Moving to Gilliam, Missouri

Gilliam, Missouri is a small city located in the southwestern corner of the state. It is situated in an area of rolling hills and lush green valleys, with the Ozarks to the north and the Missouri River to the south. The climate in Gilliam is typically mild and temperate, with hot summers and cold winters.

The history of Gilliam dates back to its founding in 1822. The town was originally a trading post for fur trappers and native tribes, but soon grew into a bustling agricultural center. In 1839, it became an official city and was later named after Thomas Gilliam, an early settler who established a trading post nearby.

Politics in Gilliam are largely conservative, though it does lean slightly more liberal than many other areas of Missouri. The economy of Gilliam is mainly based on agriculture; however, there are also several manufacturing plants located within city limits that provide jobs for local residents.

Education in Gilliam is provided by several public schools as well as several private schools. There are also several higher education institutions located nearby including Southwest Baptist University and Ozarks Technical Community College.

Landmarks in Gilliam include historic buildings such as the Old Town Hall and City Hall as well as modern attractions such as the Liberty Bell Museum and Stony Point Battlefield Park. There are also numerous parks throughout the area that provide recreational opportunities for visitors and locals alike.

Population: 229. Estimated population in July 2024: 224 (-2.2% change)
Males: 109 (47.6%), Females: 120 (52.4%)

Saline County

Zip code: 65330

Demographics

Median resident age: 39.6 years
Median household income: $27,813
Median house value: $27,500

Population by Race

Races in Gilliam:

  • White Non-Hispanic (94.3%)
  • Black (3.9%)
  • Two or more races (1.3%)

Ancestries: German (27.1%), Irish (12.2%), United States (8.3%), Scottish (3.9%), English (3.5%), Scotch-Irish (3.5%).

Elevation: 825 feet

Land area: 0.3 square miles

Population by Education

Gilliam, Missouri is a small rural community located in the western part of the state. It has a population of approximately 1,200 people and is comprised of mostly white individuals. The median age in Gilliam is 35 years old, with approximately 25% of the population below the age of 18. The town is primarily composed of families with two or more children, as well as single adults and senior citizens. Gilliam has a very low unemployment rate and most residents are employed in either agricultural or service-related industries. Education levels are relatively low; only 28% of adults have obtained their high school diploma or equivalent. However, there are several programs available to help local students further their education and gain valuable job skills. The town also has a strong sense of community pride, with many organized events throughout the year such as parades, festivals and sporting events. The local economy is supported by businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies and auto repair shops, which provide necessary goods and services for residents. Additionally, there are several churches located throughout Gilliam that offer spiritual guidance to members of the community. All in all, Gilliam is a peaceful rural town that offers its residents an opportunity to live an idyllic lifestyle surrounded by nature’s beauty and friendly neighbors.

For population 25 years and over in Gilliam

  • High school or higher: 67.2%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 1.5%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 1.5%
  • Unemployed: 0.0%
  • Mean travel time to work: 26.8 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Gilliam town

  • Never married: 17.4%
  • Now married: 42.3%
  • Separated: 6.0%
  • Widowed: 16.8%
  • Divorced: 17.4%

0.9% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +17 (+8.0%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Gilliam:

  • JOHN FITZGIBBON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 16 miles; MARSHALL, MO)
  • COOPER COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 28 miles; BOONVILLE, MO)
  • CARROLL COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 35 miles; CARROLLTON, MO)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Gilliam:

  • COLUMBIA REGIONAL (about 62 miles; COLUMBIA, MO; Abbreviation: COU)
  • KIRKSVILLE REGIONAL (about 67 miles; KIRKSVILLE, MO; Abbreviation: IRK)
  • JEFFERSON CITY MEML (about 75 miles; JEFFERSON CITY, MO; Abbreviation: JEF)

Other public-use airports nearest to Gilliam:

  • SLATER MEMORIAL (about 5 miles; SLATER, MO; Abbreviation: 9K5)
  • MARSHALL MEML MUNI (about 18 miles; MARSHALL, MO; Abbreviation: MHL)
  • JESSE VIERTEL MEMORIAL (about 32 miles; BOONVILLE, MO; Abbreviation: VER)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Gilliam:

  • CENTRAL MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY (about 60 miles; Warrensburg, MO; Full-time enrollment: 8,957)
  • UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA (about 67 miles; COLUMBIA, MO; Full-time enrollment: 21,444)
  • COLUMBIA COLLEGE (about 67 miles; COLUMBIA, MO; Full-time enrollment: 5,892)
  • LINCOLN UNIVERSITY (about 72 miles; JEFFERSON CITY, MO; Full-time enrollment: 2,580)
  • TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY (about 72 miles; KIRKSVILLE, MO; Full-time enrollment: 5,922)
  • METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 100 miles; LEES SUMMIT, MO; Full-time enrollment: 4,576)
  • METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 105 miles; KANSAS CITY, MO; Full-time enrollment: 2,998)

Public primary/middle school in Gilliam:

  • GILLIAM ELEM. (Students: 48; Location: 102 NORTH ST; Grades: KG – 08)