Christian County, Missouri

Christian County is located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, its population was 88,842. Its county seat is Ozark.[2] The county was organized in 1859 and is named after Christian County, Kentucky, it being named for William Christian, a Kentucky soldier of the American Revolutionary War.[3]

Christian County
County
The Historic Christian County Courthouse in Ozark
The Historic Christian County Courthouse in Ozark
Map of Missouri highlighting Christian County
Location within the U.S. state of Missouri
Map of the United States highlighting Missouri
Missouri's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 36°58′N 93°11′W
Country United States
State Missouri
FoundedMarch 8, 1859[1]
Named forWilliam Christian
SeatOzark
Largest cityNixa
Area
 • Total564 sq mi (1,460 km2)
 • Land563 sq mi (1,460 km2)
 • Water1.2 sq mi (3 km2)  0.2%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total88,842
 • Density160/sq mi (61/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district7th
Websitechristiancountymo.gov

Christian County is part of the Springfield, MO Metropolitan Statistical Area. Between 2000 and 2010, it was the fastest-growing county in the state and one of the fastest growing ones in the nation as the county became more suburban due to the booming growth in Springfield.[4]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 564 square miles (1,460 km2), of which 563 square miles (1,460 km2) is land and 1.2 square miles (3.1 km2) (0.2%) is water.[5] The county is drained by James River and branches of the White River. The surface is undulating or hilly.[6]

Adjacent counties

Major highways

National protected area

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18605,491—
18706,70722.1%
18809,62843.6%
189014,01745.6%
190016,93920.8%
191015,832−6.5%
192015,252−3.7%
193013,169−13.7%
194013,5382.8%
195012,412−8.3%
196012,359−0.4%
197015,12422.4%
198022,40248.1%
199032,64445.7%
200054,28566.3%
201077,42242.6%
202088,84214.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]
1790–1960[8] 1900–1990[9]
1990–2000[10] 2010–2020[11]

As of the census[12] of 2000, there were 54,285 people, 20,425 households, and 15,645 families residing in the county. The population density was 96 inhabitants per square mile (37/km2). There were 21,827 housing units at an average density of 39 units per square mile (15/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.31% White, 0.27% Black or African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.42% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. Approximately 1.32% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 23.7% were of American, 21.1% German, 12.3% English and 11.3% Irish ancestry.

There were 20,425 households, out of which 38.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.00% were married couples living together, 9.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.40% were non-families. 19.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.80% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 31.70% from 25 to 44, 21.80% from 45 to 64, and 10.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $50,200, and the median income for a family was $58,806. Males had a median income of $31,929 versus $21,852 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,873. About 7.10% of families and 9.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.20% of those under age 18 and 7.80% of those age 65 or over.

2020 Census
Christian County Racial Composition[13]
Race Num. Perc.
White (NH) 78,890 88.8%
Black or African American (NH) 597 0.7%
Native American (NH) 468 0.53%
Asian (NH) 624 0.7%
Pacific Islander (NH) 68 0.08%
Other/Mixed (NH) 5,183 5.83%
Hispanic or Latino 3,012 3.4%

Politics

Local

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

On May 20, 2015, Sheriff Joey Kyle plead guilty to embezzling county funds and participating in an illegal fraud scheme. As a part of a plea agreement, he immediately resigned as sheriff, was sentenced to one year plus one day in federal prison, and must repay more than $50,000 in restitution to Christian County.[14]

Christian County, Missouri
Elected countywide officials
Assessor Danny Gray Republican
Auditor Amy Dent Republican
Circuit Clerk Barbie Barnett-Stillings Republican
County Clerk Kay Brown Republican
Collector Ted Nichols Republican
Commissioner
(Presiding)		 Ralph Phillips Republican
Commissioner
(District 1)		 Mike Robertson Republican
Commissioner
(District 2)		 Hosea Bilyeu Republican
Coroner Mandi Armintage Republican
Prosecuting Attorney Amy Fite Republican
Public Administrator Ken Davis Republican
Recorder Kelly Hall Republican
Sheriff Brad Cole Republican
Treasurer Karen Matthews Republican

