Laclede County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the population was 36,039. Its county seat is Lebanon. The county was organized February 24, 1849, and was named after Pierre Laclède, founder of St. Louis. Laclede County comprises the Lebanon, MO Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 768 sqmi, of which 765 sqmi is land and 3.3 sqmi (0.4%) is water.

Adjacent counties

Major highways

National protected area

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 32,513 people, 12,760 households, and 9,187 families residing in the county. The population density was 42 /mi2. There were 14,320 housing units at an average density of 19 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 97.04% White, 0.42% Black or African American, 0.49% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 1.37% from two or more races. Approximately 1.23% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 12,760 households, out of which 33.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.90% were married couples living together, 9.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.00% were non-families. 24.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.97. In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.70% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 27.80% from 25 to 44, 22.90% from 45 to 64, and 14.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.90 males. The median income for a household in the county was $29,562, and the median income for a family was $35,962. Males had a median income of $27,011 versus $18,283 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,572. About 11.50% of families and 14.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.50% of those under age 18 and 15.90% of those age 65 or over.

2020 Census

Education

Public schools

Post Secondary Schools

Public libraries

Communities

Cities

Villages

Townships

Census-designated place

Other unincorporated places

Politics

Local

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

State

Laclede County is split between two of Missouri's legislative districts that elect members of the Missouri House of Representatives, both of which are represented by Republicans. All of Laclede County is a part of Missouri's 28th District in the Missouri Senate. The seat is currently vacant. The previous incumbent, Mike Parson, was elected lieutenant governor in 2016.

Federal

All of Laclede 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

Missouri presidential preference primary (2008)

Former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-Arkansas) received more votes, a total of 2,791, than any candidate from either party in Laclede County during the 2008 presidential primary.