Pemiscot County Champion Community

Lead Entity: Pemiscot County

Demographics
 

State:  Missouri

Counties: Pemiscot
Community Population: 21,921
Poverty Rate:   28.4% citizens living below poverty rate

Net Land Area:   493 square miles
 

Background: 

• Unemployment rate:  approximately 9.5%

• Median Household Income:  $13,911

• Per Capita Income:   $7,709

Community Overview:

Pemiscot County is located in the Delta Low line along the Mississippi in southeast Missouri.  It is ranked one of the highest in poverty, crime among teenagers, single parent homes and a low high school graduation rate.  The unemployment rate is high due to the lack of industry and economic development.  Pemiscot County does not have much recreational activities causing citizens to leave the area for recreational activities, therefore, taking the tax dollars away from Pemiscot County.

Strategic Plan Highlights:  

With the implementation of its strategic plan, Pemiscot County seeks to achieve a balance in economic and community development. The community plans to:

·        Increase business and industry development;

·        Improve sewer and water systems for small rural towns;

·        Improve the workforce through training and provide services to welfare recipients to prepare them to move from welfare to work;

·        Expand public health and community health care;

·        Improve the conditions of youth and families; and,

·        Improve housing conditions.

Partnerships include:

• County Commission

• Pemiscot County Initiative Network

• Bootheel Regional Planning Commission

• County Port Authority

• Pemiscot Memorial Health Systems

• Missouri Division of Family Services

• County Health Center, University of Missouri Extension

• Rural Development, Department of Economic Development

• Family Counseling Center, Inc.

• Missouri Employment Office

Leveraging:

Funds have been received from Department of Education, Department of Social Services, Missouri Service Commission, Workforce Investment Board, Community Development Corporation, Children’s Trust Fund, Rural Development, Department of Economic Development.

Community Involvement:

Public Officials, community volunteers and local professionals meet regularly to further the improvement and development of industry and economic development.  The educational agencies meet to discuss improvements needed in the school system and youth services.  The local radio and television stations along with the newspaper keep the community informed and involved.

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