State
Past Gubernatorial Elections Results
Year Republican Democratic Third Parties
2020 74.60% 34,827 23.30% 10,863 2.1% 970
2016 68.97% 28,618 27.94% 11,593 3.09% 1,285
2012 58.01% 21,902 39.73% 15,000 2.26% 852
2008 49.65% 18,556 47.73% 17,840 2.61% 977
2004 68.61% 21,400 30.27% 9,443 1.12% 348
2000 58.90% 13,646 39.49% 9,148 1.61% 373
1996 56.69% 10,559 40.22% 7,491 3.10% 577

Christian County is divided into three legislative districts in the Missouri House of Representatives, all of which are represented by Republicans.

Missouri House of Representatives — District 138 — Christian County (2016)[15]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Don Phillips 1,865 100.00%
Missouri House of Representatives — District 138 — Christian County (2014)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Don Phillips 856 100.00%
Missouri House of Representatives — District 138 — Christian County (2012)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Don Phillips 1,625 100.00%
  • District 139 — Rep. Jered Taylor (R-Nixa). Consists of the communities of Clever, Highlandville, Nixa, and Spokane.
Missouri House of Representatives — District 139 — Christian County (2016)[15]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Jared Taylor 16,991 100.00%
Missouri House of Representatives — District 139 — Christian County (2014)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Jered Taylor 7,528 100.00% +28.86
Missouri House of Representatives — District 139 — Christian County (2012)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Kevin Elmer 12,375 71.14%
Democratic Bob Rubino 5,020 28.86%
  • District 140 — Rep. Lynn Morris (R-Ozark). Consists of the communities of Freemont Hills, Ozark, Saddlebrook, and Sparta.
Missouri House of Representatives — District 140 — Christian County (2016)[15]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Lynn Morris 14,371 75.80% +3.45
Democratic Jim Billedo 4,175 22.02% +1.27
Green Robert Debbaut 413 2.18% +2.18
Missouri House of Representatives — District 140 — Christian County (2014)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Lynn Morris 7,151 79.25% -20.75
Democratic Jim Billedo 1,872 20.75% +20.75
Missouri House of Representatives — District 140 — Christian County (2012)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Lynn Morris 15,284 100.00%

All of Christian County is a part of Missouri's 20th District in the Missouri Senate and is currently represented by Eric Burlison (R-Battlefield).

Missouri Senate — District 20 — Christian County (2014)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Jay Wasson 16,395 100.00%

Federal
U.S. Senate — Missouri — Christian County (2016)[15]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Roy Blunt 27,812 66.93% +12.53
Democratic Jason Kander 11,857 28.53% -9.67
Libertarian Jonathan Dine 1,113 2.68% -4.72
Green Johnathan McFarland 356 0.86% +0.86
Constitution Fred Ryman 418 1.00% +1.00
U.S. Senate — Missouri — Christian County (2012)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Todd Akin 20,383 54.40%
Democratic Claire McCaskill 14,312 38.20%
Libertarian Jonathan Dine 2,774 7.40%

All of Christian County is included in Missouri's 7th Congressional District and is currently represented by Billy Long (R-Springfield) in the U.S. House of Representatives.

U.S. House of Representatives — Missouri's 7th Congressional District — Christian County (2016)[15]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Billy Long 28,849 70.50% +6.41
Democratic Genevieve Williams 9,890 24.17% -1.75
Libertarian Benjamin T. Brixey 2,179 5.33% -4.66
U.S. House of Representatives — Missouri's 7th Congressional District — Christian County (2014)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Billy Long 12,261 64.09% -2.08
Democratic Jim Evans 4,959 25.92% -2.04
Libertarian Kevin Craig 1,910 9.99% +4.12
U.S. House of Representatives — Missouri's 7th Congressional District — Christian County (2012)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Billy Long 24,505 66.17%
Democratic Jim Evans 10,353 27.96%
Libertarian Kevin Craig 2,174 5.87%

