Missouri Counties. List Alphabetically (and by Population)

by countryaah · Published June 28, 2019 · Updated October 27, 2024

How many counties are there in Missouri? As of 2024, there are a total of 114 counties in the state of Missouri. Among them, Cape Girardeau County is the oldest one (established in 1812) while Saint Louis City is the youngest (established in 1876). With population of 1,000,438, Saint Louis County is the most populated. The biggest county by land area is Texas County (3,054 km²) and the smallest is Saint Louis City (160 km²).

Largest Counties in Missouri

1. Texas County

County Seat: Houston

Area: 1,179 square miles
Population: Approximately 24,487
Area Codes: 417
Latitude and Longitude: 37.3170° N, 91.9630° W

Location and History

Texas County, located in the southern central part of Missouri, is the largest county in the state by area. It was established in 1845 and named after the Republic of Texas in solidarity with Texas’ struggle for independence from Mexico. The county has a rich history tied to agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and logging, due to its abundant forests and fertile land. Houston, the county seat, serves as the administrative and economic hub of the county. The county’s rural nature and scenic landscapes, including parts of the Mark Twain National Forest, have made it a quiet yet significant part of Missouri’s history and economy.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Texas County is accessible via major highways such as U.S. Route 63, which runs north-south through the county, connecting it to Rolla and West Plains. Missouri Route 17 and Route 32 are also key routes within the county. Notable landmarks include the Montauk State Park, a popular destination for trout fishing and camping, and the Big Piney River, which offers excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. The county is also home to the Texas County Museum of Art and History in Licking, which preserves and showcases the region’s cultural heritage.

2. Shannon County

County Seat: Eminence

Area: 1,004 square miles
Population: Approximately 8,441
Area Codes: 573
Latitude and Longitude: 37.1794° N, 91.4426° W

Location and History

Shannon County is located in the southeastern part of Missouri, within the Ozark Mountains. The county was established in 1841 and named after George Shannon, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Shannon County is known for its rugged terrain, with a large portion of its area covered by the Mark Twain National Forest. The county’s history is closely tied to its natural resources, with logging and agriculture being the primary industries. Eminence, the county seat, is a small town that serves as a gateway to the many natural attractions in the area.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Shannon County is served by several state highways, including Missouri Route 19, which runs north-south through the county, and Missouri Route 106, which runs east-west. Notable landmarks include the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, a protected area that preserves the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, offering some of the best canoeing and fishing in the Midwest. The county is also home to Alley Spring and Mill, a historic site with a picturesque red mill and spring, and Rocky Falls, a stunning natural waterfall. The vast wilderness areas and numerous caves, such as Round Spring Cavern, make Shannon County a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

3. Howell County

County Seat: West Plains

Area: 928 square miles
Population: Approximately 40,400
Area Codes: 417
Latitude and Longitude: 36.7378° N, 91.8744° W

Location and History

Howell County is located in southern Missouri, bordering Arkansas to the south. The county was established in 1857 and named after Josiah Howell, an early settler. Howell County has a rich history of agriculture, particularly in dairy farming and livestock production, which continues to be a significant part of its economy. West Plains, the county seat, has grown into a regional center for commerce, education, and healthcare, serving the surrounding rural areas. The county’s location in the Ozarks provides it with rolling hills and scenic landscapes, making it an attractive place for both residents and visitors.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Howell County is accessible via major highways such as U.S. Route 63, which runs north-south through the county, connecting it to Rolla and the Arkansas border. Missouri Route 160 runs east-west, providing access to Springfield and Poplar Bluff. Notable landmarks include the West Plains Civic Center, which hosts cultural and sporting events, and the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center, which offers insights into the region’s history and natural beauty. The county is also home to the Mark Twain National Forest, which offers numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and hunting, and the historic Harlin House, one of the oldest structures in West Plains.

