[2] The county was organized in 1838 and is named in honor of John Newton, a hero who fought in the Revolutionary War.

[3] Newton County is part of the Joplin, MO Metropolitan Statistical Area.

[4] Total river area: 361 acres (1.5 km2); length: 70 miles (110 km)[citation needed] As of the census of 2000, there were 52,636 people, 20,140 households, and 14,742 families residing in the county.

[12] The Republican Party completely controls politics at the local level in Newton County.

Newton County is divided into four districts in the Missouri House of Representatives, all of which are held by Republicans.