Fort Towson

There are 114 counties and one independent city in the U.S. State of Missouri. Following the Louisiana Purchase and the admittance of Louisiana into the United States in 1812, five counties were formed out of the Missouri Territory at the first general assembly: Cape Girardeau, New Madrid, Saint Charles, Saint Louis, and Ste. Genevieve. Most subsequent counties were apportioned from these five original counties. Six more counties were added through the 1836 Platte Purchase, the acquired lands of which formed the northwest tip of the state and consisted of Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Holt, Nodaway, and Platte counties.[1]

In Missouri, the county level of government comes between those of the city and the state. Its primary responsibilities include maintaining roads, providing security, prosecuting criminals, and collecting taxes. Elected officials at this level include a sheriff, prosecuting attorney, and assessor.[2]

Most of the counties in Missouri are named after politicians. One such county, Cass, was originally named Van Buren County after President Martin Van Buren, and was changed to its present name in support of Van Buren's Democratic opponent Lewis Cass during the presidential election of 1848. Other counties are named after war heroes, natural resources, explorers, and former U.S. territories.[3]

The city of St. Louis is an independent city, and is not within the limits of a county. Its residents voted to secede from St. Louis County in 1876. Throughout the United States, St. Louis is one of three independent cities outside the state of Virginia (the other two are Baltimore, Maryland, and Carson City, Nevada).[4]

Population figures are based on the 2022 Census estimate. According to that census estimate, the population of Missouri is 6,177,957, an increase of 0.4% from 2020. The average population of Missouri's counties is 53,721; St. Louis County is the most populous (990,414), and Worth County is the least (1,955). The average land area is 599 sq mi (1,550 km2). The largest county is Texas County (1,179 sq mi, 3,054 km2) and the smallest is St. Louis city (61.9 sq mi, 160 km2).[5][6]

The Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) is used by the U.S. government to uniquely identify counties, and is provided for each entry. These codes link to the United States Census Bureau's "quick facts" for each county. To distinguish from counties in other states, one must use Missouri's FIPS code, 29. For example, Adair County's unique nationwide identifier is 29001.[7]

Counties

County
FIPS code[7] County seat[8] Est.[8] Formed from[3] Etymology[3][9][10] Population[11] Area[8] Map
Adair County 001 Kirksville 1841 Macon County John Adair (1757–1840), pioneer, soldier, and seventh Governor of Kentucky 25,165 568 sq mi
(1,471 km2)
A state map highlighting Adair County in the northern part of the state.
Andrew County 003 Savannah 1841 Part of the Platte Purchase Andrew Jackson Davis , a prominent citizen of St. Louis 18,003 435 sq mi
(1,127 km2)
A state map highlighting Andrew County in the northwestern part of the state.
Atchison County 005 Rock Port 1843 Holt County, part of the Platte Purchase U.S. Senator David Rice Atchison (1807–1886), a Democrat from Missouri 5,182 545 sq mi
(1,412 km2)
A state map highlighting Atchison County in the northwestern corner of the state.
Audrain County 007 Mexico 1831 Callaway, Monroe and Ralls counties James H. Audrain, a War of 1812 colonel Missouri State Legislator 24,434 693 sq mi
(1,795 km2)
A state map highlighting Audrain County in the northeastern part of the state.
Barry County 009 Cassville 1835 Greene County William Taylor Barry (1784–1835), jurist and United States Postmaster General 34,926 779 sq mi
(2,018 km2)
A state map highlighting Barry County in the southwestern part of the state.
Barton County 011 Lamar 1855 Jasper County U.S. Senator David Barton (1783–1837), one of the first senators from Missouri 11,694 594 sq mi
(1,538 km2)
A state map highlighting Barton County in the southwestern part of the state.
Bates County 013 Butler 1841 Van Buren (now Cass) County Frederick Bates (1777–1825), the second governor of Missouri 16,177 848 sq mi
(2,196 km2)
A state map highlighting Bates County in the western part of the state.
Benton County 015 Warsaw 1835 Pettis and Greene counties Thomas Hart Benton (1782–1858), U.S. Senator from Missouri 20,224 706 sq mi
(1,829 km2)
A state map highlighting Benton County in the western part of the state.
Bollinger County 017 Marble Hill 1851 Cape Girardeau, Madison, Stoddard and Wayne counties George Frederick Bollinger (1770–1842), early settler of Missouri 10,518 621 sq mi
(1,608 km2)
A state map highlighting Bollinger County in the southeastern part of the state.
