Oran, Missouri

Oran is a city in western Scott County, Missouri. Its population was 1,294 at the 2010 Census.

History

The first settlement in the Oran area was established in 1869 and initially known as "St. Cloud." A post office was briefly maintained there, then discontinued. When it was re-established in 1882, a decision was made to rename the community "Sylvania," after the township in which it lay, but the existence of another town by that name in Dade County forced another name change. A local landowner, Captain Ward Smith, finally suggested Oran; a former sea captain, he had visited the city of Oran in Algeria during the Crimean War.

By the early 20th century, Oran included a bank, a brick school building, five general stores, and a paint factory. Though agriculture has been and remains a vital part of the local economy, it has also benefited from various industries, such as the production of hats, shoes, and canned goods at various times.

Geography

Oran is located along Missouri State Highway 77 in western Scott County, about eight miles south of Chaffee and three miles northwest of Morley. Its coordinates are 37°5′4″ N, 89°39′15″ W.

The town lies at the base of Crowley's Ridge, a range of hills in the north of the county. It has a total area of 1.08 square miles, and its average elevation is 347 feet.

Demographics

At the 2010 census, Oran had a total of 1,294 inhabitants, grouped into 518 households, with a population density of 1,198.1 people per square mile. This figure was up slightly from the 2000 census, when Oran had a population of 1,264. 97.68% of the inhabitants were White, 1.55% were African-American, and 0.77% were from two or more races. Hispanics of any race were 1.47% of the population.

The median age in Oran was 38.3 years, with 27.1% of inhabitants under the age of 18, 7.8% between 18 and 24 years old, 25% between 25 and 44, 24.1% between 45 and 64, and 15.8% 65 years old or older. The sex ratio was 49.8% male, 50.2% female.

According to the 2017 American Community Survey, the median household income in Oran was $37,596, and the median family income was $55,972. The unemployment rate was 2.0%. The per capita income was $21,773. About 14.9% of the population lived below the poverty line, including 12.5% of people under the age of 18 and 17.6% of people 65 years old or older.

Education

Oran is served by the Oran R-III School District, a K-12 public school with an enrollment of about 350 students. Its mascot is the Eagles, and its colors are blue, yellow, and white. The Eagles have been proficient in state athletics events in the past, particularly baseball and basketball.

Oran is also home to Guardian Angel School, a K-8 Roman Catholic parochial school. It has an enrollment of 85-90 students.