in the state the previous year. 59.09% of Harrison County voters cast their ballots to overturn the law.

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 Harrison County by a wide margin. Biden went on to defeat President Donald Trump in the general election.

Missouri Democratic Presidential Primary – Harrison County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Joe Biden 186 65.49
Democratic Bernie Sanders 68 23.94
Democratic Tulsi Gabbard 6 2.11
Democratic Others/Uncommitted 24 8.45

Incumbent President Donald Trump (R-Florida) won both Harrison County and statewide by large margins. None of his primary challengers received any votes in Harrison County.

Missouri Republican Presidential Primary – Harrison County (2020)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Donald Trump 597 98.35
Republican Uncommitted 10 1.65

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 and won a plurality of the vote in Harrison County. He went on to win the presidency.

Missouri Republican Presidential Primary – Harrison County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Donald Trump 755 46.52
Republican Ted Cruz 591 36.41
Republican John Kasich 141 8.69
Republican Marco Rubio 85 5.24
Republican Others/Uncommitted 51 3.14

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 carried Harrison County.

Missouri Democratic Presidential Primary – Harrison County (2016)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Bernie Sanders 163 50.00
Democratic Hillary Clinton 158 48.47
Democratic Others/Uncommitted 5 1.53

2012

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In the 2012 Missouri Republican Presidential Primary, voters in Harrison County supported former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pennsylvania), who finished first in the state at large, but ultimately lost the nomination to former Governor Mitt Romney (R-Massachusetts). Delegates were chosen at a county caucus that ultimately selected an uncommitted delegation. 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.

Missouri Republican Presidential Primary – Harrison County (2008)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican John McCain 288 32.65
Republican Mike Huckabee 277 31.41
Republican Mitt Romney 207 23.47
Republican Ron Paul 93 10.54
Republican Others/Uncommitted 17 1.93

Then-Senator Hillary Clinton (D-New York) received more votes than any candidate from either party in Harrison County during the 2008 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 – Harrison County (2008)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Hillary Clinton 436 60.81
Democratic Barack Obama 249 34.73
Democratic Others/Uncommitted 32 4.47

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 18, 2021.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ Eaton, David Wolfe (1916). How Missouri Counties, Towns and Streams Were Named. The State Historical Society of Missouri. p. 171.
  4. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  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. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  9. ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  10. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Harrison County, Missouri".
  11. ^ Breeding, Marshall. "Bethany Public Library". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  12. ^ USGenWeb Project, Harrison County, Missouri
  13. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 25, 2018.

Further reading

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  • Wanamaker, George W. History of Harrison County, Missouri (1921) online
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40°21′N 93°59′W / 40.35°N 93.98°W / 40.35; -93.98

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