Tarkio, Missouri

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Tarkio is a small town in Atchison County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,935 at the 2000 census. It was founded in 1880. The name "Tarkio" is from a Native American word meaning "The Little Walnut". Historically, the economy of the city was based on agriculture and its status as a college town.

1 History
2 Education
3 Notable Residents
4 Geography
5 Demographics
6 External links

[edit] History

Tarkio was founded in 1880, and grew rapidly. The Tarkio Avalanche newspaper was founded in 1884. By 1900, the U.S. Census shows 2,845 persons living in Tarkio. According to the 1910, 1920, and 1930 census, the number of residents held fairly steady for the next 30 years.

[edit] Education

Tarkio was home to Tarkio College, a private Presbyterian college founded in 1883. The college closed in 1992.

[edit] Notable Residents

One of Tarkio College's alumni was scientist Wallace Hume Carothers (1896–1937). He obtained his four year degree at the college, went on to teach at Harvard University, and is considered the "father of man-made polymers." He is responsible for the discovery of nylon and neoprene.

Music composer Walter Greene (1910-1983), best known for his work at DePatie-Freleng Enterprises (his work included Pink Panther & The Inspector), was born in Tarkio.

[edit] Geography

Tarkio is located at 40°26′28″N, 95°22′58″W (40.441185, -95.382715)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.6 km² (1.4 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 1,935 people, 749 households, and 468 families residing in the city. The population density was 541.4/km² (1,397.9/mi²). There were 843 housing units at an average density of 235.9/km² (609.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 92.45% White, 6.30% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.36% from other races, and 0.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.78% of the population.

There were 749 households out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 33.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the city the population was spread out with 29.1% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 22.9% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 106.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,144, and the median income for a family was $34,625. Males had a median income of $26,900 versus $18,681 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,160. About 12.4% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.4% of those under age 18 and 15.5% of those age 65 or over.