Boone County 019 Columbia 1820 Howard County Daniel Boone (1734–1820), American pioneer and hunter 187,690 685 sq mi
(1,774 km2)
A state map highlighting Boone County in the middle part of the state.
Buchanan County 021 Saint Joseph 1838 Part of the Platte Purchase James Buchanan (1791–1868), 15th President of the United States 82,911 410 sq mi
(1,062 km2)
A state map highlighting Buchanan County in the northwestern part of the state.
Butler County 023 Poplar Bluff 1849 Wayne County William O. Butler (1791–1880), U.S. Representative from Kentucky and vice-presidential nominee under Lewis Cass 42,179 698 sq mi
(1,808 km2)
A state map highlighting Butler County in the southeastern part of the state.
Caldwell County 025 Kingston 1836 Ray County Disputed; either John Caldwell, an Indian scout and friend of respected Colonel Alexander William Doniphan; John Caldwell, Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky; or Mathew Caldwell, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence 8,933 429 sq mi
(1,111 km2)
A state map highlighting Caldwell County in the northwestern part of the state.
Callaway County 027 Fulton 1821 Boone, Howard and Montgomery counties James Callaway (1783–1815), soldier during the War of 1812 and grandson of Daniel Boone 44,762 839 sq mi
(2,173 km2)
A state map highlighting Callaway County in the middle part of the state.
Camden County 029 Camdenton 1841 Benton, Morgan and Pulaski counties Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden (1714–1794), an English lawyer, judge, Whig politician, and proponent of civil liberties 43,768 655 sq mi
(1,696 km2)
A state map highlighting Camden County in the middle part of the state.
Cape Girardeau County 031 Jackson 1812 One of the five original counties A rock promontory over the Mississippi River and Ensign Sieur Jean Baptiste de Girardot, a French officer and early explorer of the region 82,899 579 sq mi
(1,500 km2)
A state map highlighting Cape Girardeau County in the southeastern part of the state.
Carroll County 033 Carrollton 1833 Ray County Charles Carroll (1737–1832), delegate to the Continental Congress and U.S. Senator for Maryland 8,423 695 sq mi
(1,800 km2)
A state map highlighting Carroll County in the northwestern part of the state.
Carter County 035 Van Buren 1859 Oregon, Reynolds, Ripley and Shannon counties Zimri Carter (1794-1872), a pioneering settler 5,268 508 sq mi
(1,316 km2)
A state map highlighting Carter County in the southeastern part of the state.
Cass County 037 Harrisonville 1833 Jackson County Lewis Cass (1782–1866), senator from Michigan 110,394 699 sq mi
(1,810 km2)
A state map highlighting Cass County in the western part of the state.
Cedar County 039 Stockton 1845 Dade and St. Clair counties Named for the abundance of Eastern Red Cedar trees 14,601 476 sq mi
(1,233 km2)
A state map highlighting Cedar County in the southwestern part of the state.
Chariton County 041 Keytesville 1821 Howard County Chariton River, a tributary of the Missouri River, whose naming origin is disputed 7,386 756 sq mi
(1,958 km2)
A state map highlighting Chariton County in the northern part of the state.
Christian County 043 Ozark 1859 Greene, Taney and Webster counties William Christian (1743–1786), colonel in the American Revolution 93,114 563 sq mi
(1,458 km2)
A state map highlighting Christian County in the southwestern part of the state.
Clark County 045 Kahoka 1836 Lewis County William Clark (1770–1838), American explorer, soldier, Indian agent, and territorial governor 6,723 507 sq mi
(1,313 km2)
A state map highlighting Clark County in the northeastern corner of the state.
Clay County 047 Liberty 1822 Ray County Henry Clay (1777–1852), American Senator and orator from Kentucky 257,033 396 sq mi
(1,026 km2)
A state map highlighting Clay County in the northwestern part of the state.
Clinton County 049 Plattsburg 1833 Clay County George Clinton (1739–1812), soldier and Governor of New York, considered one of the Founding Fathers of the United States 21,328 419 sq mi
(1,085 km2)
A state map highlighting Clinton County in the northwestern part of the state.
Cole County 051 Jefferson City 1820 Cooper County Stephen Cole, pioneering settler 76,969 392 sq mi
(1,015 km2)
A state map highlighting Cole County in the middle part of the state.
