Clinton, Missouri


Clinton is a city in Henry County, Missouri, United States. The population was 9,008 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Henry County.

History

Clinton was laid out in 1836. The city was named for New York Governor DeWitt Clinton, a key promoter of the Erie Canal. A post office called Clinton has been in operation since 1850.
On June 26, 2006, a building in the historic town square collapsed while an Elks Lodge meeting was taking place on the second and third floors. The leader, Tony Komer, who was on the third floor of the building preparing a speech, was the only fatality. Nine people were pulled from the rubble, while the rest left on their own power. In the "Olde Glory Days" parade, which occurred less than one week after the accident, Komer was memorialized and Elk's Lodge members from many parts of Western Missouri marched to show their support for the Clinton Lodge.
The Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association Building, Clinton Square Historic District, William F. and Julia Crome House, Judge Jerubial Gideon Dorman House, Gustave C. Haysler House, and C.C. Williams House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

Clinton is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of, of which is land and is water.
The downtown square serves as a center for community commerce and public affairs It features a central courthouse and numerous shops, stores, and eating facilities. More than one dozen churches are found in the community, a few of which antedate 1900. Several important state highways intersect at Clinton, including Routes 13 & 7, making Clinton a popular stop on the Springfield-Kansas City Route. and a cluster of "big-box" stores, as well as several "national-chain" motels, are located in that area. Smaller motels are found on the outskirts of town on all sides. The several residential neighborhoods range from directly adjacent to the town square to lying a mile or more away. In terms of wealth, the neighborhoods go from solidly lower income, to middle-class ranch-house areas to a small, affluent borough, where larger lawns and brick-and-Tudor homes predominate.

Demographics

2010 census

At the 2010 census there were 9,008 people, 3,935 households, and 2,371 families living in the city. The population density was. There were 4,454 housing units at an average density of. The racial makup of the city was 95.1% White, 1.9% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0%.
Of the 3,935 households 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.2% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.7% were non-families. 34.5% of households were one person and 16.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.82.
The median age was 40.6 years. 22.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.4% were from 25 to 44; 25.1% were from 45 to 64; and 20.5% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.9% male and 53.1% female.

2000 census

At the 2000 census there were 9,311 people, 3,978 households, and 2,502 families living in the city. The population density was 1,007.6 people per square mile. There were 4,342 housing units at an average density of 469.9 per square mile. The racial makup of the city was 95.49% White, 1.77% African American, 0.92% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.50% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.03%.
Of the 3,978 households 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.0% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.1% were non-families. 33.1% of households were one person and 16.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.84.
The age distribution was 23.4% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 20.9% 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.7 males.
The median household income was $28,079 and the median family income was $32,378. Males had a median income of $26,834 versus $19,096 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,282. About 11.9% of families and 15.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.0% of those under age 18 and 13.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education

operates five schools, including Clinton Sr. High School.
Clinton has a public library, a branch of the Henry County Library.

Arts and culture

On September 12, 2007, the Tour of Missouri bicycle race began stage 2 from Clinton. The initial take off began from the historic downtown square, and ended in Springfield.
Clinton lies at the western terminus of the Katy Trail, a 225-mile long state park used by cyclists, runners and horseback riders. The rail trail is built on the path of the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, which was abandoned between Clinton and Sedalia in 1989. The former Katy railroad from Clinton south to Nevada is still operated by the Missouri and Northern Arkansas Railroad. The city is also situated near Truman Lake, which is widely known for its excellent boating, fishing, camping, and other related activities. Clinton is also home to two of the area's 18-hole golf courses.

Notable people