4. Callaway County

County Seat: Fulton

Area: 847 square miles
Population: Approximately 45,400
Area Codes: 573
Latitude and Longitude: 38.8397° N, 91.9241° W

Location and History

Callaway County is located in central Missouri, to the north of the Missouri River. The county was established in 1820 and named after Captain James Callaway, a grandson of Daniel Boone who was killed in a skirmish with Native Americans. Callaway County has a rich agricultural history, with farming, particularly corn and soybeans, playing a major role in its economy. Fulton, the county seat, is known for its historic significance and educational institutions, including Westminster College, where Winston Churchill delivered his famous “Iron Curtain” speech in 1946. The county’s location near the state capital, Jefferson City, has influenced its development as a hub of political and cultural activity.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Callaway County is served by major highways such as Interstate 70, which runs east-west through the northern part of the county, and U.S. Route 54, which provides access to Jefferson City and Mexico, Missouri. Notable landmarks include the National Churchill Museum in Fulton, which commemorates Churchill’s visit and contains a section of the Berlin Wall. The county is also home to the Mark Twain National Forest, which offers hiking and camping, and the historic Kingdom City, a small town known for its unique name and role as a stopover for travelers on I-70. The Missouri School for the Deaf, founded in 1851, is another significant institution in the county.

5. Jasper County

County Seat: Carthage

Area: 641 square miles
Population: Approximately 121,328
Area Codes: 417
Latitude and Longitude: 37.2073° N, 94.3400° W

Location and History

Jasper County is located in the southwestern part of Missouri, bordering Kansas. The county was established in 1841 and named after William Jasper, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. Jasper County has a rich history, particularly during the Civil War, when it was the site of the Battle of Carthage in 1861. The county has grown significantly over the years, with Joplin, one of the largest cities in the county, becoming an important center for mining, manufacturing, and commerce. Carthage, the county seat, is known for its historic downtown and beautiful Victorian architecture.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Jasper County is accessible via major highways such as Interstate 44, which runs east-west through the county, connecting it to Springfield and Tulsa, Oklahoma. U.S. Route 71 (now part of Interstate 49) runs north-south through the county, providing access to Kansas City and Fort Smith, Arkansas. Notable landmarks include the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, which attracts visitors with its unique artwork and religious significance. The county is also home to the George Washington Carver National Monument near Diamond, which honors the famous scientist and educator. The historic Route 66 runs through the county, with several attractions and historic sites along the way.

6. Newton County

County Seat: Neosho

Area: 625 square miles
Population: Approximately 58,236
Area Codes: 417
Latitude and Longitude: 36.8701° N, 94.3671° W

Location and History

Newton County is located in southwestern Missouri, adjacent to Jasper County. The county was established in 1838 and named after John Newton, a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. Neosho, the county seat, is known as the “City of Springs” due to its numerous natural springs. The county’s economy has historically been based on agriculture and manufacturing, with a strong tradition of poultry farming and food processing. Neosho is also known for its educational institutions, including Crowder College, which has played a significant role in the region’s development.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Newton County is served by major highways such as Interstate 44, which runs through the northern part of the county, and U.S. Route 60, which runs east-west through Neosho. U.S. Route 71 (now Interstate 49) also runs through the county, providing north-south access. Notable landmarks include the Neosho National Fish Hatchery, the oldest continuously operating federal fish hatchery in the United States, and the Newton County Historical Park and Museum, which preserves the region’s history. The county is also home to Big Spring Park in Neosho, a popular spot for picnicking and outdoor activities, and the historic site of Fort Crowder, a World War II training camp.

7. Camden County

County Seat: Camdenton

Area: 655 square miles
Population: Approximately 46,416
Area Codes: 573
Latitude and Longitude: 38.0370° N, 92.7643° W

Location and History

Camden County is located in central Missouri, within the Lake of the Ozarks region. The county was established in 1841 and named after Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden, an English jurist and politician. Camden County is best known for its proximity to the Lake of the Ozarks, a large man-made reservoir created by the construction of the Bagnell Dam in the 1930s. The lake has transformed the county into a major tourist destination, with boating, fishing, and other recreational activities drawing visitors from across the Midwest. Camdenton, the county seat, serves as a gateway to the lake and the surrounding attractions.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Camden County is accessible via major highways such as U.S. Route 54, which runs through the county and connects it to Jefferson City and the Lake of the Ozarks. Missouri Route 5 is another important route that runs north-south through the county. Notable landmarks include Ha Ha Tonka State Park, known for its dramatic cliffs, caves, and the ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone castle. The county is also home to the Bridal Cave, a popular tourist attraction featuring stunning rock formations, and the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri’s largest state park, which offers camping, hiking, and water sports.

