Founded: 1830 (incorporated 1838)
Head Official: City Manager Tom Finnie (since 1990)
City Population
1980: 133,116
1990: 140,494
2000: 151,580
Percent change, 1990–2000: 7.4%
U.S. rank in 1980: 118th
U.S. rank in 1990: 126th
U.S. rank in 2000: 151st
Metropolitan Area Population
1980: 207,704
1990: 264,346
2000: 325,721
Percent change, 1990–2000: 23%
U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported
U.S. rank in 2000: 122nd
Area: 73.16 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 1,268 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 56.2° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 41 inches of rain; 15 inches of snow
Major Economic Sectors: Services, wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, government
Unemployment Rate: 5.1% (February 2005)
Per Capita Income: $17,711 (1999)
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 12,066
Major Colleges and Universities: Southwest Missouri State University, Drury University
Daily Newspaper: The News-Leader