Cedar County is a county in Missouri, in the central United States. The county seat is Stockton, a small town that serves as the region's civic and commercial center. According to the 2010 count, the county's population was 13,982 (2010), reflecting a mostly rural character with low population density.

Overview and character

Cedar County occupies a largely rural landscape of rolling hills, pasture, and cropland. Agriculture, small manufacturing, and service businesses form the economic base. Outdoor recreation is important locally, bolstered by nearby reservoirs and forested areas that attract fishing, boating and hunting visitors from the region.

History and name

The county was organized in the nineteenth century and takes its name from local cedar trees and cedar-lined streams that early settlers encountered. Small towns and farmsteads grew up around crossroads, mills and later rail or road links, shaping the county's pattern of dispersed settlements.

Geography and recreation

Water features and wooded valleys are notable parts of the local landscape. Stockton Lake and other reservoirs nearby are focal points for tourism and leisure activities, supporting regional businesses and seasonal visitors. Natural areas provide habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor pursuits.

Government, communities and services

The county government is based in Stockton, where most administrative offices and the courthouse are located. Residents live in the county seat and in smaller towns, villages and unincorporated neighborhoods. Local schools, health services and volunteer organizations serve a widely dispersed population.

Notable facts

  • Cedar County has a predominantly rural economy with agriculture as a key sector.
  • Recreation around nearby lakes contributes to the local economy and quality of life.
  • The county's small population results in close-knit communities and local civic traditions.

For maps, current demographic data and local resources, consult county offices or the state resources that cover counties in the United States.