Political culture
United States presidential election results for Christian County, Missouri[16]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 34,920 74.42% 11,131 23.72% 874 1.86%
2016 30,946 73.92% 8,508 20.32% 2,409 5.75%
2012 27,473 72.37% 9,813 25.85% 678 1.79%
2008 25,382 67.08% 11,883 31.41% 572 1.51%
2004 22,102 70.51% 9,059 28.90% 187 0.60%
2000 14,824 63.82% 7,896 33.99% 508 2.19%
1996 9,477 50.97% 6,627 35.64% 2,491 13.40%
1992 7,422 43.29% 6,242 36.41% 3,481 20.30%
1988 7,670 61.66% 4,724 37.97% 46 0.37%
1984 7,634 70.31% 3,223 29.69% 0 0.00%
1980 6,487 63.28% 3,502 34.16% 262 2.56%
1976 4,553 53.93% 3,830 45.37% 59 0.70%
1972 6,305 76.42% 1,945 23.58% 0 0.00%
1968 4,019 64.43% 1,586 25.42% 633 10.15%
1964 3,232 54.98% 2,646 45.02% 0 0.00%
1960 4,627 74.04% 1,622 25.96% 0 0.00%
1956 3,732 68.33% 1,730 31.67% 0 0.00%
1952 4,440 76.24% 1,374 23.59% 10 0.17%
1948 3,129 66.08% 1,600 33.79% 6 0.13%
1944 4,167 78.47% 1,134 21.36% 9 0.17%
1940 4,509 72.11% 1,729 27.65% 15 0.24%
1936 4,022 61.87% 2,462 37.87% 17 0.26%
1932 2,395 47.38% 2,577 50.98% 83 1.64%
1928 3,576 75.75% 1,124 23.81% 21 0.44%
1924 2,692 62.77% 1,281 29.87% 316 7.37%
1920 3,795 78.13% 919 18.92% 143 2.94%
1916 1,978 64.37% 938 30.52% 157 5.11%
1912 1,203 39.55% 793 26.07% 1,046 34.39%
1908 1,871 61.08% 956 31.21% 236 7.70%
1904 1,947 66.13% 871 29.59% 126 4.28%
1900 2,107 59.59% 1,326 37.50% 103 2.91%
1896 1,983 53.32% 1,729 46.49% 7 0.19%
1892 1,559 54.32% 653 22.75% 658 22.93%
1888 1,541 55.00% 795 28.37% 466 16.63%

Like most counties situated in Southwest Missouri, Christian County is a Republican stronghold in presidential elections. George W. Bush carried Christian County in 2000 and 2004 by more than two-to-one margins, and like many other rural and exurban counties throughout Missouri, Christian County strongly favored John McCain over Barack Obama in 2008. The only Democratic presidential candidate to win Christian County since the Civil War has been Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1932.[17] In the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump was the favored candidate receiving 30,941 votes.[18]

Like most areas throughout the Bible Belt in Southwest Missouri, voters in Christian County traditionally adhere to socially and culturally conservative principles which tend to strongly 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 passed Christian County with 80.46 percent of the vote. The initiative passed the state with 71 percent of support from voters as Missouri became the first state to ban same-sex marriage. In 2006, Missourians voted on a constitutional amendment to fund and legalize embryonic stem cell research in the state—it failed in Christian County with 58.98 percent voting against the measure. The initiative narrowly passed the state with 51 percent of support from voters as Missouri became one of the first states in the nation to approve embryonic stem cell research. Despite Christian 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 Christian County with 73.01 percent of the vote. The proposition strongly passed every single county in Missouri with 78.99 percent voting in favor as the minimum wage was increased to $6.50 an hour in the state. During the same election, voters in five other states also strongly approved increases in the minimum wage.

Missouri presidential preference primary (2008)
Main articles: 2008 Missouri Democratic presidential primary and 2008 Missouri Republican presidential primary

Voters in Christian County from both political parties supported candidates who finished in second place in the state at large and nationally. Former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-Arkansas) received more votes, a total of 5,852, than any candidate from either party in Christian County during the 2008 Missouri Presidential Preference Primary.

