Randolph County is a rural community situated in Central Missouri directly above the Interstate 70 corridor with the densest population residing in and around the Moberly community. According to the US Census Bureau, there are approximately 51 individuals per square mile, while the State’s average is greater at 81 individuals per square mile. Randolph County's ethnicity is largely Caucasian (91%) with seven percent of the population African American and the remaining two percent being Hispanic or Asian.
| Randolph | Missouri | |
| White | 90.6% | 84.9% |
| Black / African American | 7.0% | 11.3% |
| American Indian / Alaska Native | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.4% | 1.1% |
| Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander | 0.0% | 0.1% |
| Other Race | 0.2% | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 1.3% | 1.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1.1% | 2.1% |
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the total population of Randolph County was 24,663 persons. Youth age 17 and younger make up 23.8% of this total, as compared to the Missouri average of 25.5%. Randolph County also has a higher percentage of the population age 65 and over when compared to Missouri, with 14.8% of the county's population in this age range compared to Missouri at 13.5%. The overall age distribution has remained relatively unchanged since the 1990 census, with shifts occurring consistent with the aging of the population.
Special Populations
The eastern border of Randolph County is host to a large Amish community which overlaps into Audrain and Monroe counties. This Amish community does not use electricity and is largely self-contained with minimal outside contact. A Mennonite community is situated in the rural Huntsville area. Both communities have schools that do not extend past the eighth grade.
Age Distribution Comparison
It appears that a number of young people are moving from the area or commuting to other areas where work pays better. This may indicate why there are slightly fewer 15-44 year olds in the county than the state average.
Unemployment Rate Comparison
Although Randolph County has fewer than the Missouri average for all racial, ethnic, immigrant and refugee populations, it is higher than Missouri's average for low income individuals. In Randolph County, 17% of all residents live in poverty; however, Missouri's statewide average was only 12% residents in poverty (U.S. Census Bureau 2000). This data is supported by the county's median household income of only $31,000 as compared to the State at $38,000 and the Nation at $42,000. The poverty rate can be further supported by the fact that the owner-occupied housing units valued at a median of $49,300 in Randolph versus $89,900 state median value.
Single Parent Households
The 2000 U.S. Census reported 26.3 percent of households in Randolph County are single-parent homes, as compared to Missouri at 24.3 percent.
Eligibility for Free & Reduced Lunch Program
Children Qualifying for Free and Reduced Lunch Program
Data from 2001-2005 indicate an overall increase in the percent of students eligible, with the largest increases in the Renick and Higbee districts.
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