Carrollton's small-town spirit offers an alternative to city living
In 2005, the farming community of Carrollton won the All-America City Award, given out by the National Civic League to recognize outstanding civic engagement and collaboration. Although many years have passed since that accolade, Jeffrey Martin, executive director of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, says that a small-town spirit is still the city's strongest attribute. "People are just more caring, because everybody knows everybody," he says.
Agriculture is the largest economic sector, and the city is over an hour from the busyness of Kansas City . But a well-respected hospital and a growing downtown square keep Carrollton from feeling too remote. According to Martin, his favorite aspect of Carrollton is everyone's willingness to help out neighbors. "If they have a need, the community is there for them," he says. "That's one thing I think people are craving from big cities." He adds, "We are getting people moving out to this small community just for that reason."
Older bungalows and ranch-style homes on rustic streets
Most of Carrollton's homes are older, built between the 1910s and 1980s. It's common to see one-story ranch-style homes and bungalows with front porches. Shaded yards are often around a quarter acre, and hilly streets are lined with sidewalks overgrown with grass. Smaller investment properties start around $45,000, getting up to $100,000 for homes with some updates to the interior. From $100,000 to $300,000, houses are typically larger and recently renovated. Although the south side of Carrollton has experienced flooding in recent years, most residential homes were unaffected. According to First Street, the city's flood risk is minor.
Carrollton's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Specialty courses at the school district's career center
Kids can attend Carrollton Elementary School, which receives a C rating from Niche. Carrollton Middle gets a B-minus, and Carrollton High gets a C-plus. All three schools are located in one central complex. The city is also home to the Carrollton Area Career Center, which offers career-focused courses, including agriculture, welding and health occupations.
Family friendly activities at the pool, library and YMCA
Across from the school complex, Carrollton Recreation Park is the city's largest green space, with tennis courts and a disc golf course. Kids enjoy the water slides at Carrollton Cove Aquatic Center in the summer, and the Carrollton Public Library has regular story times. In 2025, the local YMCA completed a multimillion-dollar renovation and is now open 24/7. "There are lots of things for young families, from activities to the park," Martin says. Golfers can also enjoy a 9-hole course at Carrollton Country Club.
Celebrations around Carrollton's courthouse square
Carrollton's historic county courthouse is surrounded by a square with local businesses. Although there are some empty storefronts, the city is working to attract new businesses and activity to bring it back to life. Residents can now stop by for farmers markets and First Friday street fairs. "It's kind of the center of the community," Martin says. "Where everybody comes together, hangs out, and you see your neighbors and you have a good time."
One of the city's largest events is Bounty Bash, an evening festival with live music, local food and performers. According to Martin, the bash is scheduled to coincide with homecoming, so it's often a time of class reunions and returning friends.
Long-standing businesses and an influx of new development
Carrollton's dining scene is anchored by long-standing staples, like Burger Bar & Dari Maid, which has been serving burgers and shakes to the community for over 75 years. However, the city has also seen an influx of investment from new business owners. River Bottoms Brewing Company was opened in 2017 by two Carrollton natives who moved back home to start their restaurant. The beers served there are brewed on-site. Other recent additions include the game store Cards N MO and the Carroll County Mercantile, a multiple-vendor space that allows small businesses to get their footing.
Mulch's Country Mart is the city's only large grocery store. However, Carroll County has several roadside markets for baked goods and fresh produce, thanks to a significant Amish population. Larger shopping options, like Walmart Supercenter, can be found in Chillicothe or Richmond , which are both about 30 miles away.
Hometown employers and longer drives to Kansas City
Carrollton has several large employers, including the Show Me Ethanol manufacturing factory and Carroll County Memorial Hospital. In 2025, the hospital was ranked among the country's top 20 Critical Access Hospitals by the Chartis Center for Regional Health. But according to Martin, agriculture is still the primary driver of the city's economy.
Although Chillicothe and Richmond are closer options, larger city amenities are 70 miles away in Kansas City. State Route 10 is typically the most direct route into the city. Kansas City International Airport is about 80 miles away.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
