Overview
McDonald County is a county in southwestern Missouri, in the United States. The county seat is Pineville. According to the 2010 census, 23,083 people lived in the county. It is primarily rural, with a landscape and settlement pattern typical of the Ozark region.
Geography and environment
Situated along the Missouri–Arkansas border, the county lies within the Ozark Plateau. The terrain is characterized by rounded hills, narrow valleys and numerous streams. This setting supports mixed hardwood forests, pastureland and creek corridors that are used for recreation, small-scale agriculture and wildlife habitat.
Communities and settlements
The county contains several small towns, unincorporated communities and rural neighborhoods. Centers of population are modest in size and serve as local hubs for services and schools.
- Pineville (county seat)
- Anderson
- Noel
- Goodman and other small communities
History and development
McDonald County was organized in the mid‑19th century during a period of westward settlement. Its economy historically relied on agriculture, timber and local trade. Over time the county has retained a rural character even as nearby metropolitan areas to the west and south have grown.
Economy, recreation and notable facts
Today the local economy combines farming, light manufacturing, retail services and tourism tied to outdoor recreation. Rivers and wooded hills attract fishing, hunting, hiking and other outdoor activities. The county also includes small communities with distinctive local traditions—Noel, for example, is known regionally for holiday mail activities that draw attention each winter.
Further information
For basic demographic and administrative details consult county offices in Pineville or population and housing sources such as the 2010 census. General summaries and maps of the state are available through resources about Missouri and the United States.