8. Laclede County

County Seat: Lebanon

Area: 768 square miles
Population: Approximately 35,355
Area Codes: 417
Latitude and Longitude: 37.6515° N, 92.6382° W

Location and History

Laclede County is located in central Missouri, along the edge of the Ozarks. The county was established in 1849 and named after Pierre Laclède, the founder of St. Louis. Laclede County has a strong agricultural tradition, with farming, particularly cattle ranching and crop production, playing a significant role in the local economy. Lebanon, the county seat, developed as a key center for commerce and transportation, particularly with the arrival of Route 66, which passed through the town. The county’s location along this historic route has contributed to its cultural and economic development.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Laclede County is served by major highways such as Interstate 44, which runs east-west through the county, connecting it to Springfield and St. Louis. U.S. Route 66, now known as Historic Route 66, also runs through the county, bringing with it a rich history and numerous attractions. Notable landmarks include Bennett Spring State Park, one of Missouri’s oldest and most popular state parks, known for its excellent trout fishing and natural beauty. The county is also home to the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon, which preserves the history of the famous highway, and the historic Gasconade River Bridge, a relic of the early days of American road travel.

9. Phelps County

County Seat: Rolla

Area: 674 square miles
Population: Approximately 45,156
Area Codes: 573
Latitude and Longitude: 37.9514° N, 91.7715° W

Location and History

Phelps County is located in central Missouri, on the edge of the Ozark Mountains. The county was established in 1857 and named after U.S. Congressman John Smith Phelps. Rolla, the county seat, is known as a center for education and technology, largely due to the presence of the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), one of the top engineering schools in the country. The county has a rich history tied to transportation, particularly the railroad and Route 66, which contributed to its growth and development. Phelps County’s location at the crossroads of major highways has made it an important hub for commerce and travel.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Phelps County is accessible via major highways such as Interstate 44, which runs east-west through the county, and U.S. Route 63, which runs north-south through Rolla. Historic Route 66 also passes through the county, bringing with it a legacy of American road culture. Notable landmarks include the Missouri S&T campus, which features historic buildings and a reputation for excellence in engineering and technology. The county is also home to the Mark Twain National Forest, which offers outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and hunting, and the historic Stonehenge replica on the Missouri S&T campus, a unique tribute to the ancient monument.

10. Boone County

County Seat: Columbia

Area: 692 square miles
Population: Approximately 183,610
Area Codes: 573
Latitude and Longitude: 38.9517° N, 92.3341° W

Location and History

Boone County is located in central Missouri and is home to Columbia, the fourth-largest city in the state. The county was established in 1820 and named after the famous American frontiersman Daniel Boone. Boone County has a rich history, with Columbia serving as a center for education and culture since the 19th century. The University of Missouri, the first public university west of the Mississippi River, was established in Columbia in 1839, and it has played a significant role in the county’s development. The county has a diverse economy, with education, healthcare, and technology being major industries.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Boone County is served by major highways such as Interstate 70, which runs east-west through the county, connecting it to St. Louis and Kansas City, and U.S. Route 63, which runs north-south. Notable landmarks include the University of Missouri campus, which features the iconic columns of the Francis Quadrangle and the Mizzou Botanic Garden. The county is also home to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, known for its scenic hiking trails and the Devil’s Icebox cave, and the historic Boone County Courthouse in downtown Columbia. The county’s vibrant cultural scene, including the annual True/False Film Fest and Roots N Blues Festival, attracts visitors from across the state and beyond.

List of All Counties in Missouri Alphabetically

Below please see all Missouri counties which are listed in alphabetical order.

Missouri Counties. List Alphabetically (and by Population)

Largest Counties in Missouri

1. Texas County

County Seat: Houston

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

2. Shannon County

County Seat: Eminence

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

3. Howell County

County Seat: West Plains

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

4. Callaway County

County Seat: Fulton

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

5. Jasper County

County Seat: Carthage

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

6. Newton County

County Seat: Neosho

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

7. Camden County

County Seat: Camdenton

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

8. Laclede County

County Seat: Lebanon

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

9. Phelps County

County Seat: Rolla

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

10. Boone County

County Seat: Columbia

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

List of All Counties in Missouri Alphabetically

Map of Missouri Counties

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