West Plains, Missouri facts for kids

Quick facts for kids West Plains, Missouri
City
Flag
Motto(s):  Make It Happen Here
Location within Howell County and Missouri
West Plains, Missouri Location in Missouri Show map of Missouri West Plains, Missouri Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	Missouri
County	Howell
First settled	1838
Incorporated (city)	1883
Founded by	Josiah Howell
Named for	Location on a prairie west of the nearest town
Government
• Type	Mayor–council
Area
• Total	13.33 sq mi (34.51 km2)
• Land	13.30 sq mi (34.46 km2)
• Water	0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2)  0.15%
• μSA	928.33 sq mi (2,404.4 km2)
Elevation	994 ft (303 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	12,184
• Density	915.81/sq mi (353.59/km2)
Time zone	UTC−6 (Central Standard Time)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−5 (Central Daylight Time)
ZIP code	65775
Area code	417
FIPS code	29-78928
GNIS ID	2397273

West Plains is a city in Howell County, Missouri, United States. It is also the county seat, which means it is the main town where the county government is located. In 2020, about 12,184 people lived here.

History of West Plains

The story of West Plains began in 1832. A settler named Josiah Howell started the first community in an area called Howell Valley. The city got its name "West Plains" because it was a settlement on a flat, open area (a prairie) located west of the nearest town, Thomasville.

Several buildings and areas in West Plains are very old and important. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect places that have special meaning in history.

West Plains and the Civil War

During the American Civil War, West Plains was close to the border between the North (Union) and the South (Confederacy). This made the area a place of constant fighting. The city was almost completely burned down. Howell County was also badly damaged. There were no huge battles, but many small fights happened.

Many people in Howell County had to leave their homes. Over 90% of the population fled by the end of the war. Some people chose to fight for the Confederacy. They were promised protection for their homes and families.

The Great Depression Era

Like many places, West Plains was affected by the Great Depression in the 1930s. This was a time when many people lost their jobs and money. The first bank in West Plains failed around 1926. Back then, there was no insurance like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to protect people's money. This meant some people lost all their savings.

After the Depression Years

On April 2, 1982, a very strong tornado hit West Plains. It was an F4 tornado, which is a powerful storm. The tornado caused a lot of damage to homes and businesses. Sadly, three people died, and at least 28 were hurt. It hit areas near the airport and along U.S. Route 63.

The downtown area of West Plains, especially Court Square, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. This helped the city get money to fix up and improve many old buildings downtown.

Geography and Climate

West Plains is located at 36°44′14″N 91°51′54″W / 36.73722°N 91.86500°W / 36.73722; -91.86500. The city covers about 13.33 square miles (34.51 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with only a small part being water.

Local Climate

West Plains has four clear seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. It has a humid subtropical climate. This means it can get very humid, especially in late summer.

• In January, the average temperature is around 33°F (0°C).
• In July, the average temperature is about 77°F (25°C).
• The temperature goes above 90°F (32°C) about 41 days a year.
• It rarely gets above 100°F (38°C).
• There are about 13 days a year when the temperature stays below freezing.
• It gets below 0°F (-18°C) about two nights a year.

Population of West Plains

The West Plains area is considered a Micropolitan Statistical Area. This means it is a city with a population of at least 10,000 people. It also has strong ties to the surrounding county.

2020 Census Information

In 2020, the 2020 United States census counted 12,184 people living in West Plains. There were 4,811 households and 2,577 families.

• About 25% of households had children under 18.
• About 36% were married couples.
• About 41% of households were single people living alone.
• The average household size was 2.5 people.
• The average family size was 3.4 people.

The median age in the city was 34.2 years. About 25% of the people were under 18. About 18% were 65 or older.

Education in West Plains

West Plains offers different schooling options for kids and teens.

Public Schools

The West Plains R-7 School District provides public education. It serves over 2,000 students.

• West Plains Elementary School (PreK-4th grade)
• West Plains Middle School (5th-8th grade)
• West Plains High School (9th-12th grade)
• South Fork Elementary School (PreK-6th grade)

Some students in the areas around West Plains go to smaller rural schools. After 8th grade, these students usually join West Plains High School.

