Stotts City is a city in Lawrence County, Missouri, United States. As of the 2020 census, Stotts City had a population of 167. It was estimated to be 217 by the City of Stotts City as of July 1, 2019.
Geography
Stotts City is located at (37.102983, -93.946662).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.
Demographics
2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 220 people, 84 households, and 53 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 108 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 93.2% White, 0.9% African American, 0.5% Native American, 3.2% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.9% of the population.
There were 84 households, of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.2% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.9% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.09.
The median age in the city was 42 years. 20.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.3% were from 25 to 44; 27.8% were from 45 to 64; and 17.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
2000 census
As of the census published from 1901 until the end of 1907. The population of Stotts City peaked at 902 in 1900. By 1910, the population dropped to 548.
Soon after the end of World War I, the demand for lead ore from the Lawrence County Land & Mining Company subsided, as groundwater issues made it increasing difficult and expensive to mine. With a depressed agricultural industry in the 1920s, the 1929 stock market crash and Great Depression, Stotts City suffered a further reduction in population, a loss of retail businesses and closure of its one remaining bank. By December 1942, the mines and the Stotts City Mining Company were closed.
The construction of U.S. Route 66 north of Stotts City and later, Interstate 44 south of town, provided an opportunity for increased commerce. Establishments such as "Hattie's Hamburger Heaven" became regional favorites.
In the 1930s and 1940s, the Farmers Exchange Co-op provided feed grain and seed for most of western Lawrence County. Until the mid-1970s, Stotts City bore a remarkable resemblance to the classic movie 'western town', with its wide main street and rows of buildings with false fronts. The old bandstand, at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Center streets, still stands; a relic of the late 19th century, as does the old native-stone schoolhouse and First Baptist Church, both built in 1898. Several descendants of the earliest residents of Stotts City still live in the area.
Industry
Stotts City is surrounded by cattle and dairy farms, and the area is known for world-class thoroughbred horses. In 1981, Jim and Sallie Stearns established the Stearnsy Bears, with manufacturing in Stotts City. These heirloom-quality teddy bears have been featured on Hallmark and American Greetings cards, and are shipped worldwide.
Notable people
Capt. Greene Casey Stotts USA, 1821-1876—American military officer and Missouri state legislator
PFC Charles Denver Barger, USA, 1892-1936—American soldier and hero of World War I, Medal of Honor recipient
Rev. Dr. H. Dale Jackson, 1930-2003—Baptist minister, denominational leader and ethicist