Today Hickory County boasts nearly 9,000 residents and is moving toward becoming a retirement community. At last report, 26% of county residents were over the age of 65.
The 2,000 U.S. Census reported that the majority of Hickory County residents were married, had a high school diploma, owned their own home and had lived in the same home for 5 or more years. In fact, nearly 62% of county residents were born right here in Missouri. The county is considered rural with a population of 22 people per square mile.
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Hickory County residents claim a colorful ancestry, with families from more than 24 countries around the world, including Germany, Ireland, Sweden and Poland. This combination of ancestry gives Hickory County a unique and diverse heritage. Several communities make up the county. Hermitage is the county seat, laid out in 1846, and is centrally located in the county. Weaubleau was organized in 1880, the site of an early settlement first called Haren. In 1871, the Weaubleau Christian Insititute opened in Weaubleau. Wheatland sits about five miles east 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).
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