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Sedalia, MO

Frequently asked questions

Sedalia, MO

Sedalia is a city located approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of the Missouri River and, as the county seat of Pettis County, Missouri, United States, it is the principal city of the Sedalia Micropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 21,387. Sedalia is also the location of the Missouri State Fair and the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival. U.S. Routes 50 and 65 intersect in the city.

Indigenous peoples lived along the Missouri River and its tributaries for thousands of years before European contact. Historians believe the entire area around Sedalia was long occupied by the Osage (among historical American Indian tribes). When the land was first settled by European Americans, bands of Shawnee, who had migrated from east of the Mississippi River, lived in the vicinity of Sedalia.

Until the city was incorporated in 1860 as Sedalia, it had existed only "on paper" from November 30, 1857, to October 16, 1860. According to local lore, the town council changed the name from Sedville to Sedalia in part because "towns that end in -ville don't amount to anything." (Lawrence Ditton Sr.).

The area that became the European-American city of Sedalia was founded by General George Rappeen Smith (1804–1879), who also founded nearby Smithton, Missouri. He filed plans for the official record on November 30, 1857, and gave the area the name Sedville. The original plat included the land from today's Missouri Pacific Railroad south to Third Street.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.32 square miles (34.50 km2), of which 13.29 square miles (34.42 km2) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.08 km2) is water.

Health and wellness are paramount in Sedalia, with numerous facilities and programs dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle. The Bothwell Regional Health Center stands as a pillar of the community, providing comprehensive healthcare services to residents. For fitness enthusiasts, the Sedalia Parks and Recreation Department provides various recreational programs and activities to keep the community active and engaged. State Fair Community College offers fitness classes and wellness programs that cater to all age groups. For a holistic approach, the Yoga with Sedalia and Yogasita provide a serene environment for yoga and meditation practices. Outdoor lovers can enjoy the beautiful trails and parks such as Liberty Park, perfect for walking, jogging, and nature walks. The Missouri State Fairgrounds often hosts health and wellness events, including fun runs and health expos. Westlake Aquatic Center offers swimming lessons and water aerobics for all ages.

Top sites in Sedalia, MO are Daum Museum of Contemporary Art, Katy Depot, Missouri State Fairgrounds, and Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site.

Population: 22,086 (2023). ZIP codes: 65301-65302. Area code(s): 660. Elevation: 899 ft (274 m). Area: 14.32 sq mi (37.09 km2).

FAQs

What is Sedalia, MO famous for?

Since 1899, Sedalia has been home to the Missouri State Fair which brings nearly 400,000 visitors every August. The State Fairground site occupies nearly 400 acres, making it the third-largest fairground in the United States. This multi-purpose treasure offers facilities for camping and is adaptable for a large range of activities. It currently hosts dozens of community events and is available for rent year-round. Sedalia also hosts the annual Scott Joplin Festival which celebrates one of the best-known composers of the ragtime era. The festival is held each year in early June. 

Is Sedalia, Missouri a good place to live?

Sedalia is in Pettis County. Living in Sedalia offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Sedalia, there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Sedalia and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Sedalia are above average.

What is the crime rate in Sedalia, Missouri?

With a crime rate of 33 per one thousand residents, Sedalia 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 30. Within Missouri, more than 89% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Sedalia.

Sources

City of Sedalia

Wikipedia

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

Daum Museum of Contemporary Art

Katy Depot

Missouri State Fairgrounds

Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site

Bothwell Regional Health Center

Sedalia Parks and Recreation Department

State Fair Community College

Yoga with Sedalia

Yogasita

Liberty Park

Westlake Aquatic Center

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.