Today Hickory County boasts nearly 9,000 residents. The 2000 U.S. Census shows the majority of Hickory County residents are married, have a high school diploma, own their own home and have lived in the same home for 5 or more years. In fact, over half of county residents were born right here in Missouri, and just over a quarter are over age 65. We are rural with a population of 22 people per square mile.

Several communities make up the county. Hermitage is the county seat, and is centrally located in the county. Weaubleau, sixteen miles west of Hermitage, was organized in 1880.  Wheatland sits about five miles west of Hermitage and was formed in 1869. Other towns include Preston (1857), Pittsburg (1840's), Avery (1838), Elkton (1830's), Nemo, Cross Timbers, and Quincy (1848).

There are four public schools in Hickory County.  Weaubleau R-III has around 450 students in Elementary, Middle and High Schools.  Wheatland R-II hosts slightly more than 300 children between its Elementary and High School.  Hermitage R-IV School District serves more than 300 students in its Elementary, Middle and High Schools.  Hickory County R-I is also known as Skyline Elementary and High School. Nearly 800 Hickory county kids attend these two schools located in Urbana.

History of Hickory County

In 1845 Hickory County was organized and named after former U.S. President Andrew Jackson, who was known as "Old Hickory."  Hermitage was laid out in 1846 as the county seat and was named for Andrew Jackson's home in Tennessee.

Hickory County lies within the Osage land cession of 1808. Its early settlers were French trappers, Kickapoo Indians and pioneers from Tennessee and Kentucky.

Hickory County residents claim a colorful ancestry. We have people with family heritage from more than 24 countries around the world, including Germany, Ireland, Sweden and Poland, to name a few. This combination of ancestry gives Hickory County a unique and diverse heritage.