Shannon County
countyShannon County is located in southern Missouri, nestled in the Ozark Mountains. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,031. The county is characterized by its scenic beauty, featuring rivers, forests, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. It offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle for those seeking a close connection with nature. The economy of Shannon County is historically rooted in logging and mills. Key industries include manufacturing, construction, and retail trade. The county is home to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Mark Twain National Forest, which contribute to the local economy through tourism and recreation. What makes Shannon County distinctive is its natural beauty and rich history. The county boasts four herds of wild horses that roam freely. It was named in honor of George F. "Peg-Leg" Shannon, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The area's history includes early mining operations and the impact of the Great Tri-State Tornado of 1925.
Shannon County, Missouri
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 29-203
- Country
- United States
- County
- Shannon County
- Region
- Ozark Highlands
- Total Area
- 1,004 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1,004 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.2 sq mi
- Latitude
- 37.16
- Longitude
- -91.4
- Climate
- The county experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.
- Notable Features
- Current River · Jacks Fork River · Ozark National Scenic Riverways · Mark Twain National Forest · Alley Spring · Echo Bluff State Park
- Neighboring Areas
- Dent County · Reynolds County · Carter County · Oregon County · Howell County · Texas County
- Population (2020)
- 7,031
- Est. Population (2023)
- 7,137
- Median Age
- 45.5
- Median Income
- $59,000
- Poverty Rate
- 16.7%
- Owner-Occupied
- 83.2%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county is 92.5% White, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0.6% from some other race, and 6.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 2.0% of the population.
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- County Commission
- Body Size
- 3 members
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.9%
- Economic Profile
- Logging · Mills
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Construction · Retail Trade
- School Districts
- Eminence R-I School District · Mountain View-Birch Tree R-III School District · Winona R-III School District
- Transportation
- U.S. Route 60 · Route 19 · Route 99 · Route 106
- Major Facilities
- Shannon County Courthouse in Eminence
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways · Alley Spring & Mill · Echo Bluff State Park · Mark Twain National Forest
- Parks & Trails
- Ozark Trail
- Founded
- 1841
- Named After
- George F. 'Peg-Leg' Shannon, member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
- Historical Significance
- Shannon County's history is intertwined with the natural resources of the Ozarks, from its early mining operations to its role as a recreation destination.
- Key Events
- Organized on January 29, 1841 · Missouri's first copper mine opened in 1846 · Great Tri-State Tornado of March 18, 1925