Cooper County 053 Boonville 1818 Howard County Sarshel Benjamin Cooper, pioneering settler 16,772 565 sq mi
(1,463 km2)
A state map highlighting Cooper County in the middle part of the state.
Crawford County 055 Steelville 1829 Gasconade County William H. Crawford (1772–1834), U.S. Senator from Georgia, U.S. Secretary of Treasury, and judge 22,659 743 sq mi
(1,924 km2)
A state map highlighting Crawford County in the southeastern part of the state.
Dade County 057 Greenfield 1841 Barry and Polk counties Major Francis L. Dade (1793?–1835), Major in the U.S. 4th Infantry Regiment, United States Army, during the Second Seminole War 7,660 490 sq mi
(1,269 km2)
A state map highlighting Dade County in the southwestern part of the state.
Dallas County 059 Buffalo 1841 Polk County George M. Dallas (1792–1864), U.S. Vice President under James K. Polk 17,626 542 sq mi
(1,404 km2)
A state map highlighting Dallas County in the southwestern part of the state.
Daviess County 061 Gallatin 1836 Ray County Joseph Hamilton Daveiss (1774–1811), commanded the Dragoons of the Indiana Militia at the Battle of Tippecanoe 8,435 567 sq mi
(1,469 km2)
A state map highlighting Daviess County in the northwestern part of the state.
DeKalb County 063 Maysville 1843 Clinton County Johann de Kalb (1721–1780), a German soldier who served as a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War 11,336 424 sq mi
(1,098 km2)
A state map highlighting DeKalb County in the northwestern part of the state.
Dent County 065 Salem 1851 Crawford and Shannon counties James Dent, pioneering settler 14,467 754 sq mi
(1,953 km2)
A state map highlighting Dent County in the southeastern part of the state.
Douglas County 067 Ava 1857 Ozark County Stephen A. Douglas (1813–1861), American Senator from Illinois, and the Democratic nominee for President in 1860 11,975 815 sq mi
(2,111 km2)
A state map highlighting Douglas County in the southern part of the state.
Dunklin County 069 Kennett 1843 Stoddard County Daniel Dunklin (1790–1844), fifth governor of Missouri 27,406 546 sq mi
(1,414 km2)
A state map highlighting Dunklin County in the southeastern part of the state.
Franklin County 071 Union 1818 St. Louis County Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790), writer, publisher, orator, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States 105,879 922 sq mi
(2,388 km2)
A state map highlighting Franklin County in the eastern part of the state.
Gasconade County 073 Hermann 1821 Franklin County Gasconade River, a tributary of the Missouri River; the river probably derives its name from the French word "gascon" which means braggart, and could be an old satirical name describing those who boast about their adventures upon return to St. Louis 14,768 520 sq mi
(1,347 km2)
A state map highlighting Gasconade County in the eastern part of the state.
Gentry County 075 Albany 1841 Clinton County Richard Gentry (1788–1837), a distinguished American military colonel in the Seminole Wars 6,253 492 sq mi
(1,274 km2)
A state map highlighting Gentry County in the northwestern part of the state.
Greene County 077 Springfield 1833 Crawford and Wayne counties Nathanael Greene (1742–1786), a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War 303,293 675 sq mi
(1,748 km2)
A state map highlighting Greene County in the southwestern part of the state.
Grundy County 079 Trenton 1839 Livingston County Felix Grundy (1777–1840), U.S. Congressman and U.S. Senator from Tennessee who also served as the 13th Attorney General of the United States 9,838 436 sq mi
(1,129 km2)
A state map highlighting Grundy County in the northwestern part of the state.
Harrison County 081 Bethany 1843 Daviess County Albert G. Harrison (1800–1839), U.S. Representative from Missouri 8,199 725 sq mi
(1,878 km2)
A state map highlighting Harrison County in the northwestern part of the state.
Henry County 083 Clinton 1834 Lillard (now Lafayette) County Patrick Henry (1736–1799), first post-colonial Governor of Virginia and prominent figure in the American Revolution 22,438 702 sq mi
(1,818 km2)
A state map highlighting Henry County in the western part of the state.
Hickory County 085 Hermitage 1845 Benton and Polk counties Andrew Jackson (1767–1845), seventh U.S. President, who was nicknamed "Old Hickory" during his military service 8,630 399 sq mi
(1,033 km2)
A state map highlighting Hickory County in the southwestern part of the state.
