Henry County is a county located in the western portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the population was 21,946. Its county seat is Clinton. The county was organized December 13, 1834, as Rives County but was renamed in 1841 for Revolutionary War patriot Patrick Henry. The county originally had been named after William Cabell Rives, who was then serving as a U.S. Senator from Virginia. However, Rives lost popularity in Missouri after he joined the Whig Party.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 732 sqmi, of which 697 sqmi is land and 35 sqmi (4.8%) is water.

Adjacent counties

Major highways

Transit

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 21,997 people, 9,133 households, and 6,246 families residing in the county. The population density was 31 /mi2. There were 10,261 housing units at an average density of 15 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 96.61% White, 1.02% Black or African American, 0.70% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 1.05% from two or more races. Approximately 0.91% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 9,133 households, out of which 28.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.30% were married couples living together, 9.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.60% were non-families. 27.70% 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 2.37 and the average family size was 2.86. In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.70% under the age of 18, 7.80% from 18 to 24, 25.80% from 25 to 44, 24.40% from 45 to 64, and 18.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 95.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.30 males. The median income for a household in the county was $30,949, and the median income for a family was $36,328. Males had a median income of $27,932 versus $19,201 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,468. About 11.40% of families and 14.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.40% of those under age 18 and 13.90% of those age 65 or over.

2020 Census

Education

Public schools

Private schools

Public libraries

Politics

Local

The Democratic Party historically controls politics at the local level in Henry County. However, recent gains by Republicans have made Henry County a swing county.

State

All of Henry County is a part of Missouri's 57th District in the Missouri House of Representatives and is represented by Rodger Reedy (R-Windsor), who was elected in 2018. All of Henry County is a part of Missouri's 31st District in the Missouri Senate and is currently represented by Ed Emery (R-Lamar).

Federal

All of Henry 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.

Political culture

Communities

Cities

Villages

Census-designated place

Unincorporated communities