Demographics
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 743 people, 310 households, and 202 families residing in the city. The population density was 157.6/km² (408.0/mi²). There were 351 housing units at an average density of 74.5/km² (192.8/mi²).
The racial makeup of the city was 98.52% White, 0.67% Native American, 0.54% from other races, and 0.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.29% of the population.
There were 310 households out of which 34.2% had children under the age
of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% were non-families. 31.9% of all households
were made up of individuals and 17.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the city the population was spread out with 28.7% under the age of
18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median
age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $21,736, and the median income for a family was $30,962. Males had a
median income of $25,188 versus $15,769 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,623. About 12.5% of families and 18.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.6% of those under age 18 and 21.7% of those age 65 or over.
City Council
City
Council is made up of Mayor Freddie Savage, Ward II member Larry John Cunningham, Ward II member Jeff Ikerd, Ward I member
Tony Perez, Ward I member Donna Officer
Culture - Annual
Town Festival
The citizens of Conway hold a community festival each year. The festival first began
as the community attempted to raise funds for a public swimming pool. Althought the funds for the Pool have never materialized,
enough members of the community found the town festival a good outlet for the community, and it continues to serve as a Community-Wide
Reunion for one and all.
This community festival is known as 'Old Fashioned Community Days' and is usually
held one of the first weekends in the month of September. The community festival begins on a Friday evening and lasts until
the early hours of Sunday morning. Activities include food vendors, dancing, singing, and amusement rides. Local youth, church,
and adult organizations participate in a parade.
Sports
Conway is also the home of a proud athletics program; Conway "Bears". In the 2006-2007 basketball season, the
Conway Bears were 26-3, Summit Conference Champions (6-0), Class 3 District 13 Champs, Sectional Champs and were a point away
from going to the state final four, but were cut down by the Spokane Owls on a questionable foul call. The 06-07 basketball
Bears were also Conway Invitational Tournament Champs for the third time in four years and the Skyline Invitational Champs
after a win over then 4th ranked Warsaw. In 2008 the Conway baseball Bears finished third in the state tournament for the
first time in school history. Also in 2008, Conway track was well represented at the state meet with Dallis Bailey winning
the 800 meter state championship as a freshman. There were also a girls relay team that placed high enough to earn all state
honors.
Boy Scouts
Conway has a long history of Scouting for
youth. Cub Scout 'Pack 44', Boy Scout 'Troop 44', BSA Venture 'Crew 44' are an active part of the
community. Each of these units are part of the Ozark Trails Council (# 306) of the Boy Scouts of America.
Education
Conway is the site for all schools of the Laclede County R-1 school district. The district is the result of various school
district consolidations that occurred in the mid 20th century.