Holt County 087 Oregon 1841 Part of the Platte Purchase David Rice Holt, Missouri State Representative 4,262 462 sq mi
(1,197 km2)
A state map highlighting Holt County in the northwestern part of the state.
Howard County 089 Fayette 1816 St. Charles and St. Louis counties Benjamin Howard (1760–1814), a Congressman from Kentucky, governor of Missouri Territory and a brigadier general in the War of 1812 10,168 466 sq mi
(1,207 km2)
A state map highlighting Howard County in the middle part of the state.
Howell County 091 West Plains 1857 Oregon County Disputed – Josiah Howell, pioneering settler 40,631 928 sq mi
(2,404 km2)
A state map highlighting Howell County in the southern part of the state.
Iron County 093 Ironton 1857 Madison, Reynolds, St. Francois, Washington and Wayne counties The abundance of iron ore in the area 9,414 551 sq mi
(1,427 km2)
A state map highlighting Iron County in the southeastern part of the state.
Jackson County 095 Independence,
Kansas City
1826 Lillard (now Lafayette) County Andrew Jackson (1767–1845), U.S. Senator from Tennessee and later 7th President of the United States from 1829 to 1837 716,531 605 sq mi
(1,567 km2)
A state map highlighting Jackson County in the northwestern part of the state.
Jasper County 097 Carthage 1841 Barry County William Jasper (c. 1750–1779), a noted American soldier in the Revolutionary War 124,075 640 sq mi
(1,658 km2)
A state map highlighting Jasper County in the southwestern part of the state.
Jefferson County 099 Hillsboro 1818 St. Louis and Sainte Genevieve counties Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), third President of the United States, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and one of the most influential Founding Fathers 229,336 657 sq mi
(1,702 km2)
A state map highlighting Jefferson County in the eastern part of the state.
Johnson County 101 Warrensburg 1834 Lillard (now Lafayette) County Richard M. Johnson (1780–1850), ninth Vice President of the United States, serving in the administration of Martin Van Buren 54,368 831 sq mi
(2,152 km2)
A state map highlighting Johnson County in the western part of the state.
Knox County 103 Edina 1843 Scotland County Henry Knox (1750–1806) an American bookseller from Boston who became the chief artillery officer of the Continental Army and later the nation's first Secretary of War 3,776 506 sq mi
(1,311 km2)
A state map highlighting Knox County in the northeastern part of the state.
Laclede County 105 Lebanon 1849 Camden, Pulaski and Wright counties Pierre Laclede (1729–1778), founder of St. Louis, Missouri 36,313 766 sq mi
(1,984 km2)
A state map highlighting Laclede County in the southern part of the state.
Lafayette County 107 Lexington 1821 Cooper County Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette (1757–1834), French military officer and general in the American Revolutionary War 32,961 629 sq mi
(1,629 km2)
A state map highlighting Lafayette County in the northwestern part of the state.
Lawrence County 109 Mount Vernon 1843 Barry and Dade counties James Lawrence (1781–1813), an American naval officer best known for his last words "Don't give up the ship!" 38,683 613 sq mi
(1,588 km2)
A state map highlighting Lawrence County in the southwestern part of the state.
Lewis County 111 Monticello 1833 Marion County Meriwether Lewis (1774–1809), explorer and governor of the Louisiana Territory 9,891 505 sq mi
(1,308 km2)
A state map highlighting Lewis County in the northeastern part of the state.
Lincoln County 113 Troy 1818 St. Charles County Disputed; either Lincoln County, Kentucky (birthplace of Christopher Clark, a Missouri legislator who advocated for the county's creation),[12] or for Benjamin Lincoln (1733–1810), an American revolutionary war general 63,155 630 sq mi
(1,632 km2)
A state map highlighting Lincoln County in the eastern part of the state.
Linn County 115 Linneus 1837 Chariton County Lewis F. Linn (1796–1843), a Jacksonian Democratic U.S. Senator for Missouri 11,820 620 sq mi
(1,606 km2)
A state map highlighting Linn County in the northern part of the state.
Livingston County 117 Chillicothe 1837 Carroll County Edward Livingston (1764–1836), a prominent American jurist and statesman, influential in the drafting of the Louisiana Civil Code of 1825, a civil code based largely on the Napoleonic Code 14,402 535 sq mi
(1,386 km2)
A state map highlighting Livingston County in the northwestern part of the state.
