Audrain is a rural county located in north central Missouri in the middle of the United States. Covering an area of 692 square miles, or 440,000 acres, its land is on the divide between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Organized in 1836, it was once mostly prairie. Today it is widely known for its farms and firebrick.

Audrain is a third class county governed by a county commission. Its population is 23,599 (1990 census), with an assessed evaluation of $221,874,192. It is a part of Missouri’s 12th Judicial Circuit and is in the 9th U.S. Congressional District.

The county seat of Audrain is the City of Mexico. The largest and oldest city in the county, Mexico has a population of 11,170. Other municipalities include Vandalia, Laddonia, Farber, Martinsburg, Benton City, Rush Hill and Vandiver Village. 

With its rich, fertile land, Audrain is one of Missouri’s leading agricultural counties. Its main crops are soybeans, corn, grain sorghum and wheat. Once a national center for saddle horses and mules, it now produces mainly hogs and cattle.

Of major importance to the county is the refractories industry. Known as the “Firebrick Center of the World,” Audrain commands international attention in this field, with four firebrick companies employing 1,200 workers. In addition, the county claims several small manufacturing firms and service industries, along with many small businesses. Residents enjoy an economic climate marked by variety and progress.

Education and related pursuits have long held an honored position in the county. Three consolidated public school districts serve most of its children. It has a number of other educational institutions and is home to one of the nation’s Exemplary Private Schools, Missouri Military Academy. 

Mexico’s Vocational and Technical School and its Advanced Technology Center, now being built, offer students many opportunities. A Telecommunication Community Resource Center (TCRC) also allows Audrain businesses and industries access to the most modern technology.

The Mexico-Audrain County Library District serves residents through its main building at Mexico and four branches across the county.

Audrain residents have always held strong religious beliefs and placed great emphasis upon home and family. Within the county are approximately seventy-five churches, including most Christian denominations.

The county’s main health care facility, regarded by many as the most modern in outstate Missouri, is the Audrain Medical Center. Constantly expanding and improving its physical facilities, it provides specialists in a variety of medical fields. 

The Audrain City-County Health Unit maintains high standards of sanitation for the community and offers many public health services. Other health related and welfare programs are also available.

Audrain County is proud to be the home of former Missouri Governor and present U.S. Senator, Christopher S. Bond. Individuals serving in state government include Senator Joe Maxwell and Representatives Ted Farnen and Sam Leake. 

Residents of the county, among whom are world travelers, enjoy many cultural, historical, musical, sports and recreational activities.

Click here to learn about the history of Audrain County.