Education

Public schools

Private schools
  • Faith Christian School - Spokane - (PK-12) - Baptist

Colleges and universities

Public libraries

Christian County Library System

Christian County currently has three public library branches that serve the community. The Christian County Library (CCL) operates these branches. The library offers residents books, A/V materials, programming, printing, and WiFi access.[19] There is a branch in Ozark, Nixa, and Clever.[20] In August 2019, the library announced the continuation of their expansion to the public. Construction is set to begin on at least one new library branch by spring 2020.[21]

Tax Approval

On Tuesday, August 8, 2017, voters in Christian County approved to instate a 20-cent property tax levy. Sixty-eight percent of the voters approved the tax. Before this tax, the library was only able to operate one branch for the whole county. To accommodate new housing and population growth in the county, CCL announced their intentions to construct and/or open new branches around the county. The tax approval also allowed for a renovation of the original Ozark Branch. CCL expects eighty-five percent of the population in Christian County to be within a five-mile radius of the library after all intended branches are opened.[22]

The front of the Nixa branch library is depicted. The library is brick and immediately meets a parking lot.
Christian County Library Nixa Branch
Christian County Library Board of Trustees[23]
Position Held Name
President Ken Barthelette
Vice President Loretta Hermann
Treasurer Maurine Myers
Secretary Heather Davidson
Member at Large Christa Mitchell

Public safety

Communities

Cities

Village

Census-designated place

Other unincorporated communities

Townships

The Christian County chapter of the Bald Knobbers created the distinctive masks that the group has become known for, despite the original Taney County chapter never adopting such masks.[25] This masked depiction is what would eventually be used in the book, The Shepherd of the Hills by Harold Bell Wright. The book would later be adapted to film and the stage. This masked depiction can also be seen on the ride Fire in the Hole located at Silver Dollar City.

Jason Bourne, the main protagonist of the Bourne film franchise was from Nixa, the largest city in Christian County.

The 2010 film Winter's Bone was filmed entirely in Taney County and Christian County. Many locals were cast in significant roles in the film.[26]

See also

References
  1. "History of Christian County". Christian County, Mo. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. Pokin, Steve. "Answer Man: Why's Christian County have a panhandle in its boundary? Looks like Oklahoma". Springfield News-Leader. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  4. Tang, Didi (February 11, 2011). "New Census numbers: Christian County fastest growing in state". The Springfield News-Leader. Archived from the original on August 14, 2011. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  5. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  6. Ripley, George; Dana, Charles A., eds. (1879). "Christian. III. A S. W. county of Missouri" . The American Cyclopædia.
  7. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  8. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  9. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  10. "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 14, 2014.
  11. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
  12. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  13. "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Christian County, Missouri".
  14. "Going to jail: Christian County Sheriff admits to fraud and embezzlement". news-leader.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  15. "County Results - State of Missouri - 2016 General Election". Missouri Secretary of State. December 12, 2016. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  16. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  17. Menendez, Albert J.; The Geography of Presidential Elections in the United States, 1868–2004, pp. 239, 241, 244 ISBN 0786422173
  18. "Christian County Election Results". Springfield News-Leader. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  19. "Services at Christian County Library - Digital - Research and More". Christian County Library. August 26, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
  20. "Locations". Christian County Library. March 1, 2019. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
  21. "Your Library District is Growing: Sparta and Clever Branch Construction Timeline Announced". Christian County Library. August 30, 2019. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  22. "Christian County Voters Approve Library Tax". KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. August 9, 2017. Retrieved February 3, 2020.
  23. "Trustees & Administration". Christian County Library. August 27, 2016. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  24. Breeding, Marshall. "Christian County Library". Libraries.org. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  25. "Springfield-Greene County Library -- Bittersweet". thelibrary.org. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  26. "On Location: The Frozen Ozarks Of 'Winter's Bone'". NPR.org. Retrieved January 15, 2020.

36.97°N 93.19°W / 36.97; -93.19

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