Macon County 121 Macon 1837 Chariton and Randolph counties Nathaniel Macon (1758–1837), member of the United States House of Representatives from 1791 to 1815 who briefly served in the American Revolutionary War 15,049 804 sq mi
(2,082 km2)
A state map highlighting Macon County in the northern part of the state.
Madison County 123 Fredericktown 1818 Cape Girardeau and Sainte Genevieve counties James Madison (1751–1836), politician and political philosopher who served as the fourth President of the United States, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States 12,753 497 sq mi
(1,287 km2)
A state map highlighting Madison County in the southeastern part of the state.
Maries County 125 Vienna 1855 Osage and Pulaski counties Maries River, possibly a corruption of the French word marais meaning "marsh" or "swamp" 8,431 528 sq mi
(1,368 km2)
A state map highlighting Maries County in the middle part of the state.
Marion County 127 Palmyra 1826 Ralls County Francis Marion (1732–1795), a military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War 28,438 438 sq mi
(1,134 km2)
A state map highlighting Marion County in the northeastern part of the state.
McDonald County 119 Pineville 1847 Newton County Alexander McDonald, American Revolutionary War sergeant 23,588 540 sq mi
(1,399 km2)
A state map highlighting McDonald County in the southwestern corner of the state.
Mercer County 129 Princeton 1845 Grundy County John F. Mercer (1759–1821), an American lawyer, planter, and Governor of Maryland 3,437 454 sq mi
(1,176 km2)
A state map highlighting Mercer County in the northwestern part of the state.
Miller County 131 Tuscumbia 1837 Cole and Pulaski counties John Miller (1781–1846), an American publisher and politician from St. Louis, Missouri. He was the fourth Governor of Missouri and represented Missouri in the U.S. House 25,403 592 sq mi
(1,533 km2)
A state map highlighting Miller County in the middle part of the state.
Mississippi County 133 Charleston 1842 Scott County Mississippi River, the second-longest river in the United States which forms Missouri's eastern border 11,688 413 sq mi
(1,070 km2)
A state map highlighting Mississippi County in the southeastern part of the state.
Moniteau County 135 California 1845 Cole and Morgan counties Moniteau Creek; "moniteau" is a French spelling of manitou, the Algonquian Great Spirit 15,220 417 sq mi
(1,080 km2)
A state map highlighting Moniteau County in the middle part of the state.
Monroe County 137 Paris 1831 Ralls County James Monroe (1758–1831), fifth President of the United States who crafted the Missouri Compromise 8,652 646 sq mi
(1,673 km2)
A state map highlighting Monroe County in the northeastern part of the state.
Montgomery County 139 Montgomery City 1818 St. Charles County Richard Montgomery (1738–1775), an Irish-born soldier who first served in the British Army and later became a brigadier-general in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War 11,470 539 sq mi
(1,396 km2)
A state map highlighting Montgomery County in the eastern part of the state.
Morgan County 141 Versailles 1833 Cooper County Daniel Morgan (c. 1736–1802), American pioneer, soldier, and United States Representative from Virginia 21,785 598 sq mi
(1,549 km2)
A state map highlighting Morgan County in the middle part of the state.
New Madrid County 143 New Madrid 1812 One of the five original counties Madrid, Spain 15,695 678 sq mi
(1,756 km2)
A state map highlighting New Madrid County in the southeastern part of the state.
Newton County 145 Neosho 1838 Barry County John Newton (1755–1780), legendary soldier of the American Revolution 60,011 626 sq mi
(1,621 km2)
A state map highlighting Newton County in the southwestern part of the state.
Nodaway County 147 Maryville 1843 Andrew County, the Platte Purchase Nodaway River, a 120-mile (190 km) long river in southwest Iowa and northwest Missouri 20,670 877 sq mi
(2,271 km2)
A state map highlighting Nodaway County in the northwestern part of the state.
Oregon County 149 Alton 1841 Ripley County Oregon Territory 8,732 792 sq mi
(2,051 km2)
A state map highlighting Oregon County in the southern part of the state.
Osage County 151 Linn 1841 Gasconade County Osage River, a 360 miles (580 km) long tributary of the Missouri River in central Missouri; the name of the river is probably derived from a French corruption of "Washazhe" – the name of the Osage Native Americans 13,399 606 sq mi
(1,570 km2)
A state map highlighting Osage County in the middle part of the state.
