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Raytown, MO

Frequently asked questions

Raytown, MO

Raytown is a city in Jackson County, Missouri, United States, and is a suburb of Kansas City. The population was 30,012 in the 2020 census. The current mayor of Raytown is Michael McDonough. It is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The area where Raytown now lies was developed throughout the 19th century and early 20th century as pioneers moved westward along the Three Trails in search of available fertile lands and water. It was added to the state of Missouri for $800 by a treaty signed in 1826. Jackson County, named after President Andrew Jackson, was formed in 1827.

A large section of the county, Township 49, was accidentally not offered for sale when the other townships were, and so was called "The Lost Township". People moved into the township and squatted until the township was surveyed and the land sold in 1843.

The pioneers and travelers moving westward down the Three Trails discovered an area of high, wooded ridges, in the Raytown area, that reminded them of their former homes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The land was named Blue Ridge, with the bordering bodies of water called the Big Blue and the Little Blue Rivers.

The Rice-Tremonti Home, which still stands in Raytown today, was built on the Santa Fe Trail in 1844 by Archibald Rice and his family. William Ray established a blacksmith shop on the Santa Fe Trail in Jackson County in about 1848. The settlement around the blacksmith shop was known first as "Ray's Town" and later as "Raytown" in 1854. (Now Fox's Drugs)

There is now a historical marker in Raytown at the corner of 63rd Street and Raytown Road showing the location of William Ray's shop. In 1860, residents of Jackson County petitioned the county for a better road to connect southern Jackson County with Independence in northern Jackson County. The result was Raytown Road, which led north from High Grove Road, crossed the Little Blue River at the "Rockford" (now inundated by Longview Lake), and joined the Santa Fe Trail at William Ray's blacksmith shop. Many portions of the original Raytown Road still are used today.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.97 square miles (25.82 km2), of which 9.93 square miles (25.72 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) is water.

Raytown places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The city's commitment to promoting health is further exemplified by the presence of medical facilities like Saint Luke's East Hospital and University Health Community Care Raytown, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services. Planet Fitness offers affordable gym memberships and a welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the trails and parks managed by the Raytown Parks and Recreation Department, perfect for jogging or leisurely walks. ROC Fitness Center delivers a community-driven, challenging workout environment. Yoga enthusiasts can find peace and flexibility classes at Moonstone Yoga Studio and Renew Yoga.

Top sites in Raytown, MO are Messner Bee Farm, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Population: 29,097 (2023). ZIP codes: 64129, 64133, 64138. Area code(s): 816. Elevation: 1,014 ft (309 m). Area: 9.97 sq mi (25.83 km2).

FAQs

How did Raytown, MO get its name?

William Ray established a blacksmith shop on the Santa Fe Trail in Jackson County in about 1848. The settlement around the blacksmith shop was known first as "Ray's Town" and later as "Raytown" in 1854. There is now a historical marker in Raytown at the corner of 63rd Street and Raytown Road showing the location of William Ray's shop.

What is the crime rate in Raytown, MO?

With a crime rate of 43 per one thousand residents, Raytown has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 23. Within Missouri, more than 93% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Raytown. Separately, it is always interesting and important to compare a city's crime rate with those of similarly sized communities - a fair comparison as larger cities tend to have more crime. 

Is Raytown, MO a suburb of Kansas City?

Raytown is a suburb of Kansas City with a population of 29,772. Raytown is in Jackson County. Living in Raytown offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Raytown, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Raytown and residents tend to lean liberal.

Sources

City of Raytown

Wikipedia

Raytown Real Estate

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

Messner Bee Farm

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Saint Luke's East Hospital

University Health Community Care Raytown

Planet Fitness

Raytown Parks and Recreation Department

ROC Fitness Center

Moonstone Yoga Studio

Renew Yoga

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.