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Greene County, Missouri

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Greene County, Missouri
CountyGreene County
StateMissouri
Founded year1833
Founded dateJanuary 2
SeatSpringfield
Largest citySpringfield
Area total sq mi678
Area land sq mi675
Area water sq mi2.6
Population as of2020
Population total298,915
Population density sq miauto
Time zoneCentral
Named forNathanael Greene
Ex image capThe Greene County Courthouse in Springfield

Greene County, Missouri is a county located in the southwestern portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 United States census, its population was 298,915, making it the fourth-most populous county in the state. The county seat and largest city is Springfield, which serves as a major regional hub for commerce, healthcare, and education in the Ozarks. The county was organized on January 2, 1833, and named for Nathanael Greene, a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Osage people before European-American settlement accelerated following the Louisiana Purchase. Early pioneers included John Polk Campbell, who is credited with founding Springfield. During the American Civil War, the county was deeply divided, with the Battle of Wilson's Creek—a significant early conflict—fought just southwest of the county line in 1861. The war's aftermath saw periods of lawlessness, including activity by the outlaw Jesse James. In the 20th century, the establishment of Missouri State University and the growth of Bass Pro Shops headquartered in Springfield marked its development into a modern urban center. The county also became a focal point during the 1983 Springfield (Missouri) neonazi shootings.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 678 square miles, of which 675 square miles is land and 2.6 square miles is water. The terrain is characterized by the rolling hills and karst topography of the Ozarks, with major waterways including the James River and Pearson Creek. It is bordered by Polk County to the west, Webster County to the east, and Christian County to the south. Portions of the Mark Twain National Forest lie within its boundaries, and the county contains several parks such as Sequiota Park and the Springfield Conservation Nature Center.

Demographics

At the 2020 United States census, there were 298,915 people residing in the county. The racial makeup was approximately 85.5% White, 4.0% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 4.8% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The population density was about 443 people per square mile. Major institutions influencing demographics include Missouri State University, CoxHealth, and Mercy Hospital Springfield. The county has been part of the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area since its designation by the Office of Management and Budget.

Government and politics

Greene County operates under a charter county form of government, led by a county commission and a county administrator. The Greene County Courthouse in Springfield houses most administrative functions. Politically, the county has historically been a Republican stronghold in presidential elections, favoring candidates like Donald Trump in 2020 and supporting figures such as former Attorney General John Ashcroft. It is represented in the Missouri House of Representatives by members including Crystal Quade and in the U.S. House by Eric Burlison.

Economy

The economy is diverse, with major sectors including healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing. CoxHealth and Mercy Hospital Springfield are among the largest employers. Springfield is the headquarters for Bass Pro Shops and the related White River Marine Group. Other significant employers include Missouri State University, Kraft Heinz, and T-Mobile. The county is a retail and service hub for the surrounding Ozarks region, with major commercial centers along Glenstone Avenue and Battlefield Road. Springfield-Branson National Airport provides regional air service.

Education

Primary and secondary education is provided by several public school districts, including Springfield Public Schools, the largest in the state, as well as Republic School District and Willard R-II School District. Higher education is anchored by Missouri State University, a public university with its main campus in Springfield. Other institutions include Drury University, Evangel University, and Ozarks Technical Community College. The county is also home to the Springfield Catholic Schools system and the Library Center of the Springfield-Greene County Library District.

Communities

*Cities: Springfield (county seat), Republic, Battlefield, Willard, Fair Grove, Walnut Grove *Villages: Ash Grove, Strafford *Unincorporated communities: Brookline, Turners *Census-designated places: None *Townships: The county is divided into 22 townships, including Boon Township, Brookline Township, and Springfield Township.

Category:Greene County, Missouri Category:1833 establishments in Missouri Category:Counties of the Ozarks