Purdy, Missouri

History

Purdy was platted in 1880. The city was named for George A. Purdy, a railroad promoter. A post office called Purdy has been in operation since 1880.

Geography

Purdy is located at 36°49′7″N 93°55′15″W (36.818520, -93.920888).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.65 square miles (1.68 km²), all land.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 1,098 people, 399 households, and 271 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,689.2 inhabitants per square mile (652.2/km²). There were 452 housing units at an average density of 695.4 per square mile (268.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 81.9% White, 1.3% Native American, 1.5% Asian, 11.8% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 26.0% of the population.

There were 399 households of which 40.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.1% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.40.

The median age in the city was 34.1 years. 31.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.9% were from 25 to 44; 23% were from 45 to 64; and 12.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,103 people, 432 households, and 288 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,697.4 people per square mile (655.2/km²). There were 480 housing units at an average density of 738.7 per square mile (285.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 81.50% White, 0.09% African American, 0.73% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 14.69% from other races, and 2.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18.04% of the population.

There were 432 households out of which 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% were non-families. 30.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the city the population was spread out with 29.7% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 18.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 89.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $24,318, and the median income for a family was $28,636. Males had a median income of $21,731 versus $16,806 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,662. About 14.6% of families and 20.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.8% of those under age 18 and 24.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education

The Horner Institute, a private school offering courses from the eighth grade through high school that had previously been located in Rocky Comfort, Missouri; Fairview, Missouri; and Stella, Missouri, moved to Purdy in 1912 and operated out of the town until 1913 when it disestablished.

School dance controversy

Dancing is not allowed in the Purdy school without permission from the school board. The authority of the school board was upheld by the Supreme Court when it refused to hear a challenge by a group of students and parents.