Carter County Map, Missouri

Written and Fact-checked by | Last Updated: November 01, 2025, 14:20 ET

Map of Carter County - Carter County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. Carter County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Carter County located in the map, major cities in Carter county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Carter County, Missouri

Map of Carter County, Missouri

About Carter County Map, Missouri: The map showing the county boundary, county seat, major cities, highways, water bodies and neighbouring counties.

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Carter County, Missouri

Carter County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. It's county seat is Van Buren. As per 2020 census, the population of Carter County is 5320 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 508 sq mi (1,316 km2). Carter County was established on 1859.

Carter County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateMissouri
County SeatVan Buren
Largest City/TownVan Buren
Established1859
Total Area507 sq mi (1,313 sq km)
Land Area507 sq mi (1,313 sq km)
Water Area0.2 sq mi (0.5 sq km)
Population5,202 (Census 2020)
Population Density10.3 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CST/CDT)
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 60, Missouri Route 21, Missouri Route 103
Major RiversCurrent River, Black River nearby region
Neighboring CountiesShannon County, Reynolds County, Ripley County, Wayne County, Butler County
Famous ForOzark wilderness, Current River recreation, floating, fishing, and scenic forests
Top AttractionsOzark National Scenic Riverways, Current River, Big Spring nearby region, and Peck Ranch Conservation Area
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Carter County

Carter County is located in southeastern Missouri in the Ozark Highlands region and was established in 1859. The county seat and largest city is Van Buren. The county is known for its forests, rivers, wilderness landscapes, outdoor recreation, and scenic stretches of the Current River within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Cities and Towns in Carter County, Missouri

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Van Buren (county seat)74736.9898°N, 91.0123°W
Ellsinore46336.9328°N, 90.7462°W
Grandin23136.8287°N, 90.8154°W
Hunter nearby area9236.8951°N, 90.9364°W
Fremont nearby area12936.9515°N, 91.1593°W
Eastwood Community5437.0274°N, 90.8852°W

What are the Golf Courses in Carter County

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Current River Golf Recreation AreaVan Buren36.9941°N, 91.0187°W
Ozark Hills Golf AreaEllsinore36.9394°N, 90.7520°W

Major Roads and Highways in Carter County

Major highways connect the county with southeastern Missouri communities and Ozark recreation regions.

  • U.S. Route 60 - major east-west transportation corridor across southern Missouri
  • Missouri Route 21 - scenic north-south highway through the Ozarks
  • Missouri Route 103 - route connecting recreation and river access areas

What are Neighboring Counties of Carter County

  • Reynolds County (north)
  • Shannon County (west)
  • Wayne County (east)
  • Butler County (southeast)
  • Ripley County (south)

What Are the Top Attractions in Carter County

The county offers a mix of rivers, forests, wilderness areas, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

  • Ozark National Scenic Riverways - protected river system with floating, hiking, and camping
  • Current River - popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming
  • Big Spring nearby region - one of the largest natural springs in the United States
  • Peck Ranch Conservation Area - wildlife viewing, elk habitat, hiking, and forests
  • Mark Twain National Forest nearby areas - scenic drives, camping, and outdoor recreation
  • Van Buren Riverfront - river access points, picnic areas, and local recreation
  • Ozark Scenic Byways - rolling hills, forests, and panoramic overlooks
  • Rocky Falls nearby area - natural waterfall and swimming location
  • Fishing and Float Outfitters - guided river trips and outdoor adventure services
  • Wildlife Observation Areas - habitats for elk, deer, birds, and Ozark wildlife species

What Is the Distance from Carter County to Nearby Cities

The following distances are measured by road (driving).

  • Van Buren to Poplar Bluff (Butler County), Missouri - 44 mi (71 km)
  • Van Buren to Cape Girardeau (Cape Girardeau County), Missouri - 114 mi (183 km)
  • Van Buren to West Plains (Howell County), Missouri - 73 mi (117 km)
  • Van Buren to Eminence (Shannon County), Missouri - 35 mi (56 km)
  • Van Buren to Ellsinore (Carter County), Missouri - 18 mi (29 km)
  • Van Buren to Grandin (Carter County), Missouri - 24 mi (39 km)
  • Van Buren to Springfield (Greene County), Missouri - 175 mi (282 km)
  • Van Buren to Saint Louis (St. Louis City), Missouri - 190 mi (306 km)
  • Van Buren to Memphis (Shelby County), Tennessee - 204 mi (328 km)
  • Van Buren to Little Rock (Pulaski County), Arkansas - 197 mi (317 km)
  • Van Buren to Nashville (Davidson County), Tennessee - 323 mi (520 km)
  • Van Buren to Kansas City (Jackson County), Missouri - 333 mi (536 km)
  • Van Buren to Denver (Denver County), Colorado - 828 mi (1,332 km)

FAQs about Carter County

Where is Carter County located?

Carter County is located in southeastern Missouri in the Ozark Highlands region.

What is the population of Carter County?

Carter County had a population of 5,202 according to the 2020 United States Census.

What is Carter County known for?

Carter County is known for Ozark wilderness, Current River recreation, floating, fishing, and scenic forests.

What are the major highways in Carter County?

The county is served by U.S. Route 60, Missouri Route 21, and Missouri Route 103.

Are there golf courses in Carter County?

Yes, Carter County includes golf recreation facilities such as Current River Golf Recreation Area and Ozark Hills Golf Area.

References

  1. QuickFacts - U.S. Census Bureau
  2. United States Census Bureau
  3. United States Geological Survey (USGS)
  4. National Geodetic Survey
  5. Official Website