Ozark County 153 Gainesville 1841 Taney County Ozark Mountains – Ozark is the anglicized form of the French "aux arcs", an abbreviation of "Aux Arkansas", which means in the county of Arkansas 8,940 747 sq mi
(1,935 km2)
A state map highlighting Ozark County in the southern part of the state.
Pemiscot County 155 Caruthersville 1851 New Madrid County An American Indian word meaning "liquid mud" 14,841 493 sq mi
(1,277 km2)
A state map highlighting Pemiscot County in the southeastern corner of the state.
Perry County 157 Perryville 1821 Sainte Genevieve County Oliver Hazard Perry (1785–1819), naval officer in the War of 1812 against Britain, earned the title "Hero of Lake Erie" for leading American forces in a decisive naval victory at the Battle of Lake Erie 18,858 475 sq mi
(1,230 km2)
A state map highlighting Perry County in the southeastern part of the state.
Pettis County 159 Sedalia 1833 Cooper and Saline counties Spencer Darwin Pettis (1802–1831), U.S. Representative from Missouri 43,353 685 sq mi
(1,774 km2)
A state map highlighting Pettis County in the western part of the state.
Phelps County 161 Rolla 1857 Crawford County John S. Phelps (1814–1886), a politician, soldier during the American Civil War, and twenty-third Governor of Missouri 45,313 673 sq mi
(1,743 km2)
A state map highlighting Phelps County in the middle part of the state.
Pike County 163 Bowling Green 1818 St. Charles County Zebulon Pike (1778–1813), American soldier and explorer for whom Pikes Peak in Colorado is also named 17,664 673 sq mi
(1,743 km2)
A state map highlighting Pike County in the northeastern part of the state.
Platte County 165 Platte City 1838 Part of the Platte Purchase Platte River, a tributary of the Missouri River, which is in turn named for the French word "platte" meaning flat or shallow 110,534 420 sq mi
(1,088 km2)
A state map highlighting Platte County in the northwestern part of the state.
Polk County 167 Bolivar 1835 Greene County James K. Polk (1795–1849), 11th President of the United States 32,693 637 sq mi
(1,650 km2)
A state map highlighting Polk County in the southwestern part of the state.
Pulaski County 169 Waynesville 1833 Crawford County Kazimierz Pulaski (1745–1779), Polish soldier of fortune in the American Revolutionary War, he saved the life of George Washington and became a general in the Continental Army 53,941 547 sq mi
(1,417 km2)
A state map highlighting Pulaski County in the middle part of the state.
Putnam County 171 Unionville 1843 Adair and Sullivan counties Israel Putnam (1718–1790), an American army general who fought with distinction at the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolutionary War 4,666 518 sq mi
(1,342 km2)
A state map highlighting Putnam County in the northern part of the state.
Ralls County 173 New London 1821 Pike County Daniel Ralls, a Missouri State Representative 10,420 471 sq mi
(1,220 km2)
A state map highlighting Ralls County in the northeastern part of the state.
Randolph County 175 Huntsville 1829 Chariton and Ralls counties John Randolph of Roanoke (1773–1833), a leader in Congress from Virginia and spokesman for the "Old Republican" 24,622 482 sq mi
(1,248 km2)
A state map highlighting Randolph County in the northern part of the state.
Ray County 177 Richmond 1820 Howard County John Ray, Missouri State Representative 23,107 570 sq mi
(1,476 km2)
A state map highlighting Ray County in the northwestern part of the state.
Reynolds County 179 Centerville 1845 Shannon County Thomas Reynolds (1796–1844), governor of Missouri from 1840 to 1844 6,006 811 sq mi
(2,100 km2)
A state map highlighting Reynolds County in the southeastern part of the state.
Ripley County 181 Doniphan 1831 Wayne County Eleazer Wheelock Ripley (1782–1839), Brigadier General in the War of 1812 10,703 630 sq mi
(1,632 km2)
A state map highlighting Ripley County in the southeastern part of the state.
Saint Charles County 183 Saint Charles 1812 One of the five original counties St. Charles Borromeo (1538–1584), an Italian saint and cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church 413,803 561 sq mi
(1,453 km2)
A state map highlighting Saint Charles County in the eastern part of the state.
