Boone County, Missouri

Boone County, Missouri
County	Boone County
State	Missouri
Founded year	1820
Founded date	November 16
Seat	Columbia
Largest city	Columbia
Area total sq mi	691
Area land sq mi	685
Area water sq mi	5.6
Population as of	2020
Population total	183,610
Population density sq mi	268
Time zone	Central
Named for	Daniel Boone
District	3rd
Website	www.showmeboone.com

Boone County, Missouri. Located in the central part of the state, it is a major cultural, educational, and economic hub anchored by the city of Columbia. The county was organized in 1820 and named for the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone. It is home to the flagship campus of the University of Missouri and serves as a regional center for healthcare, commerce, and government.

History

The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Missouria and Osage. Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, American settlers began arriving, with the Smithton settlement established in 1818. The Missouri General Assembly officially created the county in 1820, shortly before Missouri achieved statehood. The county seat was moved to the newly platted Columbia in 1821, which grew rapidly due to its central location. The arrival of the University of Missouri in 1839, the first public university west of the Mississippi River, fundamentally shaped the county's identity. During the American Civil War, the area was deeply divided, with significant guerrilla activity from pro-Confederate bushwhackers and Unionist jayhawkers, culminating in events like the 1864 Battle of Centralia. The 20th century saw growth driven by higher education, the establishment of Truman Veterans' Hospital, and the expansion of U.S. Route 63.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 691 square miles, with Perche Creek and the Missouri River forming parts of its western and southern boundaries. The terrain features rolling hills, forested areas, and fertile river valleys, with the northern region part of the Glacial till plains. Major waterways include the Missouri River, Perche Creek, and Hinkson Creek. The county contains several conservation areas managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation, such as the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area. It is bordered by Audrain County to the north, Callaway County to the east, Cole County and Moniteau County to the south, and Cooper County and Howard County to the west.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 183,610, making it the seventh-most populous county in Missouri. The racial makeup was approximately 78.5% White, 9.1% Black or African American, 6.1% Asian, and 4.5% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The significant Asian population is largely tied to the University of Missouri and its international students. The median household income consistently exceeds state averages, driven by the presence of the university, Boeing, and University of Missouri Health Care. The largest city, Columbia, is home to over 70% of the county's residents, with other incorporated towns including Ashland, Centralia, and Hallsville.

Government

Boone County operates under a constitutionally mandated county commission form of government, with three elected commissioners presiding over the Northern District, Central District, and Southern District. Other elected officials include the County assessor, County collector, County prosecutor, and County sheriff. The county seat is the Boone County Courthouse in downtown Columbia. At the federal level, the county is part of Missouri's 3rd congressional district, represented in the 118th United States Congress. The county government oversees services such as the Boone County Sheriff's Department, public health through the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department, and the Daniel Boone Regional Library system.

Economy

The economy is dominated by education, healthcare, and technology. The University of Missouri is the county's largest employer, alongside its affiliated University of Missouri Health Care system. Major private employers include Boeing, 3M, and Carfax. Columbia Regional Airport supports business travel and logistics. The Columbia Mall and the The District downtown are key retail centers. Agriculture remains important in the rural areas, with significant production of soybeans, corn, and beef cattle. The presence of research parks like the University of Missouri Research Park and the Missouri Innovation Center fosters growth in biotechnology and information technology sectors.

Education

Public K-12 education is provided by several districts, including Columbia Public Schools, Southern Boone County R-I School District, and Centralia R-VI School District. The county is renowned for higher education, anchored by the University of Missouri (Mizzou), which includes schools like the University of Missouri School of Law and the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Other institutions include Columbia College, Stephens College, and Moberly Area Community College's Columbia campus. The Columbia Area Career Center provides vocational training. The county is also home to the University of Missouri Press and the State Historical Society of Missouri.

Transportation

Major highways include Interstate 70, which runs east-west, and U.S. Route 63, a major north-south corridor. Other significant routes are Route 163 and Route 740. Public transit is provided by the City of Columbia's Go COMO bus system. Columbia Regional Airport offers commercial service to destinations like Chicago and Dallas. Freight rail service is operated by the Norfolk Southern Railway. The county also features an extensive network of trails, including the MKT Trail and parts of the Katy Trail State Park, which is built on the former Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad right-of-way.

Category:Boone County, Missouri Category:1820 establishments in Missouri Category:Missouri counties