• Fairview Elementary School (K-8th grade)
• Glenwood Elementary School (K-8th grade)
• Howell Valley Elementary School (K-8th grade)
• Junction Hill Elementary School (K-8th grade)
• Richards Elementary School (K-8th grade)

Private Schools

There are also private schools in the West Plains area. These are often run by religious groups.

• Crossroads Christian Academy
• Ozarks Christian Academy

Higher Education

West Plains has one college: Missouri State University–West Plains. It is a community college located in the center of town. The school offers different study programs. Its main program is the Associate of Arts degree. About 1,800 students attend this college.

Public Library

West Plains has a public library. It is called the West Plains Public Library. Here, people can borrow books and other materials.

Transportation Around West Plains

West Plains has several roads and other ways to get around.

• U.S. Route 63: This major road runs along the western and southern sides of the city. It is a four-lane highway in some parts.
• Business Route 63: This route includes streets like Porter Wagoner Boulevard and Main Street.
• U.S. Route 160: This road used to go through the city. Now, it goes around the city, sharing its path with U.S. Route 63 for a bit. Part of this road is named Preacher Roe Boulevard, after a famous baseball player from West Plains.

Other state routes and county roads also serve West Plains. Many traffic lights in the city have been updated to help drivers turn left more easily.

A railroad line built in 1882 also passes through West Plains. It is part of the BNSF Railway system.

City Transit

The West Plains Transit System helps people get around town. It has three buses that run from Monday to Friday.

Airport Access

West Plains is served by the West Plains Regional Airport. This airport is located about 10 miles north of the city in Pomona.

Parks and Recreation

West Plains has several parks where people can relax and play.

• Carmichal Field: This park is used for Mighty Mites Football.
• Butler Children's Park: A park designed for children.
• People's Park: This park is home to the City Pool.
• Soccer Fields: These fields are used by the West Plains Soccer Association.
• Galloway Park
• Gene Jones Park: This park has Tuk's Playground, a dog park named after a police dog.

Media Outlets

West Plains has several ways for people to get news and entertainment. The city receives most TV stations from Springfield. It also has one local low-power TV station and eight radio stations. There is also a daily newspaper.

Newspaper

• West Plains Daily Quill: This newspaper started in 1885. It was first called the West Plains Weekly Quill.

Radio Stations

Several radio stations serve West Plains. The Ozark Radio Network covers many counties in Missouri and Arkansas.

• KSPQ-93.9 FM (Q94, Jack FM): Plays Classic Rock music.
• KKDY-102.5 FM (KDY): Plays New Country music.
• KUPH-96.9 FM (The Fox): Plays Urban and Adult Contemporary music.
• KUKU-FM-100.3 FM (Cool Classic County): Plays Classic Country music.
• KWPM-1450 AM/105.1 FM (News Radio): Broadcasts News Talk Radio.

Other stations in West Plains include:

• KSMW-90.3 FM: Repeats programs from KSMU, which broadcasts NPR (National Public Radio).
• KHOM-100.9 FM (The Train): Plays Oldies music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
• KBMV-107.1 FM (K-LOVE): Plays Contemporary Christian music.

Television

• K36NN-D: This station broadcasts Christian programming 24 hours a day.

Notable People from West Plains

Many interesting people have connections to West Plains:

• Egbert Brown (1816–1902): A Union general during the American Civil War.
• Jan Howard (1929–2020): A famous country and western singer.
• Gilbert Ray (Speck) Rhodes (1915–2000): A country music comedian.
• Elwin Charles (Preacher) Roe (1916–2008): A major league baseball pitcher for teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and Brooklyn Dodgers.
• Stephen Thompson (1894–1977): Known for the first aerial victory by the U.S. military.
• Dick Van Dyke (born 1925): A well-known actor, born in West Plains.
• Bill Virdon (1931–2021): A Major League Baseball player and manager who graduated from West Plains High School.
• Porter Wagoner (1927–2007): A famous country and western singer.
• Daniel Woodrell (born 1953): A novelist known for his crime fiction books.
• Ha Ha Tonka: An indie rock band. Three members grew up in West Plains.

See also

In Spanish: West Plains (Misuri) para niños