Saint Clair County 185 Osceola 1841 Rives (now Henry) County Arthur St. Clair (1737–1818), an American soldier and Governor of the Northwest Territory 9,576 677 sq mi
(1,753 km2)
A state map highlighting Saint Clair County in the western part of the state.
Saint Francois County 187 Farmington 1821 Jefferson, Ste. Genevieve and Washington counties St. Francis of Assisi (c. 1182–1226), a Catholic deacon and the founder of the Order of Friars Minor, more commonly known as the Franciscans 66,969 450 sq mi
(1,165 km2)
A state map highlighting Saint Francois County in the southeastern part of the state.
Saint Louis County 189 Clayton 1812 One of the five original counties King Louis IX (1214–1270), King of France from 1226 until his death 990,414 508 sq mi
(1,316 km2)
A state map highlighting Saint Louis County in the eastern part of the state.
Saint Louis City 510 St. Louis 1876 Created in 1876 when city residents voted to secede from St. Louis County King Louis IX (1214–1270), King of France from 1226 until his death 286,578 61.9 sq mi
(160 km2)
A state map highlighting Saint Louis City in the eastern part of the state.
Sainte Genevieve County 186 Ste. Genevieve 1812 One of the five original counties St. Genevieve (c. 420 – c. 510), the patron saint of Paris in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition 18,644 502 sq mi
(1,300 km2)
A state map highlighting Sainte Genevieve County in the southeastern part of the state.
Saline County 195 Marshall 1820 Cooper County Local hot springs 23,007 756 sq mi
(1,958 km2)
A state map highlighting Saline County in the northwestern part of the state.
Schuyler County 197 Lancaster 1843 Adair County Philip Schuyler (1733–1804), a general in the American Revolution and a United States Senator from New York 4,002 308 sq mi
(798 km2)
A state map highlighting Schuyler County in the northern part of the state.
Scotland County 199 Memphis 1841 Clark, Lewis, and Shelby counties Scotland (country) 4,643 438 sq mi
(1,134 km2)
A state map highlighting Scotland County in the northeastern part of the state.
Scott County 201 Benton 1822 New Madrid County John Guier Scott (1819–1892), a U.S. Representative from Missouri 37,840 421 sq mi
(1,090 km2)
A state map highlighting Scott County in the southeastern part of the state.
Shannon County 203 Eminence 1837 Ripley County George Shannon (1785–1836), member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition 7,193 1,004 sq mi
(2,600 km2)
A state map highlighting Shannon County in the southern part of the state.
Shelby County 205 Shelbyville 1835 Marion County Isaac Shelby (1750–1826), the first and fifth Governor of Kentucky 5,982 501 sq mi
(1,298 km2)
A state map highlighting Shelby County in the northeastern part of the state.
Stoddard County 207 Bloomfield 1835 New Madrid County Amos Stoddard (1762–1813), the only commandant of Upper Louisiana for the French Republic and the only commandant for the District of Louisiana for the United States in 1804 during the handover of the Louisiana Purchase 28,377 827 sq mi
(2,142 km2)
A state map highlighting Stoddard County in the southeastern part of the state.
Stone County 209 Galena 1851 Taney County William Stone, first elected judge of Taney County 32,136 463 sq mi
(1,199 km2)
A state map highlighting Stone County in the southwestern part of the state.
Sullivan County 211 Milan 1843 Linn County John Sullivan (1740–1795), American Revolutionary War general 5,840 651 sq mi
(1,686 km2)
A state map highlighting Sullivan County in the northern part of the state.
Taney County 213 Forsyth 1837 Greene County Roger Brooke Taney (1777–1864), eleventh United States Attorney General and fifth Chief Justice of the United States 56,821 632 sq mi
(1,637 km2)
A state map highlighting Taney County in the southwestern part of the state.
Texas County 215 Houston 1843 Shannon and Wright counties Republic of Texas 25,336 1,179 sq mi
(3,054 km2)
A state map highlighting Texas County in the southern part of the state.
Vernon County 217 Nevada 1851 Bates County Miles Vernon, Missouri State Senator – the county was originally defined as having the same boundaries as Bates county, but was later declared unconstitutional and changed 19,651 834 sq mi
(2,160 km2)
A state map highlighting Vernon County in the southwestern part of the state.
Warren County 219 Warrenton 1833 Montgomery County Joseph Warren (1741–1775), Revolutionary War doctor and general 37,260 432 sq mi
(1,119 km2)
A state map highlighting Warren County in the eastern part of the state.
Washington County 221 Potosi 1813 Sainte Genevieve County George Washington (1732–1799), commander of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War and first President of the United States 23,441 760 sq mi
(1,968 km2)
A state map highlighting Washington County in the southeastern part of the state.
Wayne County 223 Greenville 1818 Cape Girardeau and Lawrence counties Anthony Wayne (1745–1796), United States Army general and statesman 10,792 761 sq mi
(1,971 km2)
A state map highlighting Wayne County in the southeastern part of the state.
Webster County 225 Marshfield 1855 Greene County Daniel Webster (1782–1852), U.S. Secretary of State and Senator from Massachusetts 40,335 593 sq mi
(1,536 km2)
A state map highlighting Webster County in the southwestern part of the state.
Worth County 227 Grant City 1861 Gentry County William J. Worth (1794–1849), a United States general during the Mexican–American War 1,955 266 sq mi
(689 km2)
A state map highlighting Worth County in the northwestern part of the state.
Wright County 229 Hartville 1841 Pulaski County Silas Wright (1795–1847), an American Democratic politician and Governor of New York 19,156 682 sq mi
(1,766 km2)
A state map highlighting Wright County in the southern part of the state.

Former county names

Former Missouri counties
County[3] Etymology[3][10] Changed to[3]
Allen County
Unknown
Atchison County in 1845
Ashley County William Henry Ashley (1778–1838), early settler Texas County in 1845 upon organization
Decatur County Stephen Decatur (1779–1820), American naval officer[13] Ozark County in 1845
Highland County
Unknown
Sullivan County in 1845 upon organization
Kinderhook County Kinderhook, New York, birthplace of Martin Van Buren Camden County in 1843
Lillard County James Lillard of Tennessee, who served in the first state legislature of Missouri Lafayette County in 1825
Niangua County Niangua River, a tributary of the Osage River – "niangua" comes from the Native American word nehemgar, which means "a river of numerous springs or sources"[14] Dallas County in 1844 because of the difficulty in pronouncing and spelling Niangua
Seneca County Seneca Nation, a group of Native Americans from New York McDonald County in 1847 upon organization
Van Buren County Martin Van Buren (1782–1862), eighth President of the United States and also Vice President under Andrew Jackson Cass County in 1849 in honor of Van Buren's opponent in the presidential election of 1848

See also

References

  1. ^ "Timeline of Missouri History: 1673–1799". Missouri State Government Web. Retrieved October 10, 2009.
  2. ^ "County Government Links". Missouri State Government Web. Archived from the original on May 23, 2009. Retrieved October 10, 2009.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "What are the Origins of Missouri Counties?". Missouri State Government Web. Retrieved September 17, 2009.
  4. ^ "About St. Louis: Government". City of St. Louis. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2009.
  5. ^ U.S. Census Bureau Archived July 2, 2013, at the Wayback Machine , ("Missouri County Selection Map")
  6. ^ "2020 Population and Housing State Data". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  7. ^ a b "EPA County FIPS Code Listing". US Environmental Protection Agency. Archived from the original on March 21, 2014. Retrieved September 27, 2009.
  8. ^ a b c "NACo – Find a county". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on August 28, 2009. Retrieved September 17, 2009.
  9. ^ Beatty, Michael (2001). County Name Origins of the United States. McFarland Press. ISBN 0-7864-1025-6.
  10. ^ a b Coulet du Gard, René; Coulet Western, Dominique (1981). The Handbook of American Counties, Parishes and Independent Cities. Editions des Deux Mondes. ISBN 0-939586-00-2.
  11. ^ "U.S. Census 2022 population estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  12. ^ Howard Louis Conard (1901). Encyclopedia of the history of Missouri. New York, Louisville [etc.] The Southern history company, Haldeman, Conard & co., proprietors. p. 68.
  13. ^ Stevens, Walter B. (1921). Centennial history of Missouri (The Center State) One Hundred Years in the Union 1820–1921. Chicago: Clarke Pub. Co. p. 72.
  14. ^ Stevens, Walter B. (1921). Centennial history of Missouri (The Center State) One Hundred Years in the Union 1820–1921. Chicago: Clarke Pub. Co. p. 73.

External links